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LPC approves new cooling tower at 32 Morton Street, coupled to existing water tank
Summary
The Landmarks Preservation Commission approved installation of a new enclosed cooling tower at 32 Morton Street (Greenwich Village Historic District), placed adjacent to the building's existing water tank and designed to minimize visual impact through neutral finishes and open dunnage.
The Landmarks Preservation Commission on Jan. 28 approved installation of a new enclosed cooling tower and supporting platform at 32 Morton Street (also known as 38'40 Seventh Avenue South) in the Greenwich Village Historic District.
Why it matters: The building's existing cooling tower dates to the 1981 conversion to co-ops and was described by the applicant as deteriorated, unprotected and inefficient. The replacement unit is an enclosed, insulated model that is intended to improve energy efficiency and reduce hygiene and maintenance concerns.
What was proposed and discussed: Architect Walter Sedovic described placing the new BAC cooling tower unit adjacent to and coupled with the building's existing water tank so the new unit could share dunnage, ladders and access platforms. The location avoided obstructing roof egress or private roof areas and minimized structural modification to the original 1919/1927 steel frame. The proposal orients the shorter face of the tower toward Seventh Avenue, uses an open-grate platform, cable rails and a neutral mill-finish metal color to help the installation recede, and retains clear egress paths beneath the unit.
Public comment and community board: No members of the public objected at the hearing; Manhattan Community Board 2 recommended approval.
Action taken: Commissioners approved the cooling tower installation, finding the new unit would be seen in the context of existing rooftop accretions and that a neutral metal finish and careful siting would allow the unit to recede. The motion passed 7'0in favor, 0 opposed.
Ending: The applicant was asked to continue coordination with staff on final dunnage finish and to pursue maintenance and access arrangements shared with the water tank.
