FRIENDS' Testimony:

Although labeled a “no-style” building in the designation report, FRIENDS considers the 1923 alteration of this building to be a modernist approach. In the tax photo, the light color of the building and stripped ornament are further evidence of this aesthetic decision. Although the building has seem many changes over the years, its appearance today – with a light colored exterior and sleek storefront – best reflects the modernist approach taken back in the 1920s.

Our Committee feels that the current proposal does not relate to the rest of the building above. The use of two colors of marble around the window trim and the sandblasted limestone cladding seems too busy for such a simple building. In addition, the new proposal calls for only one entrance to the store along 69th street. FRIENDS believes that commercialism should be kept along Madison Avenue, and relocating this entrance interrupts the regular rhythm of the pedestrian experience along this commercial street. Because this store has frontage along Madison Avenue, it would be more appropriate to have an entrance along the Avenue as well. FRIENDS does appreciate that the applicant will be reducing the number of windows on the side street, and the proposed massing of this elevation is an improvement. Overall, FRIENDS asks the Commission to work with the applicant to create a more appropriate storefront for this building.