FRIENDS' Testimony:

FRIENDS’ Preservation Committee has serious concerns regarding the proposed excavation beneath the rock-faced basement of this historic brownstone rowhouse, formerly the residence of artist Mark Rothko. The application to create a new cellar level by cutting into the underlying Manhattan schist presents significant risks of structural and water damage. Given the unique geology and morphology of this landmarked block, this threat extends not only to the subject property but also to adjacent buildings that share party walls. The prior 2-foot excavation which was approved at staff level in September 2024 already caused damage to neighboring homes, as reported in Community Board 8 hearings. FRIENDS’ Preservation Committee is especially concerned in light of recent excavation-related collapses throughout the city, including the notable incident at 14 Gay Street.

The Expanded Carnegie Hill Historic District Designation Report describes this particular house—one of a row of twelve—as “little-altered” and specifically notes its “rock-faced basement.” The proposed excavation would fundamentally compromise that defining feature and the historic integrity of the building.

The submitted plans for the new cellar (page 5) do not clearly indicate how much mechanical space would be created. We thank Carnegie Hill Neighbors for commissioning a consultant to provide those dimensions. In concurrence with Carnegie Hill Neighbors, we note that in a four-story, 20-foot-wide house with unused rear yard space, it should not be difficult to accommodate the approximately 100 additional square feet elsewhere—particularly given that only 3.7% is designated for mechanical use.

We strongly urge the Commission to deny this application and preserve the rock-faced basement in its current state, as the proposed excavation poses significant structural risks, offers minimal space gain, and threatens the historic integrity of both the building and the block.

LPC Hearing: July 22, 2025