The Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) has approved proposals from Lang Architecture to renovate the façade and front garden of a five-story townhouse on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Located at 51 West 70th Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue, the rowhome was originally constructed by architect Gilbert A. Schellenger between 1890 and 1891 in Renaissance Revival style.
Today, the building houses ten residential units.
Aerial view of 51 West 70th Street
The approved scope of work includes the removal and infill of all existing air conditioning cavities and other unused mechanical openings, the removal and replacement of existing windows, and the installation of new entry doors, as well as new gates and railings surrounding the property.
Drawings from the architect also reveal a full demolition of a roof-level penthouse, which will be replaced with an updated addition featuring a large, fixed window and swing door. At the rear of the building, the penthouse and first floor will feature an outdoor terrace with a metal railing.
The front garden will receive new bluestone pavers, discreetly placed runoff drains, new railings and gates along the property line, and relocated planters to improve organization.
Existing conditions (left & center) and proposed facade alterations (right) at 51 West 70th Street – Courtesy of Landmark West
Front garden and facade alterations at 51 West 70th Street
While approved by the LPC, the project team has not revealed an official construction timeline for the renovation project.
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Permits have already been filed with DOB already to convert this rent-stabilized, 10-unit multifamily home into a single-family McMansion. This is what gentrification and direct displacement look like.
too bad they didn’t restore the stoop.