<< Back
Landmarks
71 Fifth Avenue: application to modify entrances on Fifth Avenue and East 15th Street, enlarge existing stair and elevator bulkheads on the roof, and install a new stair bulkhead and pergolas on the roof
WHEREAS, 71 Fifth Avenue is located on the southeast corner of Fifth Avenue and East 15th Street in the Ladies' Mile Historic District ("District"); and
WHEREAS, 71 Fifth Avenue is an eleven-story store and office building designed by Charles Volz, constructed in 1906-07 and is characteristic of the development phase of the District; and
WHEREAS, 71 Fifth Avenue is the first building on the southern border of the District and therefore is a highly visible gateway building to the District; and
WHEREAS, The applicant is proposing to install contemporary styled entrances on Fifth Avenue and East 15th Street consisting of non-contextual materials including a notable amount of black stainless steel and glass; and
WHEREAS, The applicant is proposing to include a marquee with lighting on the Fifth Avenue entrance; and
WHEREAS, The applicant is proposing to enlarge the existing stair and elevator bulkheads which will occupy a larger footprint on the building roof and will be very visible; and
WHEREAS, The applicant is proposing to install a new stair bulkhead on the building roof which will expand the bulkhead footprint on the building roof and will be very visible; and
WHEREAS, The applicant is proposing to install four pergolas on the building roof which will further increase the footprint of structures on the building roof and will be very visible; and
WHEREAS, The enlargement of the existing stair and elevator bulkheads, the installation of a new stair bulkhead and the installation of four pergolas are being proposed solely to support two non-essential rooftop terraces that are planned for recreational use by tenants of the building; and
WHEREAS, The proposed modifications to the building entrances on Fifth Avenue and East 15th Street are not appropriate for the building and the District; and
WHEREAS, The proposed enlargements to the existing stair and elevator bulkheads on the roof are not appropriate for the building and the District; and
WHEREAS, The proposed installation of a new stair bulkhead on the roof is not appropriate for the building and the District; and
WHEREAS, The proposed installation of pergolas on the roof is not appropriate for the building and the District; and
WHEREAS, 71 Fifth Avenue with the proposed modifications and additions would not be harmonious with the District; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, Community Board Five recommends denial of the application for 71 Fifth Avenue to modify entrances on Fifth Avenue and East 15th Street, enlarge existing stair and elevator bulkheads on the roof, and install a new stair bulkhead and pergolas on the roof.