FRIENDS' Testimony:

FRIENDS Preservation Committee applauds the applicant for working with the community and altering its proposal before coming to the Commission. We believe we all benefit from the community’s review process, and proposals that do take into consideration public’s opinion are often more respectful and in-keeping with the neighborhood historic character.

FRIENDS appreciates the thorough restoration of this corner rowhouse, the re-introduction of traditional brickwork on the street-level will highly improve the building’s aesthetics. The use of decorative moldings, wooden transoms and multi-light windows on the second floor are in-keeping with the building’s character and are appropriate to the Upper East Side Historic District. We do lament the loss of the quirky signage on the second-floor; although not original to this building, it adds character to the streetscape.

While we do not oppose the relocation of the building’s entrance to the street side, FRIENDS Preservation Committee thinks the proposed doors are too glassy for this building’s style, and would prefer a more traditional ensemble with enframements. Finally, we applaud the proposal to re-install the decorative wrought-iron door, but would prefer it to be in a more prominent location, and not behind glass doors.