Landmark permit issued for 22 EAST 78TH STREET, MANHATTAN in METROPOLITAN MUSEUM
Landmark building permit details
| Location | 22 EAST 78TH STREET, MANHATTAN |
|---|---|
| Issue date | August 3, 2007 |
| (?) COFA | COFA 07-7269 |
Certificates of Appropriateness (COFAs) are issued by the landmarks commission when it approves such things as building construction, demolition and visible additions to historic property. The certificates require a public hearing and the entire process can take several months. |
|
| Docket | 07-6256 |
| Historic district | Metropolitan Museum |
| Landmark name | N/A |
| Expiration date | June 12, 2013 |
| Text | Pursuant to Section 25-307 of the Administrative Code of the City of New York, the Landmarks Preservation Commission, at the Public Meeting of June 12, 2007, following the Public Hearing of June 5, 2007, voted to approve a proposal for work at the subject premises, as put forward in your application completed on June 8, 2007, and as you were informed in Status Update Letter 07-9266, issued on June 13, 2007 (LPC 07-6186). This approval will expire June 12, 2013. The proposed work, as approved, consists of removing existing ironwork and installing an iron fence and gate at the areaway, altering the areaway knee wall, installing new cast stone newel posts at the base of the stoop, and installing iron railing on new masonry curbs atop the stoop cheek walls. The proposal, as initially presented, included ironwork of a smaller gauge installed directly onto the stair treads with additional ornament at the bottom rail and taller newel posts. The proposal was shown in photographs, and drawings dated 5/1/07 and 6/5/07, prepared by Tesoro Architects, submitted as components of the application and presented at the Public Meeting and Public Hearing. In reviewing this proposal, the Commission notes that the designation report describes 22 East 78th Street as an Italianate style rowhouse designed by Silas M. Styles and built in 1871; and that the age, style, scale, materials, and details of the building contribute to the special architectural and historic character of the Metropolitan Museum Historic District. With regard to this proposal, the Commission found that the proposed stone newel posts and masonry curbs with ironwork at the areaway are of a compatible scale with the stoop and archway, and those at neighboring properties; that the masonry curbs will facilitate a cohesive transition between the stone newel posts and the ironwork, and will utilize a design approach with historical precedent; that the ironwork is simple in design and will be a neutral presence on the stoop; and that the work will not preclude the future restoration of a heavier cast iron balustrade. Based on these findings, the Commission determined the proposed work to be appropriate to the building and the historic district, and voted to approve this application. However, in voting to grant this approval, the Commission stipulated that a set of unmounted copies of the presentation drawings and two final signed and sealed copies of the Department of Buildings filing drawings for the approved work be submitted to the staff of the Commission for review and approval. Subsequently, on August 2, 2007, the Landmarks Preservation Commission received final drawing 4, dated 6/5/07, prepared by Tesoro Architects. Staff reviewed the drawing and found that the work approved by the Commission has been maintained. The work also includes brownstone repair at the parlor floor and basement level only using built-up cementitious composite layers, the finish coat to be colored and textured to match the original stone, with details to match the original configurations, dimensions and profiles; and the installation of new cast stone stair treads with bull nose and coved return to match the original profile of the steps. With regard to this additional work, staff finds, in accordance with the provisions set forth in Title 63 of the Rules of the City of New York, Section 2-14, that the majority of the existing brownstone surface below the second floor is damaged or otherwise unsound and has been previously resurfaced and repaired resulting in material discontinuity and discoloration; that the original texture, color, profiles and details of the brownstone will be replicated; that the damaged stone will be cut back to sound stone and the new surface will be keyed into the sound stone and will be built up in successive layers using a cementitious mix with the top layer tinted and finished to match the original brownstone texture and color; and that the methods and materials proposed by the contractor have been provided in the form of written specifications. Staff also finds that the replacement of the stair treads will return this element to a condition more in keeping with its original appearance; that the work will aid in the long term preservation of this significant architectural feature; and that the work will not detract from the special architectural or historic character of the building or district. Based on this and the above findings, the drawings are marked approved with a perforated seal, and Certificate of Appropriateness 07-7269 is being issued. This permit is issued on the basis of the building and site conditions described in the application and disclosed during the review process. By accepting this permit, the applicant agrees to notify the Commission if the actual building or site conditions vary or if original or historic building fabric is discovered. The Commission reserves the right to amend or revoke this permit, upon written notice to the applicant, in the event that the actual building or site conditions are materially different from those described in the application or disclosed during the review process. All approved drawings are marked approved by the Commission with a perforated seal indicating the date of approval. The work is limited to what is contained in the perforated documents. Other work or amendments to this filing must be reviewed and approved separately. The applicant is hereby put on notice that performing or maintaining any work not explicitly authorized by this permit may make the applicant liable for criminal and/or civil penalties, including imprisonment and fines. This letter constitutes the permit; a copy must be prominently displayed at the site while work is in progress. Please direct inquiries to Cory Scott Herrala. Robert B. Tierney Chair PLEASE NOTE: PERFORATED DRAWINGS AND A COPY OF THIS PERMIT HAVE BEEN SENT TO: Andrew Tesoro, TESORO Architects cc: Sarah Carroll/LPC Dir. of Preservation; A. Tesoro/Tesoro Architects; Edson USA PAGE 2 Issued: 8/3/07 DOCKET: 07-6256 |
Added to EveryBlock on January 16, 2008.