43-story Art Deco skyscraper designated

275 Madison Ave. Image: LPC.

1931 building among Texas architect’s diverse body of works. Landmarks voted unanimously to designate 275 Madison Avenue as an individual City landmark on January 13, 2009. The 43-story tower was designed by architect Kenneth Franzheim for Houston banker Jesse H. Jones. Though he made his fortune in banking and real estate development, Jones also served as Chairman of the Reconstruction Finance Corporation and as Secretary of Commerce under President Franklin … <Read More>

Designation hearing held on Chelsea rowhouses

Lamartine Place/West 29th Street. Photo: Lacy J. Redwine

Proposed district among the few documented underground railroad stops in New York City. On January 13, 2009, Landmarks heard testimony on the potential designation of Lamartine Place as a historic district. Lamartine Place is comprised of 12 buildings at 333 through 359 West 29th Street, between Eighth and Ninth Avenues in Manhattan. Built in the 1840s, the Greek Revival rowhouses were commissioned by Cyrus Mason, a New … <Read More>

Building permit upheld despite ongoing litigation

Developer not required to submit a recorded easement or restrictive declaration ensuring rooftop access to adjoining buildings to meet open space requirements. A developer agreed to purchase 144 North 8th Street from Iqbal LLC and two affiliated entities, along with the unused development rights from Iqbal’s adjoining tax lot, to facilitate the construction of a 16-story mixed-use building in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. In order to meet open space requirements for the 16-story design, the developer needed … <Read More>

Brooklyn owner wins right to complete construction

 

1610 Avenue S. Photo: CityLand.

Board rules that excavation and foundation work completed prior to permit revocation is still considered in vested rights analysis if revocation is later rescinded. On January 11, 2006, the Department of Buildings issued a permit to the owner of 1610 Avenue S to construct a six-story 25-unit residential building with community facility use on the first floor. After a special audit review, Buildings notified the owner of its intent … <Read More>

Scoping hearing held for Vornado’s 15 Penn Plaza site

Vornado exploring new development options for current site of Hotel Pennsylvania. On January 27, 2009, the Department of City Planning held a public hearing on the draft scope of an environmental impact statement for the proposed developments at 15 Penn Plaza in Manhattan. Bounded by Seventh Avenue to the west, West 33rd Street to the north, and West 32nd Street to the south, the Vornado Realty Trust-controlled property currently houses the 1700-room Hotel Pennsylvania.

In … <Read More>

37-space garage opposed by Borough Pres. and CB4

Opponents disputed developer’s claim that there was insufficient parking within the vicinity of the site. On January 21, 2009, the City Planning Commission heard testimony regarding 405 West 53rd Street Development Group LLC’s special permit application for a 37-space accessory parking garage within a seven-story mixed-use development in the Clinton/Hell’s Kitchen section of Manhattan. The garage would occupy portions of the cellar and ground floor of the development, which consists of approximately 83 owner-occupied units … <Read More>