Demolition preparations have begun at 266 West 96th Street, the site of a 23-story residential building on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Developed by Fetner Properties, the structure is planned to yield 171 apartments, with 91 regular-sized homes and 80 micro units marketed to seniors ranging from 290 to 340 square feet each. Sixty-eight apartments would be allocated toward permanent affordable housing, while all residents would be provided free amenity access that includes a health club. The site is located between Broadway and West End Avenue.
Recent photos show the state of the three low-rise structures slated for demolition. The tallest of the trio has some sidewalk scaffolding placed in front, while the top level has netting wrapped around parts of the ornamental stone cornice.
266 West 96th Street. Photo by Michael Young
266 West 96th Street. Photo by Michael Young
266 West 96th Street. Photo by Michael Young
The main rendering depicts a uniform, symmetrical building massing is divided with a setback around the midway point. The exterior is clad in brick masonry walls, while the lower levels have frontage lined with large white stone blocks. One interesting thing we noticed is that this lower portion of the architecture is nearly identical to the four-story structure that current exists on the eastern end of the lot. It could be a mere coincidence, or perhaps the façade might be partially saved and integrated into the new superstructure.
Rendering of 266 West 96th Street, courtesy of Fetner Properties
Rendering of 266 West 96th Street, courtesy of Fetner Properties
Our last article indicated that plans for 266 West 96th Street were approved by the land use and housing committees of Community Board 7, garnering a 11-0 vote. One critical aspect of the development involves the risk of hazardous materials on the site that consequently led the property to be part of a brownfield cleanup program, which would be jointly run by the New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation and Department of Health. There is currently no word on when the three old buildings will come down, or when construction on the new tower will begin.
YIMBY will keep an eye out for any signs of demolition and the start of progress for 266 West 96th Street.
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What a beautiful building that one on the far left is. How sad that it’ll be going down. Then again, the new tower will look very nice too.
There’s no reason that historic facade needs to be destroyed and instead should incorporated into the new building behind.
I think instead of trying to preserve-in-place the old façade I would rather it was recycled in a lower density area where we could use it in its entirety as part of an infill building to boost density and create additional missing middle housing.
Classic style New York architecture in conformity with the neighborhood.
Looks very nice. Much nicer than steel and glass. The Upper West Side is getting so many new beautiful buildings.
Well done Fetner!
How to apply
That’s a beautiful old masonry building being destroyed. Another lost opportunity to reuse, adapt and preserve part of a neighborhoods architectural history into a new structure.
Let your predictions come true, but your predictions are in fact: Thanks to Michael Young.
The old building seems to have a terra cotta facade. Cornices of this material are often supported by ironwork that can deteriorate over the years. The heavy netting suggests that this is a problem already.
Well, it certainly doesn’t look like it is in good condition. Do note though that it was a substation at one point.
The photos of the site show a high rise being built immediately to the left of the new building.
The renderings show a 4 story low rise immediately to the left of the new building.
The look of the building and the block, and the value of apartments in both new buildings (the one under construction now and the one highlighted here) will be adversely affected accordingly.
ITs pretty funny how the developers renderings show the old building neighboring the site at the east (left) side of the new building, when in Michael Young’s photos the development of the neighboring building is already well advanced….guess they didn’t want to be too honest!
I would like a two bedroom affordable apartment urgently.