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Landmarks
16 West 21st Street, application for demolition of an existing one story garage building, construction of a glass block and glass residential 14-stories building.
WHEREAS, 16 West 21st Street, on the south side of the street, between Fifth Avenue and Avenue of the Americas, is a two-story, garage building located in the Ladies Mile Historic District, built in 1942, and is a "No-Style" Non-Contributing building within the District; and
WHEREAS, The owner of the property is seeking approval to demolish the garage building (which at times was occupied by different nuisance nightclub establishments such as VIA) and is a non-contributing building; and
WHEREAS, The applicant is seeking approval to construct a new 14-story residential condominium building containing 12 residential units; and
WHEREAS, The new building will contain 20,252 sq. ft., which is less than the allowable 10 FAR 23,000 sq.ft., to comply with the Landmarks Commission requirement that it not exceed the height of the lower of the two adjacent buildings, or 14 stories, and
WHEREAS, The new building would have an innovative, non-obtrusive all glass block facade with half circle glass pilasters, which is clearly a departure from the historical facade materials found in the District but nevertheless is harmonious with the other buildings in the area; and
WHEREAS, It was not the intention of the architect to copy historical buildings, but to create a compatible modern design using elements and materials in a very conservative, subdued approach to the new facade; therefore be it
RESOLVED, Community Board Five recommends approval of the demolition of the existing 2- story garage building and the construction of the new 14-story residential building AT 16 West 21st street as proposed.
The above resolution passed by a vote of 25 in favor; 0 opposed; 0 abstention.