Architect rendering of the proposed West End Collegiate development. Image credit: CFA

Demolition of existing building and construction of new residential tower generally supported by community and preservationist organizations. On December 8 2015, the Landmarks Preservation Commission voted to approve two applications submitted by West End Collegiate Church for the redevelopment of adjoining properties. The sites are currently occupied by the Collegiate School, from whom the church repurchased the property when the school made a decision to relocate. The plan calls for the demolition of the existing building at 260 West 78th Street, called Platten Hall, and to replace it with a new residential tower. The second application entailed the construction of rooftop addition to 378 West End Avenue, with other alterations to the building. The sites to be redeveloped lie within the West End-Collegiate Historic District Extension. Restoration work to the historic church and school, an individual landmark, was not included in the application, and will be handled at staff level. (read more…)

Site of the 1969 Stonewall Rebellion, a catalyzing event in the history of the LGBT-rights movement, originally constructed as stables. On June 2, 2015, the Landmarks Preservation Commission voted to add the Stonewall Inn to its calendar for consideration as a potential individual City landmark, formally starting the designation process. The building stands at 51 and 53 Christopher Street in Manhattan, and lies within the Greenwich Village Historic District. (read more…)

One Chase Plaza. Image credit: LPC

Project would alter the solid black-granite base to create retail storefronts, and make for a more inviting and accessible plaza. On May 5, 2015, the Landmarks Preservation Commission held a hearing on potential alterations to the individually landmarked One Chase Manhattan Plaza at 16 Liberty Street in Lower Manhattan. The designated site consists of a 60-story tower and associated two-and-a-half-acre plaza, designed by the firm of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. The project was led by partner Gordon Bunschaft, the same team behind other City landmarks, including the Lever House and the Manufacturer’s Trust Building. The project was completed in 1964 as the headquarters for Chase Manhattan Bank, recently formed by a merger of Chase Bank and the Bank of Manhattan. (read more…)

Revised design for new Clubhouse. Image Credit LPC.

Applicants presented design plans and greater detail, and revised plans for new clubhouse to better relate to historic buildings. On October 28, 2014, the Landmarks Preservation Commission voted to approve an application for binding and advisory reports for the redevelopment of the New York City Farm Colony-Seaview Hospital Historic District. The developers of the site are NFC associates, who plan to use the 45-acre site to create 350 units of housing for people aged 55 or older, as well as for retail and community facility space. (read more…)

In 1999 Landmarks approved plan for new six-story structure, but owner died before developing site. On September 7, 2010, Landmarks considered Real Estate Equities Corporation’s proposal to construct a seven-story residential building on a vacant corner lot facing Finn Square at 137 Franklin Street in the Tribeca West Historic District. The site had once been occupied by a one-story building built in 1985. In 1999, Landmarks approved the then-owner’s plan to demolish the building and construct a six-story structure. The building was demolished, but the owner died, leaving the project in limbo and the lot vacant.

At the hearing, Real Estate Equities Corporation’s Brandon Miller argued that the vacant lot’s development would complete Finn Square. Architect Markus Dochantschi, from studioMDA, explained that the proposed seven-story building would be clad in red brick and feature a black granite and metal base. Arched bays would span the building’s height on the visible facades, and a black metal and epoxy cornice would top the structure. Lateral bands of angled glass-tile panels would be installed at four levels of the facade. According to the architects, the building would not cover the entire lot due to underlying zoning requirements. (read more…)

Architect will occupy Jan Pokorny’s seat. On September 4, 2008, the City Council Committee on Rules, Privileges & Elections approved Fred Bland as the newest member of Landmarks, filling a vacancy open since Jan Pokorny passed away on May 20th after serving on Landmarks for over a decade. Bland is an architect, currently a managing partner at Beyer Blinder Belle. Prominent projects by Bland include China’s Shanghai Cultural Plaza, the Mark Morris Dance Group Building at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, and the recently approved addition to the Domino Sugar Factory in Brooklyn. 5 CityLand 92 (July 15, 2008).

Representatives from the Municipal Art Society and the Landmarks Conservancy testified in support of Bland’s appointment, as did Council Member David Yassky. The full Council unanimously approved Bland’s appointment. (read more…)