FRIENDS' Testimony:

The Preservation Committee at FRIENDS is concerned that in an attempt to unify the areaways of 112 & 114 East 73rd Street, the proposed alterations diminish the irregularity present in this juxtaposition of the quirky Queen Anne and more sedate neo-Renaissance styles. Thom & Wilson intentionally designed these neighboring row houses to be radically different. Therefore, while the configuration of a central ramp with side entrances is acceptable, our committee questions certain unifying design choices, including a continuous stringcourse and a regularized 1/1 window design that replaces historic multi-light windows at 112 East 73rd Street. The committee also questions the incorporation of a sidelight at the entry door, which seems arbitrary and out of character with the historic district.

Lastly, the rooftop and rear yard additions were found to be appropriate but we encourage the project team to employ metal railings at the parapet of the rear yard addition. Overall, our committee urges the preservation of the row houses’ diversity and distinction and asks that the Commission work with the applicant towards this goal before approving this application.