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Landmarks
26 West 17th Street, application to install an overhead security grille and replace the existing limestone base with a granite base.
At the regularly scheduled monthly Community Board Five meeting on Thursday, February 13, 2020, the following resolution passed with a vote of 35 in favor; 0 opposed; 1 abstaining:
WHEREAS, 26 WEST 17th street is a twelve-story Beaux-Arts store and loft building constructed in 1907-08; and
WHEREAS, The building was designed by noted architect William C. Frohne for Philip Braender, a prolific builder and real estate operator; and
WHEREAS, The building enjoys a place in the Ladies Mile Historic District; and
WHEREAS, The building characterizes the later development phase of the district with its limestone, brick and terra-cotta façade organized in a tripartite scheme; and WHEREAS, The applicant seeks to install an overhead security grille, where the grille opening is 13’-9” wide, 11’-10” tall, the facia enclosure concealing the grille coil housing is 2’-6.5” high, the grille coil housing is 1’-8” tall and 1’-7” deep; and
WHEREAS, The installation of the overhead coiling security grille with transom enclosure will not require the removal of any historic fabric from the building; and WHEREAS, The applicant is proposing to replace the existing limestone base with a granite base of 1’-2” high; and
WHEREAS, A large number of loft and store buildings typical of the Ladies Mile Historic District have a granite base of varying height, and are very typical of the district, and
WHEREAS, Not only is granite contextual but also desirable at this location as it is a denser and more durable stone that can better withstand the insults of city life, and
WHEREAS, Residents expressed support for the proposed alterations, provided that the tenants in the retail space can independently access and operate the grille; and
WHEREAS, The addition of an overhead security grille and the granite base is appropriate and respectful of the historic conditions of the building and the Ladies Mile Historic District; therefore be it
RESOLVED, Community Board Five recommends approval of the storefront alteration and façade repairs at 26 West 17th Street.