Landmarks designated two new individual landmarks. The 1886 Estey Piano Factory, at 112 Lincoln Avenue in the Mott Haven section of the Bronx, is the oldest piano factory in New York, and the centerpiece of the once thriving industrial area. With its prominent clock tower, brick facade, and historical significance, the piano factory was roundly endorsed at the April 11 hearing. 3 CityLand 4 (May 15, 2006).
Landmarks also designated the Theodore F. and Elizabeth … <Read More>
Church to be converted into residences in Cobble Hill Historic District. Landmarks approved an application by the owner of 58-70 Strong Place for alterations that will facilitate the conversion of an abandoned church and rectory into 23 residential units in the Cobble Hill Historic District, Brooklyn. (See photo on back cover.) Alterations to the 1852 Gothic Revival church and rectory will include removal of a modern two-story addition in the rear portion of the rectory … <Read More>
Landmarks approved designation for 1929 Art Deco “wonder theater.” The interior of Loew’s Paradise Theater, at 2405-2419 Grand Concourse in the Fordham area of the Bronx, was designated by Landmarks on May 16, 2006. The 1929 theater was designed by architect John Eberson, the inventor of what were called “wonder theaters” that featured artificial trees and birds and a machine that simulated clouds shifting on the ceiling. One of five such theaters built by Loew’s, … <Read More>
New York’s oldest known piano factory begins landmarking process. On April 11, 2006, Landmarks held a public hearing on the Estey Piano Factory, located at 112 Lincoln Avenue in the Mott Haven area of the Bronx. The factory was built between 1885 and 1886 by the firm of A. D. Ogden and Sons. An addition was added in 1890, and further additions were built between 1895 and 1919. Though not as renowned as Astoria … <Read More>
Overly visible addition reduced by one story to obtain approval. Paul Pariser, of Taconic Investment Partners LLC, sought Landmarks approval to revamp 401 West 14th Street, the prominent building on the northwest corner of West 14th Street and Ninth Avenue currently occupied by the Western Beef market. Taconic planned to renovate the three-story, 1923 Arts and Crafts-style building for high-end retail use after Western Beef vacates. Taconic submitted a design by Cook + Fox to … <Read More>
Buildings with distinctive decorative terra cotta landmarked. On April 18, 2006, Landmarks approved 2 Park Avenue and the Stewart & Company Building, at 404 Fifth Avenue, as City landmarks. 2 Park Avenue, designed by Ely Jacques Kahn and built between 1926-28, is a significant example of Art Deco architecture. One of the first Americans to adopt the emergent European Art Deco style, Kahn’s work is characterized by interweaving forms and geometric masses. In 2 Park, … <Read More>