Upper East Side residents fight Friedland’s retail reno

35 East 68th Street and 817-819 Madison Avenue
35 East 68th Street and 817-819 Madison Avenue

The planned two-story expansion of Friedland Properties’ building at 817-819 Madison Avenue is facing opposition from residents of a nearby Lenox Hill co-op at 35 East 68th Street.

The neighbors argue that the plan to add to the retail space would involve building a brick wall in front of their windows, which face the backyard courtyard. Designer Donna Karan’s 9,500-square-foot store occupies the first floor of 819 Madison Avenue, but does not plan to expand; retail space at the address is available for leasing next September.

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Community Board 8’s Landmarks Committee rejected the plan earlier this month, saying it is “not in the spirit of The Special Madison Avenue District,” DNAinfo reported. [DNAinfo]Mark Maurer