Armed with a permit from the Department of Buildings, Alex Chu is gearing up to build his controversial 229-key hotel in Chinatown.
A construction fence has gone up in around the development site of a 22-story tower at 50 Bowery, with a new rendering from architect Peter Poon posted, according to a report. The site was once targeted for preservation by locals.
The glassy design contrasts to that of the landmarked Citizens Savings Bank nearby, according to Curbed — as well as the buildings that were up at the site before demolition, including a historic beer hall that once put George Washington up for a night.
Chu originally proposed to build a 27-story hotel and condominium tower at the site in 2009, as previously reported. It isn’t clear whether the site will still include community facility space as originally designed. The new plans were approved two weeks ago, the blog reported. [Curbed] — Angela Hunt