Building Name
Kaye Playhouse Entrance at Loewe’s Plaza, Hunter College
Architect
Shreve, Lamb & Harmon
Year(s) Built
1938-1941
Designation
Upper East Side Historic District
Project Information:
An International Modern college building designed by Shreve, Lamb & Harmon and constructed in 1938-1941. Application is for limited exterior renovations and door modifications.
CB8 Hearing – 12/17/18 (Approved)
LPC Hearing – 01/15/19 (Approved)
FRIENDS' Testimony:
FRIENDS of the Upper East Side’s Preservation Committee feels that this application is sensitive and deferential to the unique modern look of the Kaye Playhouse entry plaza. The changes to the doors, canopy, and signage are minor and address the need for increased visibility and access.
We feel that decreasing the glazing on the main doors is unexpected since the other modifications make the plaza feel more open and less cluttered, but we do appreciate that this choice was made to match the inner doors that have a more historic appearance.
While FRIENDS approves of the proposed LED signage, we are dismayed that the “Hunter College” lettering that sits atop the current display board—as seen on page 13– will not be replicated on the new LED sign. The lettering is a charming and subtle nod to the signage on the canopy and it expresses the Modern style of the building and perhaps it could be replicated on the new display.
FRIENDS ultimately approves of all of the proposed elements of this application but we would also recommend that the applicants further explore addressing general facade conditions such as soiled masonry and highly visible window A/C units to improve the plaza’s appearance and better highlight the changes presented today.