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SoHo shop asks committee to endorse keeping diamond‑plate steps after cast‑iron parts proved unsalvageable

October 20, 2025 | Manhattan City, New York County, New York


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SoHo shop asks committee to endorse keeping diamond‑plate steps after cast‑iron parts proved unsalvageable
An architect and structural engineer presented photographs of 102 Green Street showing cast‑iron vault steps that were badly deteriorated and partially previously covered. The presenters said they attempted a salvage strategy—reinstalling historic pieces on a new structural slab—but when the pieces were removed the iron fractured and could not be restored. The owner installed diamond‑plate stepped treads as an interim measure and now seeks the committee's recommendation to leave those steps in place.

"When they were opened up they were really, really bad—the top step literally fell to pieces," said Adam Cohen, structural engineer. He said the temporary diamond‑plate installation was intended to provide a safe, immediate sidewalk restoration while preserving as much historic material as possible. The team documented several nearby properties that already use diamond plate over vault steps on the same block.

A representative of a neighborhood preservation group who testified said he helped ensure the door and some elements were saved and urged the committee to require efforts to reinstall historic lighting and other original features if possible.

Committee members asked whether all salvage options had been exhausted; the applicant said they built the concrete substrate and waterproofing first, and only after uncovering the steps discovered the iron could not be sewn back together. The committee did not take a final formal vote during the meeting and flagged the matter for staff follow‑up; members suggested documentation of salvage attempts be submitted to Landmarks staff along with a photo record.

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Scribe from Workplace AI
Scribe from Workplace AI