Advocacy

Dear Chair Srinivasan, Commissioners,

The American Institute of Architects New York Chapter (AIANY) is expressing its support for the proposed expansion of the Frick Collection by Selldorf Architects.

AIANY advocates for more access to architecture, particularly those great buildings that have been designated by the Landmarks Preservation Commission. The proposed expansion to the Frick Collection would allow for the public to gain access to the beautifully designed upstairs rooms in the original structure of the Frick House, while only slightly changing the original exterior by Carrère and Hastings.

We find it important to note how well the proposal actually maintains the Beaux-Arts exterior. The addition draws inspiration from the style with the use of bronze, a material frequently associated with Beaux-Arts architecture. Yet, the bronze also distinguishes the addition from the original masonry exterior, clearly delineating which aspects of the exterior are part of the original design.

Furthermore, the massing of the expansion does not overshadow the grandiosity of the original design, nor does it appear out of place with the historic apartment buildings and townhomes nearby. Open spaces, such as the famed Russell Page garden, are also untouched.

The proposed expansion of the Frick Collection by Selldorf Architects manages to give the public greater access to historic interiors, without compromising the landmarked exterior. For this reason, AIANY strongly urges the Landmarks Preservation Commission to grant approval for this proposed expansion.

March 29, 2018

The American Institute of Architects, New York Chapter (AIANY) is expressing concerns regarding the proposed demolition of 270 Park Avenue, formerly known as the Union Carbide Building. Designed in 1961 by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the building is a notable example of the International Style.

AIANY appreciates the level of discussion and awareness that has been brought to International Style buildings and Modern architecture’s heritage as a result of recent news regarding 270 Park Avenue. The International Style has become widely representative of the modern office building.

AIANY’s chief concern is the precedent this may set for sustainable design in New York. Currently, buildings are responsible for 70% of carbon emissions in New York City. The Union Carbide building was recently retrofitted in 2012, achieving LEED Platinum status, the highest possible rating. Without a better understanding of how it will be dismantled and what is going to replace it, demolishing such a recently renovated green building, particularly one as prominent as 270 Park Avenue, implies that sustainable design is a low priority.

Furthermore, if demolished, 270 Park Avenue would be the tallest building ever purposely razed. Demolition and construction are particularly energy intensive activities. As mentioned in AIANY’s recently-released Zero Waste Design Guidelines, construction and demolition waste account for 25-45% of the solid waste stream by weight nationwide. Construction and demolition waste is also often contaminated – with paint, adhesives, and fasteners. Demolition of 270 Park Avenue would represent a shift away from the values of sustainability and responsibility in building design, which are championed by architects in New York and beyond.

AIANY asks that JPMorgan Chase and our elected officials find a way to address these pressing concerns. We hope there will be studies to investigate adaptive reuse approaches, which may retain or work with the existing structure, in order to minimize the environmental impact of demolition. As architects, we strongly believe in new and innovative design, but also recognize the value of historically influential architecture and champion sustainability. The Chapter hopes to be a resource to JP Morgan Chase and our elected officials, as we strive for the common goal of keeping New York vibrant and economically competitive.

For more than thirty-five years, the federal Historic Tax Credit (HTC) has successfully facilitated a national policy of connecting the insistent evolvement of our present with the accomplishments of our past by preserving our historic resources.

On 11.12.15, AIANY testified in favor of landmarking the Edgar J. Kaufmann Conference Rooms at 809 United Nations Plaza, designed by Alvar Aalto. The hearing was the final hearing dedicated to clearing LPC’s 95-item backlog.

The five chapters of the American Institute of Architects in New York City distributed a memo in response to the hearing on Intro. 775.

On October 21st, AIANY executive director, Rick Bell, FAIA presented testimony in regard to the proposed the Park Avenue Christian Church Annex site.

AIANY originally supported the landmarking of the IRT Powerhouse in 2009. There will be another hearing on the site in November 2015 as part of LPC decalendaring efforts.

On September 30, AIANY Executive Director Rick Bell, FAIA, presented testimony in favor of the proposed 140 West 81st Street project designed by DXA Studio.

On 09.09.15, David Burney, FAIA, AIANY Interim Executive Director, testified on behalf of the five AIA chapters in NYC. Our testimony was in opposition to Intro. 775, which would change processes at the Landmarks Preservation Commission.

AIANY submitted comments on the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission effort to address its backlogged calendar

All 5 AIA Chapters of NYC came together in response to City Council Intro. 775, which proposes significant changes to Landmarks Preservation Commission. AIANY supports reforms to LPC to increase transparency and efficiency; however, the proposed solutions go too far and threaten NYC’s historic sites.

AIANY submitted testimony in favor of the proposed 346 Broadway aka 108 Leonard project designed by Beyer Blinder Belle.

On July 22nd, AIANY President Lance Jay Brown, FAIA, and AIANY Executive Director Rick Bell, FAIA, presented testimony in favor of the proposed One Vanderbilt Avenue project designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox.

On February 25th, AIANY and AIA Brooklyn submitted a letter in favor of the proposed site plan by SHoP Architects for the Domino Sugar Refinery site in Brooklyn to Carl Weisbrod, Chair of the City Planning Commission. We support the affordable housing, resiliency, and building height aspects of the project.

On February 11th, AIANY executive director, Rick Bell, FAIA presented testimony in regard to the proposed Park Avenue Historic District, and, in particular, the Park Avenue Christian Church Annex site. AIANY supports the creation of a Park Avenue Historic District and the idea of inserting a residential structure, proposed by Beyer Blinder Belle, where the Park Avenue Christian Church Annex has been located adjacent to the sanctuary.