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Landmarks
68-70 Lexington Avenue, between 25th and 26th Streets, application to modify stair and side entrance
WHEREAS, The Sixty-Ninth Regiment Armory, located at 68 Lexington Avenue on the block bounded by East 25th and 26th Streets and Lexington and Park Avenues, built between 1880 and 1906 and designed by Hunt & Hunt is a designated Landmark; and
WHEREAS, This building synthesizes its military function with classically inspired principles of Beaux-Arts design; is the home of "The Fighting 69th", an Irish Regiment that fought in the Civil War and both World Wars; and was the site of the International Exhibition of Modern Art, popularly known as the Armory Show; and
WHEREAS, New York State Office of General Services and Division of Military and Naval Affairs has applied for a Certificate of Appropriateness to renovate and modify various external and internal areas of the property to improve accessibility, as follows:
Exterior - 25th Street Facade:
- Restore former west entrance (currently blocked over). Replace existing steps with new ADA-compliant entrance including masonry wall and rails to match the building.
- Reverse existing entrance steps and landing, and restore to match the building.
- Install new elevator door opening at sidewalk level.
Interior - Phase 1
- One elevator will remain in its current location on the north side of the building (East 26th Street) and will be refitted with a new system. The elevator is to remain dedicated for use by military personnel only.
- For non-military users, a second elevator will be added on the south side (East 25th Street) of the building. The elevator will require a curb cut and DOT approval.
- A handicapped-accessible elevator will be added in the annex along with a new entrance vestibule, which will allow unassisted handicapped access to the Drill Hall. The entrance vestibule will require modifications on the exterior so that the vestibule may be entered at grade level.
- Elevator doors will be re-sized to restrict vehicle passage to the drill floor level.
- Connection of the two freight elevators to an emergency generator back-up system will be provided.
Interior - Phase 2
- Excavation of the unexcavated basement area would allow the creation of additional parking without displacing existing storage facilities.
- Installation of a mechanical ventilation system to provide elimination of vehicle exhaust from the basement.
- Installation of a sprinkler system in the new parking area, and access areas for new elevators
- Addition of new floor drains in the new parking area;
Therefore be it
RESOLVED, Community Board Five recommends approval of the application for 68-70 Lexington Avenue, between 25th and 26th Streets (The Sixty-Ninth Regiment Armory), application to modify stair and side entrance.
The above resolution passed with a vote of 27 in favor, 1 opposed, 1 abstention, 1 present not entitled to vote.