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Landmarks
225 5th Avenue application for proposed modifications to the 26th Street entrance
At the regularly scheduled monthly Community Board Five meeting on Thursday, February 08, 2024, the following resolution passed with a vote of 33 in favor; 0 opposed; 1 abstaining:
WHEREAS, 225 5th Avenue is a Beaux-Arts residential and commercial building located in the Madison Square North Historic District; and
WHEREAS, The building occupies a prominent location at the corner of 5th Ave and East 26th Street, directly across from Madison Square Park; and
WHEREAS, The entrance that is proposed to be altered is directly across from Madison Square Park; and
WHEREAS, The building’s original use was commercial, store, lofts, and offices and it was converted to residential and stores in 2004; and
WHEREAS, The applicant proposed to remove the concrete steps and associated stone base and handrails, add lighting to the exterior of the building, and add signage navigating guests to the main entrance; and
WHEREAS, This entrance is a secondary entrance only for residents of the building; and
WHEREAS, This stretch of 26th street is dark at night, and the space next door has been vacant for a while; and
WHEREAS, The applicant is being responsive to residents of the building who avoid this entrance due to safety concerns; and
WHEREAS, The design of the steps is original to the building; and
WHEREAS, The concrete finish on the steps is not original and is in poor condition; and
WHEREAS, The applicant is proposing to remove the steps from the outside and bring them inside the building instead, which will not affect accessibility for this entrance; and
WHEREAS, The applicant is proposing to use traditional material (Deer Isle granite) to cover the patch where the stairs were before; and
WHEREAS, The sconces will be wired through the exterior wall, puncturing the original fabric; and
WHEREAS, The proposed sconces are consistent in placement and style with the sconces at the main entrance, which are replacements for the originals in the same location; and
WHEREAS, The committee recommends that the applicant research other ways to accomplish exterior lighting that does not puncture the original fabric; and
WHEREAS, The new door will be a bronze finish, which more closely matches the current main entrance doors; and
WHEREAS, The new doors will have transparent glass with a translucent transom above; and
WHEREAS, The proposed design for the entrance modifications has been reviewed by the Landmarks Committee of Community Board Five; and
WHEREAS, The proposed modifications are harmonious with the historic district and building; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Community Board Five recommends approval of the application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for the proposed modifications to the 26th Street entrance to 225 5th Avenue, Borough of Manhattan.