A faded five-story stack of cast iron at 111 Mercer Street got a thumbs up from the Landmarks Preservation Commission today, clearing the way for a proposal to add a penthouse up top and create condos throughout. Designed by architect Arpad Baksa, the addition will be set back 20 feet from the front above Mercer and 30 feet from the rear, covering about 1,200 square feet of roof top space with terraces galore, all nearly invisible from the streets below. This new low-key plan shows a face in grey stucco and replaces a prior proposal from Grzywinski + Pons. The entire rear facade of 111 Mercer will get a fix-up for the existing stucco facing onto rear yards of neighboring lofts and windows throughout will be repaired or upgraded. Out front the cast iron steps will be restored and a new retail space will cover the street and basement levels.
Last year Andy Spade had plans for a residential hotel here, and offered a video tour, saying it would give folks an alternative to finding a place via Craigslist. The hope was to bring back the "spirit of the '70s" by "keeping it what it is." No telling what happened to Andy's idea, but there was no mention of that plan at Landmarks today, where discussions were centered on restoration and obtaining a Special Permit to allow Joint Living Work Quarters for Artists.
· The New Residential Hotel at 111 Mercer Street [Plum TV]
· 111 Mercer coverage [Curbed]
Filed under: