Building Name
831-837 Madison Avenue
Architect
Nos.833 & 835 designed by
Charles Buek & Co., and no.837 designed by Thom & Wilson
Year(s) Built
No. 831 remodeled in 1956, nos. 833 & 835 built in 1885-1886, and no. 837 built in 1884
Designation
Upper East Side Historic District
Project Information:
A no-style building remodeled in 1956 (no. 831), two neo-Grec style rowhouses designed by Charles Buek & Co. and built in 1885-1886 (nos. 833 and 835), and a Queen Anne style rowhouse designed by Thom & Wilson and built in 1884 (no. 837). Application is to demolish 831 Madison Avenue and construct a new building on the site, construct rear yard and rooftop additions at nos. 833, 835 and 837 and combine the buildings, and replace storefronts.
CB8 Hearing: 09/15/25 (Approved)
LPC Hearing: 09/30/25 (No Action)
FRIENDS' Testimony:
FRIENDS Preservation Committee is pleased to express its support for the proposed contemporary design for 831 Madison Avenue. We find the proposed volume and height to be appropriate and in line with a number of contemporary designs we have seen emerging along this section of Madison Avenue. We commend the thoughtful use of brick and limestone, each treated with distinct surface articulations that contribute to the architectural character of the streetscape. While FRIENDS is generally an advocate for the preservation of no-style buildings on the Upper East Side, due to their retention of historic form and contextually important floor levels, our committee considers this particular proposal to represent an overall improvement to the site.
In light of the inadvertent demolition of structure at 21 East 65th Street in 2022, FRIENDS strongly urges the Commission and the applicant to submit a Technical Policy and Procedure Notice #10/88 and to adhere strictly to the guidelines it outlines. This is especially critical with regard to excavation work and the removal of existing floors in the historic buildings at 833–837 Madison Avenue.
The Committee is concerned that the rear-yard doughnut will be further eroded by lot line extensions, despite the fact that this open space has already been heavily compromised. Such incremental incursions not only undermine the historic spatial character of the block interiors but also have a cumulative and detrimental impact on access to light, air, and the overall livability for neighboring residents.
FRIENDS Preservation Committee is also broadly supportive of the proposed storefront rehabilitation. However, we believe that 835 Madison Avenue could benefit from additional detailing and a more empathetic separation, similar to that found at 833, where cast-iron elements and cornice trim enhance the façade. We also recommend that the bulkhead line be extended, and that additional articulation be incorporated into the storefront of 831 Madison Avenue, rendered in limestone, to ensure visual continuity across the entire stretch of storefronts from 831 to 837 Madison Avenue. This articulation should also serve to further differentiate the retail base from the residential portion above, in keeping with the Special Madison Avenue Preservation District Design Guidelines.
LPC Hearing: September 30, 2025