More Oversight for New Windows on Landmarks?
The Brooklyn Paper has a story about how the city is looking to beef up restrictions on homeowners who want to put in new windows on the sides of buildings in historic districts, a move that comes after the stir caused by Norah Jones putting in windows on the side of her Cobble Hill house…
The Brooklyn Paper has a story about how the city is looking to beef up restrictions on homeowners who want to put in new windows on the sides of buildings in historic districts, a move that comes after the stir caused by Norah Jones putting in windows on the side of her Cobble Hill house and, perhaps, the controversy over 227 Clinton’s owner wanting to do the same. According to the article, the current law governing such alterations is “ambiguous,” and an LPC spokeswoman says there’s “a need for the Commission to set a limit on the number, size, pattern and placement of visible window openings on secondary facades.” Meanwhile, Roy Sloane, the president of the Cobble Hill Association, had this to say about the matter: “How can we preserve our landmarks when windows can be put in places where windows were never intended to go?”
City to Close ‘Norah’ Loophole [BK Paper]
Photo from Lost City.
The windows on Nora’s house look like they have been there forever, I don’t understand what the problem is. I think everyone with a side blank wall of bricks should be able to do this.
As long as the windows are in context with the house, like no, you can’t put “white Staten Island vinyl replacement windows” in, that makes brownstone buildings look tacky, and don’t match
But, I think windows on the sides of the houses look more inviting then a solid brick wall. The windows at nightime illuminated look warm and inviting, and during the day give the homeowners light and ventilation.
Look at the before and after pics of norah’s place on the Brooklyn paper link…the before looks like a typical ghetto wall.
Roy nees to get laid.
By daveinbedstuy on April 8, 2011 10:17 AM
Corner buildings have side windows. No reason that other buildings can’t either.
Exactly.
Have to agree with tybur6 (and most of the others as well). What is the big deal? How can anyone thing that a solid brick wall looks better than one with windows just because it is ‘historic’?!?
Get real. The windows in the photo look historic. This is a case of window envy.
This is pure bullshit. As long as the windows are acceptable in design, match the front, there should be no issues except if someone wanted too many of them that it looked ridiculous.
Corner buildings have side windows. No reason that other buildings can’t either.
Frankly I think these sides look a hell of a lot better with windows. If they own the adjoining lot let them put in a beautiful copper clad bay or bow as well.
This is nonsense.
I guess Roy Sloane lives in an attached house.
Un Roy, the purpose of landmarking is to prevent people from slapping hideous Garden State brickface and stucco on their houses, not preventing people from adding nice windows.
Walk 1,000 people pass Norah’s house. How many of them will think there is something inappropriate with her windows? Zero.
I don’t see how Norah Jones’ Windows detracted from that building. Probably made it better. Alterations should be permitted on landmarked buildings, within limits.
http://www.forgotten-ny.com