Rendering of 312 to 322 Canal Street in Manhattan. Image: LPC.

Proposal, whose previous iteration was subject to community and commissioner opprobrium, approved after reduction in size and modifications in design and materials. At its meeting on January 23rd, 2017, the Landmarks Preservation Commission considered and approved a modified proposal to redevelop five properties in the Tribeca East Historic District at 312 to 322 Canal Street with a single new structure. The site is currently occupied by two-story commercial structures dating to the 19th century, but heavily altered and reduced in size from their original four stories. The buildings to be demolished were not identified as having a distinct style in the 1992 designation report, and are thought to retain little, if any, original fabric.        (more…)

Previous and modified proposals for 339 West 29th Street. Image credit: LPC

Despite reductions in addition’s scale and visibility, and promises to install a diorama commemorating escape of abolitionists from Draft Riots mob, Commissioners determined that any rooftop interventions were inappropriate. At its meeting on May 23, 2017, the Landmarks Preservation Commission disposed of an application for facade alterations and rear and roof additions to 339 West 29th Street in the Lamartine Place Historic District. In the 19th century, the building was home to prominent abolitionists Abigail and James Sloan Gibbons, and is the only documented stop on the Underground Railroad in New York City. During the Draft Riots that engulfed the City in 1863, a mob attacked and set fire to the building, and the occupants escaped via rooftops to a nearby relative’s home. (more…)

Current condition of foyer at RKO Keith’s Flushing Theater. Image credit: LPC

Long-gestating plan for new residential and retail development will require the removal and offsite restoration of salvageable features of interior landmark. On May 16, 2017, Landmarks considered an application to re-authorize a certificate of appropriateness for work to the RKO Keith’s Flushing Theater, an interior City landmark. The Churrigueresque former theater, designed by Thomas Lamb, stands at 135-29 Northern Boulevard in Flushing, Queens. The surrounding structure, which is not landmarked, will be demolished, with only the designated portions of the interior retained. A new, 16-story 269-unit residential and retail building will be built above and around the designated interiors. (more…)

Before and after pictures of 38 West 10th Street. Image Credit: LPC

Renovation would include the removal of roof skylight, thought to be an important historical layer by some preservationists. On May 2, 2017, the Landmarks Preservation Commission considered and approved an application for restoration work at 38 West 10th Street in the Greenwich Village Historic District. The lot is occupied by a two-bay rowhouse constructed in 1858. The building’s original brownstone cladding was lost and replaced with stucco, and the building has also been stripped of its decorative details. The applicants proposed restoring the facade to its 19th century condition, creating a clerestory above the cornice, adding an areaway gate, and removing a rooftop skylight. (more…)

Rendering of 14 White Street in Tribeca, Manhattan. Image Credit: LPC

New development on triangular-shaped corner lot will employ passive house technology and have a facade clad with etched bronze panels. On March 7, 2017, the Landmarks Preservation Commission considered and approved a certificate of appropriateness application for 14 White Street in the Tribeca East Historic District. The site is currently occupied by a parking lot and is being developed by the firm Nava. The development will house ten residential units with retail use at the base. (more…)