Parks Department proposes performance stage and seating areas in Washington Square Park. On March 17, 2009, Landmarks heard testimony on the Parks Department’s proposed modifications to the master plan governing the renovation of Washington Square Park.

The modifications, both on the eastern side of the park, allow for the construction of a permanent performance stage and the retention and alteration of two seating alcoves. The performance stage would be built next to the park’s Garibaldi Plaza, and would have a 20-ft. radius and a 700-sq.ft. performance area. The park currently has seven alcoves, which were built as part of the park’s last renovation in 1970, but all were slated for elimination in the 2005 master plan. One of the alcoves, near the park’s playground, would be essentially retained, and the other would be modified and reduced in size. (more…)

Signs requested by MetroTech BID and local businesses. Landmarks issued a binding report approving MetroTech BID’s proposal to install “way finding signage” throughout downtown Brooklyn. The proposal developed more than three years ago from a general consensus among MetroTech and downtown Brooklyn business groups that there was a lack of signage in downtown Brooklyn to assist pedestrians in finding key destinations. Initially using its own funds, and later obtaining capital funding from Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz and the City Council, MetroTech is now working with the Economic Development Corporation to further its proposal.

MetroTech’s plan to install kiosks and pole-mounted signs throughout downtown Brooklyn impacted six historic districts: Brooklyn Academy of Music, Brooklyn Heights, Clinton Hill, Cobble Hill, Fort Greene, and Fulton Ferry. The kiosks will be approximately sevenfeet tall and two-feet wide and placed at major pedestrian traffic locations, such as subway and bus stops. They will display a map directory on one side and a detailed, area-wide map on the other. Directional signs, approximately two-feet square, will be mounted on poles approximately 11-feet tall and will complete the signage system by providing directions to specific locations. (more…)

Work will give Rumsey Summer Stage Support Building a new roof, windows and interior. Landmarks issued a binding report approving the design for roof and window replacements to improve the Rumsey Summer Stage Support Building in Central Park, a scenic landmark. The work will improve the building’s appearance and help protect it from further disrepair.

The one-story building was constructed in 1936-1937 in the Rumsey Playfield, located near the East Drive and 72nd Street. Originally used as a comfort station and facilities building, it is now used for storage after it was damaged by a fire. In its application, the Parks Department proposed to repair damaged roof tiles, raise the facade height with matching brickwork, install new doors and windows, and construct an addition on the northern side. Landmarks issued a separate permit to allow cleaning and repair of the exterior and to alter the interior. (more…)

Two-story addition to be constructed in museum courtyard. Landmarks issued a binding report approving a two-story addition and access ramp to be constructed at the Museum of the City of New York. The Museum, a designated landmark located at 1220 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, was designed by Joseph Freedlander and built between 1929-1930 in a Late-Georgian style.

In its application, the Museum proposed to construct a glass-walled, two-story addition in its south courtyard. The addition would connect underground to the existing Museum and through two small corridors on the first floor. The proposal also called for the street wall on 104th Street to be re-clad in limestone to match the base of the main building and installation of an access ramp. (more…)

Work will make Firefighter Memorial accessible via paved curvilinear pathways. Landmarks issued a binding report approving the design for new pathways at Riverside Park, a scenic landmark built in 1873-1875, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, and located between West 99th Street and West 101st Street in Manhattan.

In the Landmarks application, the Parks Department proposed to connect the Fireman’s Memorial Monument, at West 100th Street on the Hudson River, to existing paths located at West 99th Street and West 101st Street by installing six-foot wide curvilinear pathways with asphalt pavement, granite block edging and drainage channels. The plan will also replace damaged plants and asphalt pavement on adjoining pathways.

In approving the work, Landmarks found that the pathways were simple in design and harmonious with Olmsted’s original design. Landmarks also said that the proposed pathways will provide barrier-free access to the Fireman’s Memorial Monument and repair degrading and drainage problems. Finally, Landmarks determined that the proposed work would not detract from the significant architectural and historic character of the park. (more…)