Townhouse and 22-story residential tower approved. Developers of a through lot at 39-41 West 23rd Street within the Ladies’ Mile Historic District received permits for a 22-story residential building to front West 23rd and a five-story glass and metal townhouse facing West 24th Street. The West 23rd Street side will have a five-story base below a 17- story tower, which will be cantilevered over the adjacent lot at 35 West 23rd Street.

Community Board 5 and Jack Taylor from the Drive to Protect the Ladies’ Mile District opposed the project at Landmarks first hearing; the Municipal Art Society testified that its committee divided on the vote. The opposition argued that the building, although exciting, was not right for the location and midblock buildings should not rise to the heights usually seen on corner lots.

By a split vote of 6-1-2, Landmarks approved with Commissioner Libby Ryan voting against the project and Commissioners Joan Gerner and Roberta Brandes Gratz abstaining. Landmarks’ approval noted that the Ladies’ Mile Historic District features small, low buildings and tall slender towers, making the proposal in keeping with existing structures. Landmarks added that the proposed height of both buildings along the street will relate well to adjacent buildings.

LPC: 39-41 West 23rd Street (COFA# 06- 6577) (May 8, 2006) (Francis Angelino, DeCampo, Diamond and Ash; Wood and Zapata and Gruzen Samton LLP, for 23-24 Associates). CITYADMIN