Landmarks rejects Madison Avenue tower by vote of 9-1

Developer invited to submit another design. Following a lengthy presentation by real estate developer Aby Rosen’s team, Landmarks indicated its clear unwillingness to approve the 26-story tower addition proposed to top the Parke-Bernet building at 980 Madison Avenue within the Upper East Side Historic District.

The project architect Lord Norman Foster started the January 16th presentation with a photograph of the original 1949 Parke-Bernet building and its appearance now, after a 1950s alteration added another … <Read More>


Landmarks designates one of two West Side stables

Image Courtesy of LPC

Landmarks rejects the designation of the Dakota Stables, which now sits covered in scaffolding. Photos: Morgan Kunz.

Failure to designate stable allows Related Companies’ apartment project to be constructed on site. On November 14, 2006, Landmarks designated only the New York Cab Company Stable at 318 Amsterdam Avenue, but declined to landmark the Dakota Stables at 348 Amsterdam Avenue, now slated for demolition and replacement by the Related Companies with a … <Read More>


Owner opposed SI designation

Owner purchased 1853 house with intent to demolish and develop. On July 11, 2006, Landmarks held a hearing on the John and Margaret Thompson House at 150 Taylor Street in the West New Brighton Neighborhood of Staten Island. The Thompson House was built in 1853 for John Thompson, an Irish immigrant who worked as a silk printer. The three-bayed house was built in the Greek Revival style, which was popular in mid-19th century Staten Island.… <Read More>


Landmarks designates civic construction projects

Two WPA projects and firehouse designated. On June 20, 2006, Landmarks unanimously approved the designation of the Bronx’s Orchard Beach Bathhouse, Queen’s Astoria Play Center and a 1904 firehouse in Long Island City, Queens, home to Fire Engine Company No. 258, Ladder Company No. 115.

Both constructed in the midst of the Great Depression under Parks Commissioner Robert Moses and using the Works Progress Administration funds, the Orchard Beach Bathhouse and the Astoria Play Center … <Read More>


Landmarks designates P.S. 64

Owner’s opposition and valid permit to strip exterior fails to stop designation. On June 20, 2006, Landmarks voted unanimously to designate former Public School 64 at 605 East 9th Street in the Lower East Side, despite the fact that its current owner, Gregg Singer, remained opposed to the designation and holds a valid Buildings permit to remove exterior details. 2 CityLand 152 (Nov. 15, 2005); 3 CityLand 80 (June 15, 2006).

Reading a lengthy, emotionally- … <Read More>


Owner, Council Member clash on designation of SI bungalow

Owner claims house not unique and had been altered. On April 18, 2006, Landmarks held a hearing on the proposed designation of the Mark W. Allen house in Staten Island. The house exemplifies craftsman-style architecture, an indigenous American style that originated in California and became popular throughout the United States following World War I. The Allen house, one of very few craftsman bungalows built in Staten Island, is typified by its overhanging eaves, asymmetrical roof … <Read More>