Manhattan Community Board 2’s Landmarks Committee yesterday voted down a proposal to develop a nine-story building in the East Village, DNAinfo reported, over fears that construction would affect a neighboring landmarked property.
Plans included the demolition of a garage at 27 East 4th Street to build a commercial property, most likely a hotel. The design by SRA Architecture + Engineering, which is working on the proposal, calls for the hotel to have an insulated glass storefront and an encasement of pre-cast stone.
Committee members voiced concerns that the historic Merchant’s House Museum located next door was too delicate to withstand construction. The 1832 building, which is owned by the city, would have to be vacated if construction goes ahead, according to the museum. The committee recommended that the new structure rise only four stories and offer emergency planning for the museum and storage for its belongings.
The proposal’s next step is to go before the full CB2 board later this month. CB2’s recommendation will then be passed to the Landmarks Preservation Commission in June. [DNAinfo]