Pols pan Kaufman’s proposed rooftop addition to Hotel Chelsea

Architect Gene Kaufman presented his renovation plan for the Hotel Chelsea to the Landmarks Preservation Commission yesterday, Curbed reported, but most of the feedback came from residents and politicians who attended the hearing. The most controversial aspect of the plan was a 16-foot high glass and aluminum 3,800-square-foot rooftop addition to the landmarked building at 222 West 23rd Street.

Kaufman claimed the addition would barely be visible from the street and serve as a lounge space, but that explanation garnered “contemptious laughter” from the attendees, Curbed said.

In total 11 people testified against the addition, including the deputy chief of staff of Assembly Member Richard Gottfried who read a statement on behalf of several local politicians, most notably Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer and City Council Speaker Christine Quinn. The statement said the addition would not fit in with the the historic aspects of the iconic building and could have detrimental effects on tenants.

However, the LPC was split on the proposed addition, accoridng to Curbed, and commended the architect’s efforts to restore the existing structure to its original state. [Curbed]