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Landmarks
Martha Washington Hotel, 27-31 East 29th St. (AKA 30 East 30th St.) Proposed Designation as an individual NYC Landmark
WHEREAS, CB5 was notified in a letter dated June 17, 2011 that LPC has scheduled a Public Hearing on July 12, 2011 for the proposed designation of Martha Washington Hotel, 27-31 East 29th St. (AKA 30 East 30th St.) as an individual NYC Landmark; and
WHEREAS, This twelve-story Renaissance Revival style building was one of the first New York residential buildings to cater to the needs of the new single, working women of the early 20th century, built at a time when many women were beginning to create lives for themselves apart from husbands and families; and
WHEREAS, The building was the project of the Woman's Hotel Company whose funds were raised by subscriptions, many from women themselves, and it had apartments for about 500 women as well as 150 rooms for transient guests; and
WHEREAS, The structure, built in 1903, was designed by architect Robert W. Gibson, who was also responsible for the design of the West End Collegiate Church, Morton and Nellie Plan House (now Cartier's on Fifth Avenue), and the New York Botanical Garden Museum (now Library) Building, all designated New York City Landmarks; and
WHEREAS, The building, now known as Hotel 30-30, goes through the block from 29th to 30th Streets and is faced with Indiana limestone and pink brick with terra-cotta ornamental panels and it is highlighted by a broad, overhanging cornice; and
WHEREAS, The building features Palladian windows, splayed lintels with keystones, and balconies with iron railings with the main, centrally-located entrance is on 29th Street, while the ground floor on 30th Street has two prominent arched entranceways; the second story serves as a piano nobile with over-scaled windows, quoins and balconies fronting the windows; and
WHEREAS, The social, cultural and historic importance of this building are compelling enough to qualify it for designation apart from its impressive architectural significance; therefore be it
RESOLVED, Community Board Five recommends approval of the proposed designation of Martha Washington Hotel, 27-31 East 29th St. (AKA 30 East 30th St.) as an individual NYC Landmark.
The above resolution passed by a vote of 30 in favor; 1 opposed; 1 abstaining.