FRIEND'S Testimony:

While we are supportive of the applicants’ proposal for an adaptive reuse of this extraordinary purpose-built garage to house the Persian Jewish Center, and testified in support of it in 2018, FRIENDS’ Preservation Committee is concerned that the extensive demolition and reconstruction work proposed under this new application could end up compromising the integrity of the primary façade, as we saw only a couple of years ago when we lost almost an entire building façade during what was supposed to be selective demolition work at 21 East 65th Street. It would be a great pity if the construction work inadvertently led to the loss of this monumental structure, one of the earliest “horseless stables” built in Manhattan, on a block that is notable for its number of extant historic structures for horse and car storage. FRIENDS' Preservation Committee urges the LPC to commission an independent engineering review prior to approving this amendment, to ascertain that the proposed work can be accomplished without compromising the stability of the south façade, and to ensure that the building in its new use is nonetheless able to retain evidence of its storied past. 

LPC Hearing: