The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission has approved plans to combine and expand two three-story townhouses at 79-81 Jane Street in Manhattan’s West Village. Designed by Allen & Killcoyne Architects with JPD Preservation Consulting, the project involves the combination of the two buildings into a unified structure, as well as alterations to the front areaways and rear façade, excavation of the cellar and rear yard, and the construction of a one-story rooftop bulkhead. The property is located between Washington and Greenwich Streets.
In unifying the structures, several modifications will be made to bring consistency to the main southern elevation. These include replacement of all wood-trimmed windows, replacement of 81 Jane Street’s front door and window grilles to match those used on 79 Jane Street, restoration of the brownstone stucco finish at the basement level, and refinishing of the brownstone lintels and windowsills. The buildings’ original Greek Revival wrought iron stair and areaway railings will be preserved.
79-81 Jane Street. Image: Allen + Killcoyne Architects
The rear elevation will feature much more extensive alterations, beginning with the excavation of the rear yard to create a sunken terrace for the new sub-basement level. Both façades will be completely removed, including their windows, wood cladding, and framing, and replaced with a new brick façade, expansive floor-to-ceiling windows with black mullions between the basement and first story, and uniform windows with black frames on the second and third story.
79-81 Jane Street. Image: Allen + Killcoyne Architects
79-81 Jane Street. Image: Allen + Killcoyne Architects
The rooftop addition will serve as a bulkhead for the redesigned stairwell, new elevator shaft, and other mechanical equipment. The roof parapet will also feature a mahogany privacy fence for the roof terrace. All new components above the cornice line will be set back so as not to be visible from the street.
According to documents referenced in the LPC hearing, the structures were constructed in 1846-47 by local developer and attorney Peter Van Antwerp.
A construction timeline for the renovations has not been announced.
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