Landmarks approved plans for 22-story glass building in 2005, but project stalled. On June 14, 2011, Landmarks approved Anbau Enterprises’ proposal to amend a certificate of appropriateness for a 22-story glass and metal building on a through-block lot at 39 West 23rd Street in the Ladies’ Mile Historic District. In July 2005 Landmarks approved by a 6-3 vote the prior owner’s plans for a 22-story tower fronting West 23rd Street and a five-story townhouse fronting West 24th Street. 3 CityLand 108 (Aug. 15, 2006). The proposal featured a five-story glass and metal base with a seventeen-story glass and metal tower cantilevered over the adjacent building to the east. The tower’s cantilevered “bulge” receded as it reached the top. Manhattan Community Board 5 and preservationists opposed the original plan.

The prior owner obtained a special permit from the City Planning Commission to modify height and setback requirements in December 2006. However, the development stalled and the owner lost control of the property in 2008. Anbau recently purchased the property and sought to amend the C of A, which is set to expire on July 19, 2011. (read more…)