During a recent government meeting, discussions centered around a permit issued for the reconstruction of a historic row house in Greenwich Village. The permit, granted in December 2022, allows for the renovation of the north facade of the rear extension, which will incorporate both salvaged and new materials, including bluestone coping stones.
Commissioners noted that despite its deteriorated state, the rear facade retains significant architectural features such as punched window openings, red brick cladding, and stone sills and lintels, which contribute to its historic character. The meeting highlighted the importance of preserving these elements, with a recommendation for the application to be revised to ensure all sound materials are salvaged as required by the permit.
Public testimony was also a key component of the meeting, with Chloe Gregoire from Village Preservation expressing concerns about the proposed design. She argued that while the rear facade is not visible from the street and has undergone significant alterations, the new design's modern and glassy aesthetic is inappropriate for the historic context of the building.
The meeting concluded with a call for further input from remote participants, emphasizing the ongoing dialogue between preservation efforts and modern architectural practices in the area.