FRIENDS' Testimony:

The proposal for 700 Park Avenue is exhaustive in scope and thorough in analysis. The applicant has made an impressive effort to understand the current building condition and puts forth a comprehensive plan to make necessary repairs and mitigate similar issues in the future. We found the proposed restoration to be demonstrative of the highest level of building stewardship. Understanding that some of the current water infiltration issues were partly caused by maintenance issues, we hope that this commitment extends past the completion of this restoration and into an ongoing plan for building upkeep.

In regard to the selection of replacement Brick, FRIENDS found it difficult to identify the best option. Although both have only slight variances from the original, the reality of a full 22-storey façade will multiply those deviations exponentially.

The Preservation Committee at FRIENDS enthusiastically supports this application, however we request that the Commission work with the applicant to carefully consider the different replacement brick options before making a decision.