FRIENDS' Testimony:

FRIENDS appreciates when longstanding tenants invest on their historic buildings, especially when the building is part of a lovely ensemble of 19th century townhouses that have been kept and altered in similar ways. However, we do not believe the addition of dark blue awnings in every window of this altered rowhouse to be appropriate here.

Townhouses on Madison Avenue that were altered in the early 20th century do not usually have awnings on their second and third story storefront additions. Furthermore, FRIENDS Preservation Committee does not believe the store needs additional branding, as its name is very prominent on all the sides of the existing first-story marquee.

The proposed awnings significantly overwhelm this small-scale building and would detract from the character of the entire row. The neighboring building’s awnings are significantly less noticeable due to their subdued color (check office for approval).

We hope that a stakeholder as tasteful as Buccellati will be respectful of this Italianate townhouse and its neighbors and remove the awnings from their proposal.