A recent proposal submitted to the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) aims to bring a fresh touch to the historic facade of 107 Spring Street, located between Mercer and Greene Streets in Soho’s Cast Iron District. The proposal, compiled by JPD Preservation Consulting and Overall Murals, seeks to allocate space for a painted wall sign, blending historical charm with modern artistry.
448 West Broadway, 1940’s tax photo. (NYCMA via NYCHPC)
1940’s tax photo, southeast corner of Crosby and Grand. (NYCMA via NYCHPC)
The design outlines a two-inch standard black or white border surrounding the sign, adhering to the approved sign dimensions and facade placement. Unlike the border, the content within the designated sign space remains unregulated. The proposal does show recurring watches of Switzerland as an example of the mural.
The master plan permit, proposed for a term of ten years, highlights a sign covering about 171 square feet, which is approximately 10 percent of the total facade, set against the broader 1,655-square-foot exposed wall.
107 Spring Street Proposed Billboard via NYCHPC
Historical photos included in the proposal reflect past wall signage on the building, showcasing a tradition of mural advertising. Similar examples from neighboring districts are also provided to offer a broader context.
64 MacDougal Street at the corner of West Houston Street via NYCHPC
225 West 4th Street, painted wall sign approved by LPC in 2022 via NYCHPC
There is a public hearing on October 17, open to the community and stakeholders. No timeline has been announced for the mural installation if the initiative at 107 Spring Street is approved.
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I get a bit uneasy when I read about art having to be ‘reviewed’ by committee..
Advertisements are not art
How bout somebody replaces that little turd of a building on the corner with a nice cast-iron inspired modern job.
I can’t believe LPC wastes there time with non-issues like this meanwhile 100 year old structures all over the city lose their historic ornamental parapets leaving “scalped” buildings behind on a nearly weekly basis. Ridiculous.
This is not a little turd of a building. According to “We are Soho Broadway”, “At 107 Spring Street lies a Federal Style brick house — the oldest still-surviving building within the Historic District. The Report states that it is said to be from the 1806-08 era due to certain discernible characteristics such as stone lintels above the windows. “