August 14, 2007
Statement of the Historic Districts Council before the
Landmarks Preservation Commission
Certificate of Appropriateness Hearing
The Historic Districts Council is the advocate for New York City’s
designated historic districts and neighborhoods meriting preservation.
Its Public Review Committee monitors proposed changes within historic
districts and changes to individual landmarks and has reviewed
the following applications that were before the Commission.
Hearing Date: 8/14/2007
LPC Docket Number: 080600
Queens, Block: 154, Lot: 55
45-14 39th Avenue - Sunnyside Gardens Historic District
A rowhouse with Colonial Revival style details designed by Clarence
Stein, Henry Wright and Frederick Ackerman and built in 1926.
Application is to alter the rear porch.
HDC Testimony
First, I would like to state, in full disclosure, that HDC has
been working very closely with the architect, Laura Heim, on the
designation of Sunnyside Gardens. Laura is also married to longtime
HDC Board member Jeffrey Kroessler, in fact they got married in
the “Heard But Not Designated” Alvar Aalto Rooms and
submitted wedding photographs to the record to demonstrate public
accessibility to that fantastic but un-protected space.
This, the first application for a Certificate of Appropriateness
in the Sunnyside Gardens Historic District, illustrates a number
of issues the commission will face in this district including
the legality of the present condition, the appropriateness of
the proposed changes, and the special character of the neighborhood’s
courtyards and their relationship to the buildings that surround
them. HDC feels very strongly about the importance of the preservation
of rear facades and courtyards in this district. They are distinctive
features in the plan of this community and one of the main reasons
for designating the district. We approve of this application that
improves the design of this grandfathered condition which has
been in existence since 1948 – 26 years prior to the Special
Planned Community Preservation District zoning being adopted.
We strongly caution however, that this proposal should not be
used as a precedent for any future applications for new additions
or alterations to illegal work performed in the past.
LPC Determination: Approved
Hearing Date: 8/14/2007
LPC Docket Number: 078650
Manhattan, Block: 720, Lot: 7
481 West 22nd Street - Chelsea Historic District
An Anglo-Italianate style hosue built in 1856. Application is
to construct rooftop and rear yard additions.
HDC Testimony
HDC is opposed to this application to construct rooftop and rear
yard additions on an 1856 Anglo-Italianate house.
The rooftop addition is inappropriate as it is very visible from
Tenth Avenue.
The rear yard addition, although it is of relatively modest size
– extending only 8 feet out and matching its neighbors,
its design is not fitting to the building or the district. The
design features too much glazing, and there is structural concern
over the removal of two stories of the bearing wall. While we
are not against changes to the already altered ground floor, we
are opposed to the loss of original fabric on the upper floors
(in particular the historic windows on the upper floor that match
those on the buildings to either side). The beautiful rear facades
of this block were designed as simpler, gracious secondary facades
to be viewed by neighbors of the garden core. This proposal elongates
and attenuates the proportions of the rear fenestration in a way
not at all in keeping with its mid-19th century character and
design. HDC feels the preservation of these designs is as important
to the garden core as the issue of open space and we urge the
Landmarks Commission to reject this.
LPC Determination: Incomplete
Hearing Date: 8/14/2007
LPC Docket Number: 077949
Manhattan, Block: 1322, Lot: 132
242 East 49th Street - Turtle Bay Historic District
A rowhouse built between 1860-1861 and altered by Clarence Dean
between 1920-1923. Application is to alter the rear facades.
HDC Testimony
HDC is opposed to the alterations proposed for the rear façade
of this Turtle Bay Gardens rowhouse. Our objection can be summed
up in the question, why mess with a good thing? The district’s
facades, both street and garden facing, were carefully designed
in the early 1920’s to compliment one another. Even a small
alteration could change this setting.
If the open space along the parapet on the fourth floor was to
be expanded, the medallions below would no longer be centered.
Now comfortably displayed, they would be nearly clipped off at
the top. The opening to reveal equally all three doors also would
ruin the pattern seen on the four main floors of two bays flanking
a larger or more ornate central bay. This pattern is pointed out
in the designation report as typical in this district.
On the ground floor, we question the need to remove so much original
fabric and design. The existing three windows and door are of
a good size and surely allow in plenty of light on this façade
that enjoys a southern exposure. Their arched design is much more
harmonious with the rest of the building than the bank of French
doors proposed.
The rear facades of the houses of Turtle Bay Garden Historic
District were designed as primary facades for the garden. A proposal
to alter such should be considered as seriously as an application
of a street façade. The designation report calls the district
“one of New York’s most intimate and picturesque neighborhoods”
and points out its gardens and facades are “a fine example
of cooperation and understanding among neighbors and that it represents
a planning ideal which sets an example of the rest of the City.”
We urge the commission to reject this application and preserve
this example.
LPC Determination: Incomplete
Hearing Date: 8/14/2007
LPC Docket Number: 074121
Manhattan, Block: 1380, Lot: 1
1 East 65th Street - Upper East Side Historic District
A neo-Romanesque style synagogue designed by Robert D. Kohn, Clarence
Stein, Charles Butler and Mayers, Murray & Philip, Associate
and built in 1927. Application is to legalize the installation
of canopies without LPC permits.
