Landmark building permit details
| Location | 155 FIFTH AVENUE, MANHATTAN |
|---|---|
| Issue date | October 31, 2008 |
| (?) COFA | COFA 09-5029 |
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 | 09-4191 |
| Historic district | Ladies' Mile |
| Landmark name | N/A |
| Expiration date | September 9, 2014 |
| 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 September 9, 2008, following the Public Meeting on August 12, 2008 (no quorum) and Public Hearings on July 29, 2008 and July 22, 2008 (item read into the record only, not heard), voted to approve the proposed work at the subject premises, as put forward in your application completed on June 26, 2008, and as you were informed in the Status Update Letter issued on September 9, 2008 (SUL 09-3566, LPC 09-0627). This approval will expire on September 9, 2014. The proposed work, as approved, consists of installing new wood and glass storefront infill featuring attached ornamental wood columns, metal grills at the bulkheads, and decorative layered metalwork at the glazed transoms, finished in black (Benjamin Moore #2127-20 Black Ink); and installing new single-pane wood windows and wood and glass doors with sidelites and transom at the main building entrances. The proposal, as initially presented, included a metal and glass storefront featuring slender pilasters and simple metalwork at the transoms, as shown in paint sample, layered metalwork sample, drawings LPC-1, LPC-2 and LPC-3 dated July 1, 2008, drawings LPC-4, LPC-5 and LPC-6 dated July 22, 2008, and drawings LPC-4, LPC-5 and LPC-6 dated August 12, 2008, prepared by Alexander Compagno & Associates, submitted as components of the application, and presented at the Public Hearing and Public Meetings. In reviewing this proposal, the Commission noted that the Scribner Building Individual Landmark Designation Report describes 155 Fifth Avenue, also located in the Ladies' Mile Historic District, as a Beaux-Arts style store and office building designed by Ernest Flagg and built in 1893-94, and that the building's style, scale, materials and details are among the features that contribute to the special architectural and historic character of the Ladies' Mile Historic District. The Commission further noted that the original storefront was recessed and included heavy decorative ironwork at the transoms, projecting freestanding columns, and an ornate, bowed glass and metal marquee. With regard to this proposal, the Commission found that the removal of the existing non-historic storefront will not result in the removal of significant historic fabric; that the work will restore transparency to the building's commercial base; that the design, details and finishes of the proposed storefront infill will evoke the historic recessed storefront evident in historic photos and will blend harmoniously with the details of the building; that the proposed decorative metal work at the glazed transoms will introduce a distinctive ornamental arched element, and therefore bring this storefront closer to its historic appearance; that the subtle changes in plane and the relationship of the framework elements to the glazing will restore transparency to the base, and will maintain the original design intent; that the proposed signage on the glazed transom will be in keeping with signage historically found on this building and in this district, and will be well-scaled to the storefront and will not call undue attention to itself; that the scale and proportion of the engaged columns will recall, in a modern detail, the visual heft of the original metal work; that the historic masonry, including the cartouche above the storefront will be restored; that the new doors at the main building entrances are in keeping with the configuration and detail of the historic doors; and that the proposed work will enhance the special architectural and historic character of this individual landmark and the Ladies' Mile Historic District. Based on these findings, the Commission determined that the proposed work is appropriate to the building and to the Ladies' Mile 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 October 6, 2008 and November 13, 2008, the Landmarks Preservation Commission received final drawings A-100 through A-109 dated September 29, 2008 and drawing D-100 dated November 10, 2008, prepared by Alexander P. Compagno, RA. Staff reviewed the drawings and found that the proposed doors at the main building entrances have been amended to code compliant doors with a single sidelight and transom. With regard to the revised work, the Commission finds that the proposed doors will not result in damage to or loss of any significant historic fabric; and will not adversely affect significant architectural features of the building or district; and that the proposal approved by the Commission has been maintained. Based on this and the above findings, the drawings are marked approved with a perforated seal, and Certificate of Appropriateness 09-5029 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 Caroline Pasion. PAGE 2 Issued: 10/31/08 DOCKET: 09-4191 Robert B. Tierney Chair PLEASE NOTE: PERFORATED DRAWINGS AND A COPY OF THIS PERMIT HAVE BEEN SENT TO: Steven Morales, Alexander Compagno & Associates PAGE 3 Issued: 10/31/08 DOCKET: 09-4191 |
Added to EveryBlock on January 27, 2009.
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