This just in from the Greenwich Village Historic District: The Landmarks Preservation Commission, as expected, has approved the residential component of the couldn't-possibly-be-more-controversial St. Vincent's Hospital redevelopment plan, clearing the way (after a few more approvals at higher levels) for the demolition of the main Seventh Avenue hospital building. It will be replaced by a shrunken apartment tower, while a new high-tech medical facility will replace the sawtooth O'Toole Building across the street. Other smaller new residential buildings will go where some St. Vincent's facilities on West 11th and West 12th Streets currently stand. It took over a year for the entire St. Vincent's proposal to gain LPC approval, a process marked by plenty of heated public hearings that included the occasional celebrity rant. Now, onward it moves. Are there any surprises left?
St. Vincent's Chairman Alfred Smith IV and developer William Rudin released a joint statement following the LPC decision. Here's a taste:
Having worked with all stakeholders to significantly alter our plans for both the new hospital and residential complex – including the adaptive reuse of four buildings on the existing St. Vincent’s campus; a 43-foot reduction in the height of the hospital building and 62 feet on the Rudin 7th Avenue residential building; and an overall reduction of 50,000 square feet of floor area above grade on the total project -- we are confident that we now have a plan that blends seamlessly in the historical context of Greenwich Village and ensures the continuation of St. Vincent's 150 year mission. We look forward to presenting our vision to the City Planning Commission.
City Room adds that construction won't start until 2012 at the earliest.
· All St. Vincent's coverage [Curbed]
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