FRIENDS' Testimony:

Our Committee would first like to applaud the restorative work the applicant will undertake on the front façade of the building. The return of the cornice, brick restoration, limestone cleaning, return to wood-framed windows, and removal of window and thru-wall air conditioner units will all make an impactful change to the south façade.

We did have some reservations about filling in the western light-well, especially due to its high visibility from Madison Avenue. Our committee would prefer to see some memory of the original inset condition, demonstrated either through brickwork or perhaps a reduction of windows in the center bay. In addition, removal of one or two lines of windows, or a less regular arrangement of windows, would be more appropriate for this secondary façade.

Regardless, the Preservation Committee at FRIENDS supports the application.