Modified design of 31 Lispenard Street./Image Credit: GF55 Architects and Urban Standard Capital

The modified design addressed concerns raised at the Landmarks public hearing. On November 12, 2019, the Landmarks Preservation Commission voted to approve a certificate of appropriateness to demolish an existing one and a half-story commercial brick building and construct a new seven-story residential and commercial use building with an elevated mechanical bulkhead at 31 Lispenard Street, Manhattan. At the September 17^th public hearing, Landmarks had concerns about the proposed design and asked the applicants to make modifications. For CityLand’s prior coverage, click here.

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Proposed rendering of 324 Macon Street as it appears on the Macon Street streetscape./Image Credit: Gerald J. Caliendo Architects

The applicants and Landmarks staff will work together to modify details for the proposed building. On December 3, 2019, the Landmarks Preservation Commission voted to approve a certificate of appropriateness to construct a new three-story residential building on a vacant lot at 324 Macon Street, Brooklyn, located within the Bedford Stuyvesant/Expanded Stuyvesant Heights Historic District.

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Nos. 47 – 55 West 28th Street were the home of many sheet music publishers in the 1890s and 1900s. Image Credit: NYC LPC

The five buildings were home to popular musicians and publishing firms during the height of Tin Pan Alley. On December 10, 2019, the Landmarks Preservation Commission voted to approve the landmarks designation of five Italianate-style rowhouses located at 47-55 West 28th Street, collectively known as “Tin Pan Alley.” Tin Pan Alley is known for being the home of musicians and sheet music publishers between 1893 and 1910. The area received its nickname from the sounds of pianos played by the publishers on the block. Landmarks held a public hearing for Tin Pan Alley’s designation on April 30, 2019. Many members of the public supported designation; however, the owner of the rowhouses, 45 West 28th LLC, did not. For CityLand’s prior coverage, click here.

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The new LPC guidebook, designed to assist with permit applications. Image Credit: LPC

The guidebook is designed to guide applicants through the Commission’s rules and processes to assist in the permit application process. On December 5, 2019, the Landmarks Preservation Commission released a new permit guidebook designed to assist applicants who need permit approvals by the Commission. Landmarks have also released new application forms to make the permit application process easier for applicants. (read more…)

Public School 31 in 2014 before its demolition./Image Credit: Google Maps

The landmarked building featured many late Gothic details. On December 10, 2019, the Landmarks Preservation Commission voted to rescind the individual landmark designation of a vacant lot, located at 425 Grand Concourse, Bronx. The lot was formerly the location of Public School 31, which was demolished in 2015.

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