Architect/owner reduced height and bulk of proposed rooftop and rear yard additions. On November 15, 2011, Landmarks approved Jeffrey Kamen’s revised proposal to build rooftop and rear additions to his four-story building at 33 Bond Street in the NoHo Historic District Extension. Kamen’s original proposal featured a sloping, three-story rooftop addition that cantilevered over the rear of the building and was modeled after artists’ garrets common in the area, as well as a three-story rear-yard addition. A large, glass “skylight” spanning the two additions would have created an atrium for tenants. Neighbors and preservationists opposed to the proposal claimed it was too bulky and visible. Landmarks agreed and asked Kamen to reduce the design. 8 City- Land 157 (Nov. 15, 2011).
In November, Kamen returned with a revised proposal calling for a sloping, two-story rooftop addition that would be slightly visible from the street and no longer cantilever over the rear of the building. The addition would be faced with ironspot brick and feature copper panels and mullions matching the building’s existing storefront. Kamen eliminated the atrium and would instead add a green roof deck on the rear yard addition. Skylights built into the deck would provide natural light to office space below. Recycled brick would be used on the rear addition, and exterior egress stairs would be built on the main building’s rear facade.
Vice Chair Pablo Vengoechea said Kamen had significantly improved the design, but asked that the height of the rooftop addition be reduced further. Commissioner Michael Goldblum approved of the height, noting that the building was adjoined on each side by taller buildings. Commissioner Margery Perlmutter suggested that Kamen tilt back the rooftop addition slightly to reduce its visibility entirely. Commissioner Michael Devonshire agreed with Perlmutter, noting that tilting back the addition would also gain more glass area.
Landmarks approved the revised design with the recommendation that Kamen alter the angle of the rooftop addition so that it would not be visible from the street.
LPC: 33 Bond Street, Manhattan (10- 5277) (Nov. 15, 2011) (Architect: Jeffrey Kamen Architect).