Failure to designate stable allows Related Companies’ apartment project to be constructed on site. On November 14, 2006, Landmarks designated only the New York Cab Company Stable at 318 Amsterdam Avenue, but declined to landmark the Dakota Stables at 348 Amsterdam Avenue, now slated for demolition and replacement by the Related Companies with a Robert A.M. Stern-designed apartment complex. 3 CityLand 157 (Nov. 15, 2006).

Landmarks opened the voting with the New York Cab Company Stable, emphasizing the “intactness” of the 1890-built stable and its “exquisite” details, cornice, and rounded windows.

When the vote turned to the Dakota Stables, Landmarks Chair Robert B. Tierney explained that the actions of the owner, Sylgar Properties, had “preempted his ability to exercise judgment under the landmarks law.” Tierney explained that Sylgar planned to demolish the building and had recently obtained valid permits to strip the building and reclad it in stucco. Landmarks Counsel Mark Silberman and the Commission’s research head Mary Beth Betts advised him that the resulting “stucco box” would not be recognizable, and the landmarks law and Charter provided no legal redress. Tierney said that he would “reluctantly follow” the advice and reject designation. In his comments, Tierney explained that he had numerous talks with the owner, architect and developer and remained hopeful that the new design would incorporate significant features of the 1894 Dakota Stables. (read more…)