52 West 21st Street (bet. 5th & 6th Avenues) Ladies Mile Historic District, application to legalize façade.
WHEREAS, 52 West 21st Street is a five-story commercial/loft retail and residential building located in the Ladies Mile Historic District; and
WHEREAS, The previous owner appeared before CB5 and was denied approval by CB5 on December 13, 2007 for repairs, renovation and restoration of the facade for reasons detailed in the CB5 Resolution set forth below; and
WHEREAS, Exterior renovations were done without conforming to the requirements of the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission and the current owner is now seeking to "legalize" these facade modifications; and
WHEREAS, The scope of work that was performed improved the appearance of the building which had been in a severely deteriorated condition, but did not meet the required architectural drawings, plans, details and specifications presented to LPC, since they failed to include:
1. Decorative spandrels between the floors
2. Window sash, frames and mullions as depicted
3. Sign band above the ground floor storefront
4. Panel bulkheads at ground floor
5. Deep cornices
6. Use of appropriate Historic materials and colors throughout the facade; and
WHEREAS, The current appearance of the building is out of character with the Historic District, especially with the two immediately adjacent buildings; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, Community Board Five recommends denial of the application to legalize facade renovations at 52 West 21st Street.
The above resolution passed by a vote of 35 in favor; 0 opposed; 1 abstaining.