FRIENDS' Testimony:

This latest proposal reinforces the idea that Hermes, currently located at the former Louis Sherry restaurant on Madison Avenue, is seeking to take ownership and leave their mark on iconic buildings on the Upper East Side. Unfortunately, this ownership takes the form of a massive and overbearing cavalier statue, that has no place on top of the neo-Federal bank. While the statue will not damage historic fabric, it will significantly alter the relationship between the structure and the neighborhood. FRIENDS urges the Commission to reconsider this aspect of the proposal.

FRIENDS’ Preservation Committee does not oppose the doors replacement, nor the removal of the small metal railing on Madison Avenue. While we appreciate the fact that the applicant is proposing to maintain the existing marble sign, we cannot support the new sign covering the original. The proposal already includes three signs on the 2016 structure on Madison Avenue, and a total of fourteen awnings showing the store’s logo. An additional sign on the facade of the former Bank of New York is not only excessive, but detrimental to the structure, creating the possibility for water accumulation that could potentially damage the 1922 sign and entrance. Furthermore, we believe that the installation of the awnings on the second floor are not in keeping with the neo-Federal building style.

Additionally, FRIENDS opposes the material replacement of the existing first-floor windows. While we understand the need for increased security and that the existing windows are new and no historic fabric would be lost with the window replacement, we believe that the difference in material, at eye level, would significantly alter how the structure is perceived by the passersby.

Notwithstanding increased visibility of the mechanical equipment on the roof, FRIENDS is not opposed to it, given it will be located on the newest building of the complex. Furthermore, we are not opposed to the installation of the metal railing behind the balustrade. Finally, FRIENDS urges the applicant to maintain the flag pole on the Madison Avenue facade, this feature is seen in every historic photo of the building since its construction, and we cannot support the removal of such iconic historic fabric.

LPC Hearing:

FRIENDS' Testimony:

FRIENDS would like to commend the applicant for listening to the community’s concerns and working with the Commission and coming back with an altered proposal. However, we still believe this to be wildly inappropriate for this neo-Federal bank building. While we originally did not oppose the door replacement, nor the removal of the small metal railing on Madison Avenue, we appreciate the decision to keep it, and the ingenious solution to keep the wooden doors as pocket doors. Additionally, we appreciate the removal of the excessive number of awnings on the second-floor windows.

FRIENDS Preservation Committee maintains its original stance on the material replacement of the existing first-floor windows. While we understand the need for increased security, and appreciate the alterations to keep the wood trims, we believe that the difference in material, at eye level, would significantly alter how the structure is perceived by the passersby. Thus, we oppose the proposed steel windows, and ask that the applicant maintain the wood windows, preferably reinstalling real wooden muntins.

While FRIENDS appreciates the fact that the applicant is proposing to maintain the existing marble sign, we cannot support the new sign covering the original. The proposal already includes three signs on the 2016 structure on Madison Avenue, an additional sign on the facade of the former Bank of New York is not only excessive, but detrimental to the structure, creating the possibility for water accumulation that could potentially damage the 1922 sign and entrance. Additionally, the original sign should serve as a historical marker to the structure, which should have its history celebrated, and not hidden behind a store sign.

Finally, FRIENDS Preservation Committee understands the need for Madison Avenue to be fluid and adapt with the needs of changing retailers, however, we believe that the proposed Cavalier at the top of the building is a step too far. We still believe that this massive and overbearing statue has no place on top of this neo-Federal bank. While the statue will not damage the historic fabric, it will significantly alter the relationship between the structure and the neighborhood. FRIENDS urges the applicant to continue working with the Commission to develop a more respectful plan for this building and the historic district.