In the early '90s, before Tribeca had an established historic district, architect Vincenzo Polsinelli won accolades for restoring the cast iron façade at 172 Duane Street while adding modern touches. Now, however, he is not winning many fans with his plan to add a four-story concrete and steel addition behind several three-story sheets of glass. While not totally opposed to the proposal, which would create an 8,000-square-foot single-family megamansion, the Landmarks Preservation Commission did send Polsinelli back to the drawing board, suggesting that a scaled-down version may work. According to the Dowtown Express, the 15-foot void between the glass and new structure would be taken up with a winter garden. The commission "voiced concerns that the proposed addition’s modern façade would overpower the two-story building’s historic frontage below," but opponents were more direct, calling the plan to demolish the bulk of the building while saving the frontage "façadism." Well, it ain't Pearl Street, that's for sure.
· Landmarks to Tribeca architect: Addition needs some subtraction [Downtown Express]
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