FRIENDS' Testimony:
FRIENDS' Preservation Committee appreciates the applicant’s revisions since the Community Board 8 meeting to reduce penetrations and protect the historic cornice. However, we request that any holes drilled for the installation or future removal of the lighting fixtures be fully waterproofed and designed to ensure they do not compromise the underlying historic fabric.

We object to this proposal as presented, as we find the lighting scheme unusual and are not convinced that such an extensive installation is necessary. The cornice is not part of a commercial storefront, nor does the application include signage that would warrant this level of architectural lighting. We question whether the desired effect could instead be achieved through a simpler, more restrained approach, rather than by installing 31 cylindrical fixtures along the cornice.

The rendering on page 8 of the presentation is particularly concerning. Even though the rest of the façade lighting falls under staff-level review, we would like to comment on the proposal as a whole. Rather than subtly accentuating architectural features, the overall proposed lighting scheme creates a visually distracting composition that competes with the building's historic character and appears haphazard and excessive. The cumulative effect alters how the building is perceived within the historic district. We urge the Commission to require a more restrained and streamlined lighting design.

Additionally, we question the proposal to install three uplights for the inverted pineapple finials. Given that these decorative elements appear to be fairly small, dedicated lighting is unnecessarily complex and offers negligible visual impact.

LPC Hearing: August 4, 2026