Architect Robert A.M. Stern’s new design reduced needed variances. The Related Companies applied to BSA to alter its February 2006 variance approval for a 15-story, mixed-use development to replace the Superior Ink building on West Street between Bethune and West 12th Streets. 3 CityLand 8 (Feb. 2006). The design change originated from Related’s replacement of the original project architect, Charles Gwathmey, with Robert A.M. Stern.

When Related first sought approval from BSA, the site’s zoning restricted uses to manufacturing. During the review process, the City rezoned the Far West Village, altering the site’s zoning to one that permitted residential units as of right. Related’s proposal faced significant controversy from groups that wanted to save the Superior Ink building and its 195-foot-tall smokestacks. Community groups pushed Landmarks to add the building to two proposed historic districts under consideration for the West Village. 3 CityLand 79 (June 15, 2006). Ultimately, BSA approved a new building with 64 residential units, including five townhouses, with a total height of 186.9 feet. (read more…)

Poor soil conditions and site contamination create hardship. The owner of 469 West Street sought to construct a 64-unit, fifteen-story mixed-use development with ground floor retail and an underground 60-space accessory parking garage on the current site of the Superior Ink factory. The proposed development would consist of a three-story base topped with a twelve-story residential tower and a series of five, three-story townhouses fronting Bethune Street. In support of a variance, the owner argued that the L-shaped lot created a narrow depth along Bethune Street which prevented a double-loaded corridor. Also, the owner argued that the site’s poor soil conditions and high water table required an extensive pile foundation system and dewatering measures. Finally, the owner argued that the site’s soil was contaminated due to its prior use as a printing establishment. The original proposal called for a twenty- story curvilinear residential tower with 103 units, set back ten feet from West Street. Manhattan Community Board 2, Council Member Christine Quinn and the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation recommended disapproval of the application. After the Far West Village was rezoned on October 11, 2005, 2 CityLand 147 (Nov. 15, 2005), the applicant modified its application to fifteen stories with a fifteen-foot setback. The applicant also modified the proposal by centering the residential tower along West Street. (read more…)