FRIENDS' Testimony:

FRIENDS welcomes the preservation of this historic storefront in its original “Essex Green” color and the restoration of the distinctive stone portal crowned by a gold Grecian vessel—designed by the distinguished architect Michael Graves in 1984 as a “shrine to femininity” for the Diane von Furstenberg store. We also find the proposed stained-glass signage behind the glass oculus to be tastefully executed.
However, the committee considers the proposed bright green color for the stone portal inappropriate and strongly recommends returning it to its 1984 terracotta color. We also urge that the display-window surfaces remain transparent rather than obscured with white paint. If a bold green accent is desired, it should be incorporated into the interior displays behind the glass, where it can enliven the storefront without compromising its historic character.

LPC Hearing: December 16, 2025