The former Gristedes supermarket in NoHo is one step closer to redevelopment. On Tuesday, the Landmarks Preservation Commission approved alterations to 250 Mercer Street.
250 Mercer Street as seen in 1940
The one-story building at the corner of Mercer Street and West 3rd Street was built between 1934 and 1938, and has been altered several times since then. It fell under the LPC’s jurisdiction with the designation of the NoHo Historic District in 1999.
Proposal for 250 Mercer Street
Now, the plan is to redevelop the building into three retail spaces, with a raised parapet that will hide new mechanical equipment on the roof. The façade will be made of grey cast stone and the metal storefronts will feature sliding doors and multiple awnings. Signage will have halo lighting. The design work comes from Henry Grossman of Long Island City-based BanG Studio.
This building will remain at one story in height both because the air rights have been transferred and there is an easement.
Commissioner Michael Devonshire found the awnings to be a bit narrow and not very protective of the people under them. He suggested one awning per storefront. Grossman said that wouldn’t fit with the rhythm of what they were trying to accomplish.
Commissioner Frederick Bland said he expects this building to eventually be altered again at a future date.
LPC Chair Meenakshi referenced an oft-uttered line, typically spoken by Commissioner Michael Goldblum, when she said, “This is fine.” She added that it was a “very reasonable, appropriate design” that “fits in” with the district.
Commissioner Devonshire said the proposal was a “refreshing, contemporary approach,” adding, “I think that sweatshirt grey is going to be the color of 2017.”
Manhattan Community Board 2 supported the proposal, but asked for darker colors and a cornice. In the end, the commissioners approved the proposal as presented.
View the full presentation slides here:
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Good idea is going to make proposal real in Noho with surroundings so okay at colors, low-rise but prominent appearances.
Correct is “NoHo”. (I forget because I’m toothache)
The building was obviously built before the 50s, if there’s a photo from 1940 of it. A weird error to make.
A taller building would block all the AC units in the windows next door and behind.