FRIENDS' Testimony:
The Benjamin N. Duke House is a distinguished and striking example of Beaux-Arts architecture. It is an individual landmark, part of the Metropolitan Museum Historic District, and stands directly across from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As one of the last surviving private mansions on Fifth Avenue, the building holds significant architectural and historical value. Its refined design contributes meaningfully to one of the city's most iconic and heavily visited streetscapes.

While FRIENDS supports the new tenant’s need for wheelchair accessibility at the rooftop level of this landmark building, we have concerns about the proposed bulkhead enlargement and the addition of an elevated walkway platform. The proposed metal railing and safety fence, which would be visible from the street, would be a visually intrusive element that undermines the mansion’s architectural integrity. There must be a more discreet and contextually appropriate solution to meet accessibility requirements. We urge the applicant to explore alternatives, drawing on examples of well-executed, historically sensitive accessibility interventions at other landmark buildings to inform this design. We further object to the removal of any historic materials. Finally, we seek clarification regarding the proposed window replacement, which was included in the application presented at the Community Board meeting in July.

LPC Hearing: August 12, 2025