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Landmarks
236 West 45th Street, Schoenfeld Theatre, application to replace windows
WHEREAS, 236 West 45th Street between Broadway and Eighth Avenue, is a six story masonry structure designed by the architect Herbert J. Krapp and was constructed in 1917-18 as a legitimate Broadway playhouse, for theater owners Lee & Jacob J. Shubert; and
WHEREAS, The playhouse, originally named the Plymouth Theatre, was designated in 1987 as an individual Landmark by NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission; and
WHEREAS, In 2005, the theater was renamed to honor Gerald Schoenfeld, former chairman of The Shubert Organization; and
WHEREAS, The Shubert Organization has submitted an application to NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission seeking permission to remove and replace twenty existing windows that have become deteriorated, damaged and inoperable, windows that are located on the north/front leading into dressing rooms and bathrooms from the fire escape; and
WHEREAS, Although the existing windows are “grandfathered” by 1916 building or fire codes, there is some skepticism that even these may not be in accordance with those standards; and
WHEREAS, The applicant has proposed to install new steel framed windows which would be custom manufactured with the same appearance as the existing windows, and which would fit into the existing masonry window openings; and
WHEREAS, At the suggestion of the NYC Fire Department, the ne w windows would be casement style, which would flip open toward the inside of the building; and
WHEREAS, The proposed new windows will feature safety features in compliance with the NYC Building Code such as the adequate number of hours of fire stop and automatic closure to contain smoke and fire; and
WHEREAS, The proposed window replacements are the first part of a program to rehabilitate the historic façade, any changes are solely for safety purposes, and the applicant has put forth the effort so that this change “will be done in a way so as not to alter the appearance and character of the façade”; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Community Board Five recommends approval of the application for permission to remove and replace windows at 236 West 45th Street.
The above resolution passed by a vote of 38 in favor; 0 opposed; 1 abstaining.