The Lower East Side's most unlikely NIMBY was unsuccessful in its attempt to block at 25-story hotel. Last year, the Sperone Westwater Gallery, whose red glowing box building is a definite guilty party in the Bowery's gentrification, sued hotelier Ian Schrager over his plans to construct a 25-story hotel/condo at 215 Chrystie Street. The gallery argued that the design was "out of context with the Lower East Side"read: it would block light into their exhibition spacesand they wanted a full environmental review.
But Bowery Boogie reports that a judge denied the petition partially because the changes planned are considered "minor" amendments to a 1982 variance for a 9-story building already in place at the property. The judge said that "construction of the new building will not create noncompliance," and the building's height does not "appear incongruous with the surrounding neighborhood," to which Bowery Boogie asked, "Seriously?" The site sits across the street from Sara D. Roosevelt Park, and it's neighbors are between 10-15 stories, but most of the nearby buildings are half that height. New construction permits await approval from the Department of Buildings.
· Sperone Westwater Gallery Fails to Block Ian Schrager's 25-Story Hotel on Chrystie Street [Bowery Boogie]
· 215 Chrystie Street coverage [Curbed]