Rendering of the interior of the Museum. Image Credit: LPC.

Approved addition, occupying a quarter acre of parkland, will increase connections for better museum circulation, provide additional space to store collection materials, and allow visitors to watch scientists at work. At its meeting on October 11, 2016, the Landmarks Preservation Commission voted to issue a binding report for the construction of an addition, and associated demolition, to the American Museum of Natural History, an individual landmark on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. The addition, to be named the Gilder Center for Science, Education and Innovation, will be the first significant intervention on the museum campus since the completion of the Rose Center for Earth and Space in 2000. The addition would be sited on the western side of the museum, and would create new Columbus Avenue public entrance. (read more…)

Rendering of approved development. Image credit: BKSK

Commissioners split on simultaneous redevelopment of five buildings, including significant increase in height beyond existing structures in some lots. On June 7, 2016, the Landmarks Preservation voted to approve the issuance of three certificates of appropriateness impacting five buildings spanning an entire block on the south side of Gansevoort Street between Greenwich and Washington Street in the Gansevoort Market Historic District. The five buildings occupy three tax lots. Aurora Capital and William Gottlieb Real Estate are the project’s developers.

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Rendering of proposed development as it would appear when viewed from Whitney Museum. Image credit: BKSK Architects

Scale and massing of proposed new building and additions require moderation. On February 9, 2016, Landmarks heard the applicants’ response to criticism from those who testified at a public hearing on November 10, 2015, concerning the redevelopment of a block face in the Gansevoort Market Historic District. The work encompasses 46-48, 50, 52-58, 60-68, and 70-74 Gansevoort Street, between Greenwich and Washington Streets. The five buildings comprise three tax lots. The block is diagonally across from the new Whitney Museum.

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Rendering of 890 Park Avenue roof addition. Image Credit: Murdock Solon Architects.

1885 Queen Anne-style rowhouse would return to serving as a one-family dwelling; applicants said proposed work would allow light into building and provide space to compensate for lack of a rear yard. On February 2, 2015, the Landmarks Preservation Commission considered a proposal for an addition and alterations to a rowhouse at 890 Park Avenue in the Upper East Side Historic District. The Queen Anne-style brownstone was built in 1885 and designed by James E. Ware, a prominent architect of residential buildings, including the individually landmarked City and Suburban Homes Company, First Avenue Estate. It is one of only three low-rise buildings surviving along the avenue. In the 20th century, the building was converted into multiple apartments units, with ground floor retail. The applicants intend to return the building to its status as a one-family dwelling. (read more…)