The Landmarks Preservation Commission has finally approved Morris Adjmi’s unusually shaped office building for a stretch of Lafayette Street between Bond and Great Jones streets. The architect’s design last appeared in front of the LPC in July, winning praise from some commissioners and criticism from others. Ultimately, the project was sent back to the drawing board, but the minimal tweaks it appeared with on Tuesday were enough to sway the commission into approving the development, YIMBY reports.
The approved design features a different setback pattern, one preservation consultant Elise Quasebarth says creates more graceful proportions for the building. Adjmi appeared in front of the LPC to explain the design in minute detail, but most significantly mentioned that the building’s facade will be made up in part of terracotta. The office building at 363 Lafayette Street will rise catty-corner from Annabelle Selldorf’s 10 Bond, also terracotta clad.
The commissioners unanimously approved the design, with commissioners Devonshire and Lutfy even calling it beautiful.
It’s been a long slog to redevelopment for the awkwardly-shaped lot in the Noho Historic District Extension. Back in 2009, then-owner Olmstead Properties faced the ire of artist Chuck Close, who fought against a BKSK-designed building for the site that he said would block the light into his neighboring studio. Olmstead ended up listing the development site for $35 million in early 2015, and leasing it to CBSK Ironstate for 49 years for a whopping $150 million. Now everyone wins, except Chuck Close.
To see the full proposal, head right this way.