More from the preservation frontlines. As noted last week, Diane Von Furstenberg has raised the hackles of Far West Village residents by unloading twin townhouses on West 12th Street for $23 million that might be demolished to make way for new development. Her defense is genius:
Ms. Von Furstenberg contends that she wasn't aware of any development plans by Coalco when she sold the two properties. "I'm very much a part of the neighborhood, and very much want the best for the neighborhood," she said. "I sold to this young girl who fell in love with the building, and she fell in love with what I did with the building, how I treated it. It all happened so fast. I wouldn't be surprised if she lives in it herself."Of course, "The young woman is Anna Anisimova."
· Neighbors Wonder if a Designer Is a Defector [NYTimes]
· Save Miami on the Hudson! [Curbed]