Andrew Scott Dolkart 116 Pinehurst Avenue New York. New York 10033 Tel/Fax: (212) S68-2480 Email: [email protected]

Robert Tierney, Chair Landmarks Preservation Commission 1 Centre Street New York, NY 10007

November 12, 2013

Dear Chair Tierney and Commissioners:

My name is Andrew Dolkart and I am the director of the Historic Preservation Program at and the James Marston Fitch Associate Professor of Historic Preservation; I have been involved with preservation issues in New York City for over thirty years. I had hoped to come in person to the speak about the Apthorp, but my academic schedule does not permit me to be there, thus I have written this statement in strong opposition to the proposal to build atop the Apthorp Apartments.

I do not generally speak at C of A hearings, but this proposal is so egregious that I feel it is imperative for me, as a preservationist and as someone interested in the architecture of New York City, to comment. The Apthorp was one ofthe earliest designations made by the Landmarks Commission. It is clear from this early designation that the Commission considered and, I hope, still considers, the Apthorp to be one of the most significant and most beautiful apartment buildings in the city. This great Italian Renaissance inspired design, with its limestone and brick facades, open rooftop loggias, grand entrance arches, and spacious courtyard, is among the first buildings that proved that affluent New Yorkers could live in gracious apartment buildings without giving up any ofthe amenities that they had in single-family row houses. Architecturally and historically, this is one of the great buildings ofNew York.

The present proposal seems to be guided by nothing other than greed how can an owner milk every inch of a property for maximum profit. Fortunately, the Landmarks Commission is there to say no to the proposed additions. The proposed additions will be highly visible, especially from the courtyard. The worst feature ofthe proposal is the manner in which the loggias are treated. The rooftop loggias were designed and have always served as open, transparent caps to the building when viewed from the street and as viewing platforms for residents. Enclosing these loggias and making them part of apartments, with new glass that will destroy their open transparent quality (not to mention the curtains or shades that residents will add to the windows) will completely destroy the effect ofthese important elements ofthe building. The Landmarks Commission often works with owners to make proposals for alterations more appropriate for a building. But in some cases it is necessary for the Commission, as steward of the city's great architectural landmarks, to just say no. This is one ofthose cases. Please say NO to this inappropriate and destructive proposal. s~~~ Andrew Scott Dolkart