Looks like the residential conversion for 51 Jay Street, the old Jay Street Arts Building, is moving forward. Yesterday the Landmarks Preservation Commission approved exterior changes after the LPC denied plans for a two-story addition in March. This time the architects came in with a proposal for a one-story addition as well as altering the masonry openings, replacing the windows, installing a storefront infill and a canopy. We’re curious about the plans for that rooftop addition considering that LPC struck down the first proposal in the interest of preserving the historic skylights. The DOB disapproved the application to convert this building to residential use in the fall and the owners have not reapplied since. Those plans said this would be a 126-unit build. Also on the LPC docket yesterday, the proposed townhouses for Pearl Street. We heard the commissioners had some very good things to say but also requested many changes. So expect that proposal to return to the LPC in a matter of time.
Update: According to someone involved with the project, “The revised approval removes the skylights and reinstalls them on top of a one-story addition below. The apartments at the top floor will duplex into the skylights. So it went from a two-story to a one-and-a-half-story enlargement. The windows on the upper floors will be replaced to match the existing historic windows, and the ground floor openings will retain more glass block and more of the historic loading dock/loading bay feel.” Also, the DOB application that was disapproved was related to the LPC application, so you can expect the DOB application to move forward quickly.
The Jay Street Arts Building Is Going Residential [Brownstoner]
New Townhouses Proposed for Pearl Street [Brownstoner]


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