Recent hdc testimony at
the landmarks preservation commission
(Click to enlarge pictures)

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2/5/2008

Item 5
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN
084898- Block 149, lot 7-
87-89 Chambers Street - TriBeCa South Historic District
An Italianate style store and loft building built in 1855-1856. Application is to construct a building behind the facades of the existing building and install new ground floor storefront infill.

HDC strongly opposes this application to gut a mid-19th century, landmarked building in order to build another structure within its shell. The resulting “balconies” between two walls and rooms without windows opening directly to the outside bring to mind the airshafts and rooms whose windows only open onto other rooms of tenements.

The proposal would turn the original building into large parapet walls raising a number of potential problems. The building's exterior walls are not accustomed to being exposed to the elements on both sides which may lead to new expansion and contraction issues. The former interior side of the wall could develop moisture issues as it will always be in shadow. There are also questions of support and the possibility of shifting. We fear that, like Amster Yard, this project is an accident waiting to happen. There is no true need to reduce a landmarked building to a mere shell of itself and risk the safety of what little is left.

2/5/2008

Item 28
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
BOROUGH OF BROOKLYN
084774- Block 2414, lot 1-
292-314 Kent Avenue - Individual Landmark Historic District
Three American round-arch style industrial buildings, designed by Theodore A. Havemeyer and others and built in 1881-1884. Application is to construct rooftop and rear additions, modify and create masonry openings; and install bulkheads, mechanical equipment, windows, ground floor infill, signage, a canopy and awnings.

While there are many things we could comment on, such as the loss of the other structures in the historic complex or the lack of illustrations showing the altered landmark in context surrounded by towers as planned, HDC will cut to the chase. If the proposed came to you as an application for an individual landmark - a building overwhelmed by five glass floors and enormous boxes of mechanicals on top, a building whose fenestration has been completely altered due to new masonry openings and window modifications, a building whose windows had lost all their historic varying details, their lintels, their sills and were now aluminum instead of wood, a building with strange geometric bays, incongruous with the round-arched style factory, jutting out of it – would this highly altered, differently detailed, differently massed building be designated? If these changes would make the building barely recognizable and unworthy of landmarking (we have seen buildings less dramatically altered rejected by the Commission or refused any Public Hearing at all), then these alterations are not appropriate for an individual landmark that is designated. HDC strongly urges you to reject this application and instead guide a suitable restoration for the landmarked Domino Sugar Refinery.

2/5/2008

Item 18
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN
078247- Block 822, lot 69-
52 West 21st Street - Ladies' Mile Historic District
A dwelling built in 1862 and converted to a commercial building with a brick and iron façade designed by A. Siegal in 1910-1911. Application is to alter the façade and install windows, a cornice and new storefronts.

HDC appreciates the effort and expense going into this project and look forward to the results. There are some proportion issues though due to the fact that the store is slightly below grade. There a number of possible ways to reduce the awkwardness including returning the second floor bay window as seen in the historic photo or reducing the sign band area in order to lengthen the second floor windows. We also feel that there is too much glass in the storefront, and a metal bulkhead and framing around the doors and windows are needed. With some adjustments to this proposal, 52 West 21st Street could become a charming contribution to the Ladies’ Mile Historic District.

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