<< Back
Landmarks
1186 Broadway, Breslin Hotel
WHEREAS, 1186 Broadway, a 344 room hotel, designed by Clinton and Russell (Architects known for designing the Astor Hotel, Apthorp Apartments and the NY Cocoa Exchange), is located at the southeast corner of West 29 Street in the Madison Square North Historic District; and
WHEREAS, The owner has applied for a Certificate of Appropriateness to demolish non-historic storefronts and to restore and renovate other significant elements at this building; and
WHEREAS, This hotel, built in 1904, was once an important part of a major New York City entertainment district (which included the original Tin Pan Alley on West 28 Street and Broadway) consisting of hotels, luxury stores and apartments in a period - from the 1870s to the 1910s - when this area prospered; and
WHEREAS, in its heyday many important historical figures stayed at the hotel including Diamond Jim Brady, Joe Louis, Billy Conn and W. E. B. Dubois; and
WHEREAS, After many years of decline the area is rapidly improving and the owners are planning to restore the hotel to reflect its original design and character; and
WHEREAS, The proposal is to:
- Restore the West 29 Street entrance and stone surrounding;
- Install new infill and a new marquee at the Broadway entrance using cast stone to replicate the existing original limestone;
- Establish a master plan for new storefront infill (including the replacement of the non-historic storefronts on both West 29 Street and Broadway) which, while not in conformity with the original building which had no storefronts and has been completely obliterated, would be a distinct improvement over the existing condition of obtrusive commercial storefronts and signage;
- Install new lighting and signage, reminiscent of the original period when the hotel was built;
- Install new mechanical equipment on the roof consisting of an emergency generator and a cooling tower, not higher than 13 feet, which would be only slightly visible from West 32 Street, some three blocks away;
- Install window replacements throughout the building with wood frame windows.
WHEREAS, Photographs show the American flag being flown from the rooftop flagpole at Broadway and West 29th, and the owners have agreed to fly the American flag at appropriate times; and
WHEREAS, The proposed restoration and renovation is harmonious with the appearance of the Historic District, so that there would be a benefit to the entire district; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Community Board Five recommends approval of the Certificate of Appropriateness for the restoration and improvements as proposed.
Tne above resolution passed by a vote of 30 in favor; 0 opposed; 2 abstaining.