LPC: 30 Henry Design Could be Better
The Eagle files an extensive report about yesterday’s Landmarks Preservation Commission hearing about the plans for the new building at 30 Henry Street in Brooklyn Heights. The commissioners ultimately asked the developer and BKSK Architects to tweak the design, saying details such as the entryway could be improved upon, with LPC Chair Robert Tierney noting…
The Eagle files an extensive report about yesterday’s Landmarks Preservation Commission hearing about the plans for the new building at 30 Henry Street in Brooklyn Heights. The commissioners ultimately asked the developer and BKSK Architects to tweak the design, saying details such as the entryway could be improved upon, with LPC Chair Robert Tierney noting that “I find it appropriate now and I would openly embrace it, but I agree with my colleagues that it could be a better building.” Some preservationists spoke in favor of the current design, calling it contextual and appropriate, but reps from the Brooklyn Heights Association called it “boring” and argued for a more contemporary look. Architect Jonathan Marvel, for example, had the following to say: “It’s a threshold site to this district. It’s not an infill building, but a gateway building. …We implore you to inspire, to delight, to raise the bar on originality.”
Design of New Heights Building: Mishmash of Contextualism or Appropriate? [Eagle]
30 Henry Application Returns to Landmarks Tomorrow [Brownstoner]
No Decision From LPC on 30 Henry Build [Brownstoner]
Renderings Revealed for 30 Henry Street [Brownstoner]
30 Henry Street Chasing a Waterfall [Brownstoner]
Brooklyn Eagle Building on the Market [Brownstoner] GMAP
those stupid balconies need to go.
those stupid balconies need to go.
there are architects and designers on the Commission. They are usually well-known people too. The Commission’s key role is to raise the bar on new design. An architect will do his/her best work just knowing they will have to face the board.
It is often the case that the architects themselves appreciate this because they can then go to the client and say “if you want the approval you will need to spend more on a better quality material or better windows” or whatever. The really ugly new building someone mentioned on the corner of Joralemon and Clinton is right outside the historic district and therefore did not go through a public design review.
I think that was a reference to the Joralemon building. And height restrictions can exist in an area that is not landmarked.
hmm…do you think that design reviews are a bit oppressive? Well I don’t know….. but if they are, it’s the rich developers that feel the oppression, and I find it hard to be all that sympathetic. Will they make only 4.3 million instead of their rightful 4.87 million profit? Pfffft!
Snappy, I think that is what the Commission in Pyongyang does, but it would not be right for NYC.
Snappy, I think that is what the Commission in Pyongyang does, but it would not be right for NYC.
Yes, there are architects on the LPC. Not sure of the exact number but at least four or five out of twelve. And academics and city planning types and etc. Of course what makes a better building is subjective, but in this case I’m glad that they are saying “try harder”. They are asking for small tweaks and not saying start over. And note that the Brooklyn Heights Association member is only expressing an opinion as well–BHA does not have any power to veto or approve a design.