Some Village Residents Opposed To Proposed Glass Building In Historic District
How much can an historic district change and still retain its identity? That's one of the questions at the heart of a battle over a new building in Greenwich Village. NY1’s Rebecca Spitz filed this report.
When you think of Greenwich Village you might imagine old buildings, not modern-looking ones. But one glass residential structure is one step closer to becoming a reality in the historic area.
Architect Bill Pederson addressed the Landmarks Preservation Commission Tuesday. Equipped with renderings, a small model, and answers to the commission's questions, Pederson made his case to build a glass building on a parking lot at the intersection of Eighth and Greenwich avenues and 13th Street.
The LPC hasn't given the green light, but it seems likely, and that makes preservationists worry.
“Nobody's looking for a recreation of a 19th century building. We understand it's going to be modern, and people want to see this parking lot built upon, but we want to see something that relates to and feels a little more connected to the character of this neighborhood," said preservationist Andrew Berman.
The proposed building is only 11 stories tall, but given its location on the corner, activists say there isn't a single angle from which you won't be able to see it.
“This is a gateway to the Greenwich Village historic district. It's right on the boundary, and as people enter the district coming down from 14th Street, from Eighth Avenue, this building is going to be the very first thing that they see," said Village resident Zack Winestine.
Some residents say not only do they object to how the building looks, they just don't see the need for it.
“It’s not in keeping with the rest of the architecture in the area, plus I don't understand why a vacant lot where people can park their cars is a bad thing," said Village resident Tony Arena.
Still, architects are going back to the drawing board to make some minor changes, and will be back before the Landmarks Preservation Commission with a revised plan in about a month.
- Rebecca Spitz