Rendering of 449 Convent Avenue via PM Architecture
UPDATE 1/23/18: No action was taken on a new building at 449 Convent Avenue.
A representative from the Historic Districts Council appreciated how the new building doesn't compete with its historic neighbors, but rather takes design cues from them. That being said, he deemed the proposed materials substandard for a historic district.
The Landmarks Preservation Commission appreciated how the new building tried to work in a complementary feeling to the row, but felt that the detailing would leave it looking like a watered-down version. They also expressed concerns about the height of the fifth floor as well as the window proportions.
The Landmarks Preservation Commission appreciated how the new building tried to work in a complementary feeling to the row, but felt that the detailing would leave it looking like a watered-down version. They also expressed concerns about the height of the fifth floor as well as the window proportions.
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On January 23, the Landmarks Preservation Commission will hear an application to construct a new building at 449 Convent Avenue in the Hamilton Heights/Sugar Hill Historic District extension. Permits have been filed for a two-family building with a fifth-floor penthouse and basement storage to go up on the site, which stands vacant following a demolition in 2011. A presentation by PM Architecture shows a building with a brick veneer, stone and zinc panels, and metal railings. While the top floor puts it above the buildings on the corner of West 150th Street, it is around the same height as its neighbor at 441 Convent Avenue. The light, neutral materials are congruous with their surroundings.
The Renaissance Revival rowhouse previously on the site was designed circa 1896-1897 by John E. Scharsmith, who is known for designing The Chatsworth (344 West 72nd Street) and 425 West End Avenue. Over 100 years later, the building was held up by braces following a serious fire, but the damage was too great and the Department of Housing Preservation and Development demolished the building after an emergency declaration of unsafe conditions.
The Renaissance Revival rowhouse previously on the site was designed circa 1896-1897 by John E. Scharsmith, who is known for designing The Chatsworth (344 West 72nd Street) and 425 West End Avenue. Over 100 years later, the building was held up by braces following a serious fire, but the damage was too great and the Department of Housing Preservation and Development demolished the building after an emergency declaration of unsafe conditions.
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Michelle Mazzarella
Michelle is a contributing writer and editor for real estate news in New York City
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