Hearing Date: 3/11/2008
LPC Docket Number: 086092
Bronx, Block: 2739, Lot: 15
1201 Lafayette Avenue - Individual Landmark Historic District
A Gothic inspired printing plant building designed by Kirby, Petit & Green, and built in 1911. Application is to replace windows, modify window openings, to accommodate storefront infill and install a parking deck.

HDC Testimony
HDC was quite happy to hear the owners of the American Bank Note Company Printing Plant speak in favor of designation at the Public Hearing for this individual landmark in January. Now, we are pleased to see an application for work that will not engulf the landmark or greatly alter how one reads the structure, but will enhance the building's usefulness to both its owners and its community and hence its own preservation. Our only comments are on some design details on the storefront windows. The signage placed in front of the recessed windows on the left side of the Lafayette façade gives these windows a rather squat appearance. Although signage is certainly necessary, it would be preferable if the signs hung only over the entrance. Another possibility is something similar to the sign at the building's main entrance door on a smaller scale. As people will be approaching the businesses from the west or east, not head on to the building, such perpendicular signage would be more practical.

This is only a minor detail in a large project that is very respectful of the building and its historic fabric. Overall HDC supports this proposal and wishes the applicant the best of luck restoring and reusing this individual landmark.

LPC Determination: Approved w/mods

Hearing Date: 3/11/2008
LPC Docket Number: 070475
Brooklyn, Block: 2569, Lot: 20
116 Noble Street - Greenpoint Historic District
A Queen Anne style flathouse designed by C.H. Reynolds and built in 1883. Application is to reconstruct the façade and construct rooftop additions. 9/12/2006
Application is to install rooftop railings. 3/11/2008

HDC Testimony
HDC finds that the proposed rooftop railing is too prominent in side views. Without a cornice or other details on this building, the railing unfortunately becomes the crowning element. We recommend pulling the rail further back from the front and away from the side edge to make it less visible.

LPC Determination: Approved w/mods

Hearing Date: 3/11/2008
LPC Docket Number: 085393
Manhattan, Block: 485, Lot: 30
77 Mercer Street - SoHo-Cast Iron Historic District
A sotre and loft building designed by Jesse W. Powers and built in 1875-76. Application is to install a cornice.

HDC Testimony
While the addition of a new cornice is welcome, HDC feels the distinctive cornice with its arched pediment inscribed with the building’s name and construction date is well worth replicating. With guidance from the historic photo included in the presentation, a cornice can be designed that will highlight this building and return a piece of its history.

LPC Determination: Approved

Hearing Date: 3/11/2008
LPC Docket Number: 083253
Manhattan, Block: 606, Lot: 4
121 0 - Greenwich Village Historic District
A one-story taxpayer built in 1954. Application is to install storefront infill.

HDC Testimony
HDC is very happy that this is not a proposal to demolish this one-story taxpayer, and that low scale of Greenwich Village will be retained at this location. We approve of the changes, but, as there were no paint colors mentioned in this proposal, recommend that the window frames be painted black or charcoal gray.

LPC Determination: Approved w/mods

Hearing Date: 3/11/2008
LPC Docket Number: 084899
Brooklyn, Block: 849, Lot: 1501
24 East 21st Street - Ladies' Mile Historic District
A neo-Renaissance style store and office building designed by Frederick C. Zobel and built in 1903-1904. Application is to install new storefront infill and lighting.

HDC Testimony
IIn general, HDC approves of the work proposed for this building, but has concern about a few details. The residential entry door is too transparent and modern for this structure. More framing should be included and new hardware should be considered. The storefronts’ asymmetry seems an unusual choice, and we would prefer something more akin to the storefronts seen in the historic photo. The lighting chosen is not appropriate – something more elegant is required for this neo-Renaissance style building and its restoration. Lastly, we ask that the applicant conduct probes beneath metal spandrels between the 1st and 2nd floor windows to see if any of the original remains.

LPC Determination: Approved w/mods

Hearing Date: 3/11/2008
LPC Docket Number: 085702
Manhattan, Block: 1390, Lot: 3
844 Fifth Avenue - Upper East Side Historic District
An apartment building designed by Nathan Korn and built in 1925-1926, Application is to amend the CofA 03-3418 for a master plan governing the future installation of windows.

HDC Testimony
Typically, HDC would not advise straying from a master plan, but in this case we support the application. As we have stated a number of times recently, and as the commission has ruled, window details are important design elements of 1920s and 1930s apartment buildings. HDC feels the master plan for single pane windows is inappropriate and that the double hung windows, while lacking further divisions, are more in keeping with this building’s design. We urge the commission to approve this application and hope that the installation of double hung windows will encourage others to do the same.

LPC Determination: Approved

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