An over century-old former hotel on the Upper West Side is in for some major changes. Earlier this week, it was announced that the former Willard Hotel at 252 West 76th Street, since converted to 60 rental apartments, will become a 52-unit luxury building known as The Willard.
Rendering of The Willard, 252 West 76th Street. Via Stellar Management
The 11-story building was designed by Ralph S. Townsend and built between 1902 and 1903. It sits on the south side of the street, between West End Avenue and Broadway. The site fell under the jurisdiction of the Landmarks Preservation Commission when the West End-Collegiate Historic District Extension was designated in 2013.
Stellar Management and Argent Ventures are behind the conversion. They are working with TriBeCa-based architect Steven Kratchman. The full breakdown of unit configurations is not yet available, but they will range from one- to at least four-bedrooms.
The building will receive a new front door and canopy, as well as a new entrance to the cellar via the areaway. That areaway will receive new fencing. There will also be a new stoop. It will be made of limestone, replacing the current concrete stoop. To keep it up to code, there will also be an ADA ramp, located at the right side of the fencing.
In addition, the building will receive an overall restoration. That will include new windows everywhere.
The architect went before the Landmarks Preservation Commission on July 19 and the presentation slides can be seen at the bottom of this story. Kratchman’s presentation received unanimous approval from the commissioners. “Good,” said LPC Chair Meenakshi Srinivasan. “Nicely done.”
The project also has the support of Manhattan Community 7, as well as major preservation groups.
“HDC wishes to commend the applicant on this very careful and respectful proposal that goes a long way toward restoring the building’s graceful details, while also serving as a model for other projects addressing accessibility,” testified Barbara Zay of the Historic Districts Council.
Sean Khoursandi of Landmark West! testified that the proposal was a “logical response” that will “not harm historic fabric.” However, his organization would have preferred a shorter fence.
The nearest subway station is 79th Street on the 1 train.
Renovations to the lobby and amenity spaces are expected to be complete by 2017. Renovations to individual units and combining of some units will be done as tenants move out.
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Thanks for photos of presentation, about luxury entrance and window are beautiful architectures.
Is this condominium conversion a noneviction plan? If not, are the residents who have to move being compensated in way? How much time are they given before they have to vacate the premises?
Are any unit for sale?