Proposed Addition to Recently-Landmarked 827-831 Broadway
827-831 Broadway (center) with proposed additions.
Last week GVSHP secured landmark designation of 827-831 Broadway, a pair of 1866 cast-iron structures with incredible significance to the history of 20th century art and 19th century commerce. These buildings faced the wrecking ball and replacement with a 300 ft. tall office tower. But the developer/owner warned that if the buildings were landmarked, he would be back with a claim of “hardship” to get out of landmarking, or a proposal for a significant addition to the building. As the developer had been quoted in the press saying that the buildings were more than worth what he paid for them based upon the retail potential alone, undercutting his “hardship” claim, he has come back with a proposal for a significant addition to the building – view it here.
“Minimally visible” additions are generally allowed to landmarked buildings, and if deemed “appropriate” by the Landmarks Preservation Commission, larger additions can be approved as well. However, this proposed 4-story addition is overwhelming in comparison to the building, and would nearly double its height.
This proposal will be heard and presented at Community Board #2’s Landmarks Committee meeting this coming Monday, November 13 at 6:30pm at the NYU Silver Building, 32 Waverly Place, rm. 207 – click here and here for more information. The public can ask questions and provide feedback or testimony to the board about the proposal – we encourage all who are interested to attend. The board will issue an advisory opinion and then the proposal will be scheduled for a hearing and vote at the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC). We will notify the public when the LPC hearing has been scheduled.
Next: 11/10/17
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