Project approved after concerns over potential adverse effects on small businesses addressed. On February 26, 2009, the City Council approved a special permit application to facilitate construction of The Shops at Gateway, a retail shopping center at the corner of Flatlands and Fountain Avenues in East New York, Brooklyn. The developer, Morgan B. Realty LLC, intends to build three one-story buildings with about 230,000 sq.ft. of retail space for approximately 25 commercial tenants. The development … <Read More>
St.Vincent’s future remains uncertain
Commissioners deeply divided in their responses to proposed new hospital. In the most recent chapter of St. Vincent Catholic Medical Center’s process to gain approval for a consolidated, modern hospital, Landmarks met on December 16, 2008, to discuss the proposed new building. A month earlier, Landmarks had approved the demolition of the 1964 O’Toole building on Seventh Avenue between West 12th and West 13th Streets, clearing the way for construction of a new hospital on … <Read More>
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>