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Landmarks
Application by owner of 11 East 51st Street to build a one-story rooftop addition and make several other modifications
WHEREAS, The John Peirce Residence, located at 11 East 51st Street between Madison and Fifth Avenues, is an individual landmark; and
WHEREAS, The building is a seven-story structure designed by John H. Duncan and was constructed in 1904-06 in the "American basement" style, with Italian Renaissance with French Beaux-Arts accents marking the remaining part of the structure, and
WHEREAS, The Applicant is proposing to build a one-story rooftop addition that would be set back from the façade to insure minimal visibility from street level; and
WHEREAS, The Applicant is proposing to replace the existing asphalt on the mansard roof with glazing that would not be visible from street level; and
WHEREAS, The Applicant is proposing to modify the bulk and design of the rear elevation with a modern design to increase access to light, functionality, and usability of the interior spaces; and
WHEREAS, The Applicant is proposing front facade modifications including a full restoration; and
WHEREAS, The Applicant is proposing an enlargement of basement entry to provide safer entry and egress; and
WHEREAS, The Applicant is proposing the installation of a new ADA lift to meet current requirements; and
WHEREAS, The Applicant is proposing the addition of new lighting; and
WHEREAS, The proposed addition will be visible only from a minimal viewpoint on the west side of Fifth Avenue and 51st Street; and
WHEREAS, The proposed alterations to the mansard roof will not be visible from any thoroughfare; and
WHEREAS, The rear facade modification will not be visible from any thoroughfare; and
WHEREAS, The proposed restoration is of high quality, using contextual materials, including the replacement of wood windows in kind; and
WHEREAS, The removal of the historic rear façade and slightly visible rooftop addition will be executed in a way that is respectful to the integrity of the building and very specific to this site and this application, and in no way does it constitute a precedent for such approvals in the future by Community Board Five; therefore be it
RESOLVED, Community Board Five recommends approval of a certificate of appropriateness for 11 East 51st Street, to build a one-story rooftop addition; replace the mansard roof with glazing; modify the bulk and design of the rear elevation; modify the front facade; restore and enlarge the existing basement entry; install a new ADA lift; and add new lighting.