Over the last decade, design and development firm DDG has racked up an envious collection of high-quality residential buildings that would put most developers to shame. From their Gaudi-esque 180 East 88th Street to their flora-infused 345 Meatpacking, the young Joe McMillan-led firm has already shaped projects in variety of scales and neighborhoods. Despite our city’s ever-present regulatory hurdles, the firm has consistently managed to produce buildings that break from convention.
DDG’s next project up to bat is Tribeca's 100 Franklin Street —a 10-unit condo building that will be their second in Tribeca.
Construction progress as of early June; CityRealty
Shot by CityRealty
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The vacant project site of 100 Franklin last summer. DDG commissioned French-artist JR to install a mural; Shot by CityRealty
Digging recently commenced at the narrow and challenging site left over from yesteryear’s car-centric values. Road-ramming and urban renewal withstanding, Tribeca has remained beautiful, in part, thanks to the four historic districts covering the neighborhood. 100 Franklin lies within Tribeca's East Historic District, and as such, the building’s original avant-garde design faces considerable pushback from wary neighbors, the local community board, and the Landmarks Preservation Commission.
Original controversial design for 100 Franklin; DDG
100 Franklin; Via DDG
The project was first unveiled in 2013 as an eight-story structure clad in glass and brick arches behind. Designed by DDG’s in-house architect, Peter Guthrie, the long structure was to be topped by a modern interpretation of a mansard roof that was supposed to connect it to the context of Tribeca. Instead, the roof proved to be a lightning rod of disapproval, with one CB committee member calling the roof design “a jagged, rambling mess.” After a petition was circled deeming the design “historically inappropriate” and the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) dubbing the design too “attention-calling,” the roof was tossed, and the glass was switched out for brick. With the LPC happy with the new, toned-down design, calling it “simple and elegant,” peace has settled across the land once more.
Rendering of 100 Franklin Street; DDG
Per the new renderings, the two contiguous buildings will feature hand-laid brown bricks, Romanesque and Jack arches along the ground floor, and DDG’s characteristic shelves to let plants grow “wild.” Inside will be ten high-end condominiums that they’re hoping to sell for at least $3,000 per square foot according to Crain’s. Additionally, DDG is providing funds to turn the pedestrian island formed across the street from the project (by the junction of Sixth Avenue and Church Street) into a small park.
100 Franklin is seeking LEED certification and amenities will include a landscaped roof deck, bike storage, fitness center, private elevator access and private storage.
Rendering looking south; DDG
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