Proposed Reforms to Improve the Landmarks Preservation Commission

The Landmarks Law, enacted in 1965 to preserve the city’s architectural, historical and cultural resources, contains few standards about what merits designation and few rules governing the process.  This has resulted in broad brush designations that are of questionable significance and that are impeding the City’s larger planning, economic development, and housing efforts.  It is time to amend the Landmarks Law to bring designations more in line with other city policies, provide more timely information … <Read More>


New Six-Story Building Approved for Site Where Hotel Once Stood

Residents and representatives from the Judd Foundation oppose demolition of two-story structure for the development of a new six-story building due to loss of light and air space. On September 17 2013, the Landmarks Preservation Commission held a public hearing, and voted to approve a proposal for the demolition of an existing building, as well as the plans for new structure located at 529 Broadway in the SoHo-Cast Iron Historic District. The building will be … <Read More>


Partially Destroyed Store-and-Loft Building Receives Restoration Approval

Planned four-story addition will reconstruct the historic cast iron facade, add contemporary set-back penthouse. On August 13, 2013, the Landmarks Preservation Commission considered and approved a plan to add four stories to an existing building at 29 Greene Street, Manhattan in the SoHo-Cast Iron Historic District. The building, completed in 1878, originally stood at four stories, but a fire reduced it to its current height of two stories. The building will be used … <Read More>


Facade Demolitions Approved on DOB Recommendation

Applicants will retain brick from neglected Federal style row houses’ unstable facades on the verge of collapse. On May 21, 2013, the Landmarks Preservation Commission voted to approve an application for the demolition of two adjacent structures at 321 and 323 Canal Street in Manhattan’s SoHo-Cast Iron Historic District. The action was presented as necessary to prevent the imminent collapse of the vacant buildings. Landmarks’ Deputy Counsel John Weiss explained that the application … <Read More>


New Green Design Development Near Puck Building Approved

Commissioners embrace plan by CookFox Architects that would replace gas station, garage, bar and billboard. On April 9, 2013, the Landmarks Preservation Commission approved the issuance of a certificate of appropriateness for the construction of a new, seven-story building at 298-308 Lafayette Street. The three lots face the Puck Building and are at the corner of Lafayette and Houston Streets in the SoHo-Cast Iron Historic District Extension. The plan calls for the demolition of … <Read More>


Revisions to Selldorf-Designed Building Insufficient to Win Approval

Revised plan included a higher street wall, a reduced setback tower, and alterations to the facade design. On February 12, 2013, the Landmarks Preservation Commission considered a revised proposal for a new building on a corner lot at 42 Crosby Street in the SoHo-Cast Iron Historic District. A parking lot and garage currently occupy the site. Landmarks initially considered a plan for the site on December 11, 2012.

The original proposal called for a … <Read More>