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Land Use, Housing & Zoning
1271 Avenue of the Americas, request for approval of proposed improvements to the sidewalks
WHEREAS, The Time & Life Building, located at 1271 Avenue of the Americas is a tower located on Avenue of the Americas and 51st Street and is part of Rockefeller Center, and
WHEREAS, The owner of the property is seeking approval from the Public Design Commission, the Department of Transportation and the MTA for a number of proposed exterior improvements to the sidewalks and plazas surrounding the building, and
WHEREAS, Currently the plaza surrounding the tower has a distinctive sidewalk made out of rustic terrazzo paving, set in a design that imitates the promenade of Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, designed by Roberto Burle Marx, and
WHEREAS, The material has shown deterioration over time, and
WHEREAS, The applicant is proposing the following changes:
- to rebuild the plaza with the exact same design, using colored poured concrete and to extend the distinctive sidewalk design to the curb
- to remove the existing fountain
- to build pools with seating for use by general public
- to rebuild the DOT required barrier along 6th Avenue
- to replace the existing trees with new more suitable trees
- to build granite pedestrian ramps on lot corners
- to install three-head cobra lamps
WHEREAS, The proposed alterations are contextual, and present a quality, durability and/or safety improvement,
WHEREAS, The proposed alterations are part of a broader effort to upgrade the building that include restoration of the landmark-designated lobby that was reviewed and approved by CB5 in January 2015, therefore be it,
RESOLVED, Community Board Five recommends approval of the proposed alterations, upgrades and restorations at 1271 Avenue of the Americas.