Redevelopment of Modernist Plaza Approved after Revisions

Plan will make plaza a more accessible and inviting space for public use, adaptively reuse lower levels of former bank building for retail use. On August 4, 2014, The Landmarks Preservation Commission voted to allow alterations to One Chase Manhattan Plaza, an individual City landmark at 28 Liberty Street in lower Manhattan. The 1964 tower and two-and-half acre plaza were designed by the firm Skidmore Owings and Merrill, led by partner Gordon Bunschaft, … <Read More>


Reconstruction of 19th century Fire Lookout Tower Approved

Because individual landmark will be accessible to the public, railings and other safety features will be incorporated into reconstructed tower, as well a stainless steel structural elements. On July 14, 2015, the Landmarks Preservation Commission considered and approved an application to reconstruct the Watch Tower in Harlem’s Marcus Garvey Park, an individual City landmark. The four-story octagonal tower, built around 1855, originally served as a fire lookout tower for Northern Manhattan. It is the only … <Read More>


Wide Community Opposition Voiced in Hearing on Three-Dwelling Development

Applicants sought to subdivide lot with existing home to construct to new buildings, and also build another dwelling on adjoining site. On February 17, 2015, the Landmarks Preservation Commission considered an application to develop three new free-standing homes in the Fieldston Historic District. The site is composed of two lots at 4680 Fieldston Road, with one lot, to be subdivided, currently occupied by a 1918 one-family home. According to the New York Times, … <Read More>


Redevelopment of Former Indigent Farm Community Proposed

Plan for former Farm Colony would entail the demolition five out of eleven historic structures in the district, create senior housing. On September 30, 2014, the Landmarks Preservation Commission considered an application for the redevelopment of the New York City Farm Colony-Seaview Hospital Historic District, located in Staten Island in the Castleton area. The 45-acre property, which housed indigent and disabled New Yorkers in exchange for labor, operated roughly from 1898 to 1975, and … <Read More>


Domino Sugar Refinery Project Nears Final Approval with Modifications

Council Members criticize Domino Sugar project despite “deeper affordability.” On April 24, 2014, the City Council Land Use Committee voted 19-0 to approve an application by Two Trees Management to redevelop the Domino Sugar Refinery into a 2.2 million sq. ft. residential, retail, and commercial office spaces with several acres of public esplanade and parkland along the East River waterfront. (See more CityLand coverage here.) The Land Use Subcommittee for Zoning and Franchises voted … <Read More>


Affordable Housing at Domino Sugar Hearing Dominated Council Concerns

Local Williamsburg Council Members Antonio Reynoso and Stephen Levin led questioning of Two Trees Management on Domino Project.  On April 1, 2014, the City Council Land Use Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises heard Two Tree Management’s application for special permits and a zoning text amendment to transform the Domino Sugar Refinery into a mixed-use development.  The City Planning Commission voted unanimously in favor of the application on March 5, 2014 following Mayor Bill de … <Read More>