HDC Testimony
HDC is opposed to the legalization of these canopies as they are
overly designed and compete with, rather than compliment, the
entrances of Temple Emmanuel. The canopies have a very architectural
feel with a color matching the stone of the structure. In addition,
the writing on the canopies makes them more fitting for a hotel
or a store – this incredible landmark needs no such advertising.
We advise that simpler canopies be designed instead.
LPC Determination: Incomplete
Hearing Date: 8/14/2007
LPC Docket Number: 062440
Brooklyn, Block: 323, Lot: 52
36 Strong Place - Cobble Hill Historic District
An altered stable built in the mid-19th century. Application is
to construct an addtion.
HDC Testimony
HDC approves of the proposed façade design that will return
this building to its tax photo era appearance and the feel of
the stable that it once was. There is certainly enough space in
this lot for an addition, but we are uncomfortable with the idea
of an addition that will remove historic fabric on the front façade.
This is an unusual case – normally, rear yard, not front
yard, additions are proposed. The new wall will look more like
the historic façade than the present, but will have none
of the historic fabric. We recommend that as much historic fabric,
particularly the cornice and second floor windows, be reused as
possible.
LPC Determination: Approved w/mods
Hearing Date: 8/14/2007
LPC Docket Number: 075208
Brooklyn, Block: 226, Lot: 30
73 Pineapple Street - Brooklyn Heights Historic District
A vacant lot. Application is to construct a new five-story building.
HDC Testimony
HDC is opposed to the application for this new five-story building
on Pineapple Street in Brooklyn Heights. While its height matches
that of its neighbors nicely, the design lacks details that would
make it a worthwhile addition to the block. The result is a bland
structure proposed for a district known for buildings with distinctive
details.
The entrance, the only one on the block flush at street level,
does not measure up to others that feature an array of pediments,
columns and sidelights. The windows, smaller than those on neighboring
buildings, also show a lack of detail in their surrounds and divisions
uncharacteristic to the neighborhood. While other buildings feature
different window treatments in their top floors and cornices,
the proposed top is plainly uniform and feels unfinished.
We recommend that the applicant add more articulation to 73 Pineapple
Street so that it may be a true neighbor to the distinctive buildings
in the Brooklyn Heights Historic District.
LPC Determination: Incomplete
Hearing Date: 8/14/2007
LPC Docket Number: 078393
Manhattan, Block: 1493, Lot: 64
12 East 82nd Street - Metropolitan Museum Historic District
A rowhouse built in 1888-1889 by Edward Kilpatrick, and altered
in the neo-Federal and neo-Georgian style in 1920 by Bradley Delehanty.
Application is to construct a rear yard addition.
HDC Testimony
HDC opposes this application to construct a rear yard addition
as it would completely alter the appearance of the rear façade
and calls for the removal of historic fabric. The 1920 neo-Federal
and neo-Georgian alteration by Bradley Delehanty gives the present
façade special character that would be lost to the more
generic stucco and glass of the proposed. We recommend that the
plan be modified to incorporate the distinctive arched and bay
windows.
LPC Determination: Incomplete
Hearing Date: 8/14/2007
LPC Docket Number: 078326, 080487
Brooklyn, Block: 2563, Lot: 19, 20
114 & 116 Greenpoint Avenue - Greenpoint Historic District
A neo-Grec style warehouse building designed by G.M. Walgrove
and built in 1889. Application is to alter the facades and construct
an addition.
HDC Testimony
HDC applauds the applicants on their willingness to undertake
this job and the very careful thought that has obviously gone
into its planning. After all that the applicant is offering, we
feel a bit greedy but would like to suggest that the bay windows
apparent in the tax photo be part of the storefront design. The
additional dimension will complete a wonderful job.
LPC Determination: Approved w/mods
Hearing Date: 8/14/2007
LPC Docket Number: 080312
Manhattan, Block: 1376, Lot: 48
34 East 62nd Street - Upper East Side Historic District
A vacant lot. Application is to construct a five-story building.
HDC Testimony
This application for a five-story building is unlike the typical
new construction proposal for an empty lot or to replace a building
deemed non-contributing. Until the unfortunate events of last
year, on this lot stood a landmarked building, the oldest on its
block, a contributing part of the district. Last July, the New
York Times quoted Chairman Tierney commenting on possible new
construction, “We would look at what was there before and
ask what would be appropriate for a historic district and it would
probably be something like what was there.”
While the massing of the proposed new building is appropriate,
little else in the design is. Overall it is too asymmetrical and
too sculptural, making no gesture to the scale and rhythm of details
of other structures on the block. Two details that are particularly
jarring are the projecting cement slab, that looms over the rest
of the building like a high-dive platform, and the blank, recessed
entryway with a door on the sidewall giving it a cold appearance.
Overall, there is too much contrast between the very self-conscious
design of this building and its neighbors.
This block of the Upper East Side Historic District has suffered
a loss. The approval of this application would compound that loss
and set a bad precedent. This vacant lot does not provide a blank
canvas for new construction; it invites a design that is sensitive
to its surroundings in a landmarked historic district.
LPC Determination: Incomplete
Return to Recent Testimony
