<< Back
Landmarks
401 Fifth Avenue. (Modification of use and bulk) Application to request the Landmarks Preservation Commission to issue a report to the City Planning Commission pursuant to 74-79 of the Zoning Resolution.
WHEREAS, The applicant is requesting Landmarks Preservation Commission to issue a report to the City Planning Commission pursuant to 74-79 of the Zoning Resolution, which would permit the transfer of 172,000 square feet of development rights from a designated landmark at 400 Fifth Avenue across the street to 401 Fifth Avenue, in exchange for a preservation plan for the landmarked building; and
WHEREAS, The designated landmark at 400 Fifth Avenue is the Tiffany Building, built in 1903-06 in an Italian neo-Renaissance style and designed by McKim, Mead & White; and
WHEREAS, The proposal was previously denied by the Board; and
WHEREAS, The applicant returned with changes to the plan to erect a building on Fifth Avenue and responded to some of the Board’s concerns by closing the slot in the Avenue wall, making the façade of the 3-story base read as one structure and not two, and making changes to the glass façade; and
WHEREAS, The proposed 602 foot high residential tower is too tall to fit harmoniously with neighboring buildings; and
WHEREAS, The overwhelming use of glass in the base would be incongruous with the prevailing masonry in surrounding buildings along Fifth Avenue, as well as with the Tiffany Building; and
WHEREAS, The proposed new roof for 400 Fifth Avenue, which is not visible from the street, and a new concrete sidewalk, which could be provided by the City, as well as continuing maintenance of the landmark, which is currently in excellent condition, are not commensurate with the transfer of 172,000 square feet of development rights; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That Community Board Five recommends denial of the application for 401 Fifth Avenue.
The above resolution passed with a vote of 16 in favor, 5 opposed, 2 abstentions.