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Commission legalizes stucco and removal of shutter pintles at 32 Howard Street in SoHo
Summary
The Landmarks Preservation Commission approved legalization of a stucco repair and removal of shutter pintles on the rear façade of 32 Howard Street in the SoHo Cast Iron Historic District, finding the work not visible from public streets and consistent with prior alterations to the rear courtyard.
The Landmarks Preservation Commission on Jan. 28 approved an amendment to legalize two areas of completed work at 32 Howard Street (SoHo Cast Iron Historic District): removal of shutter pintles and installation of a stucco system on a rear façade.
Why it matters: Commission staff concluded the affected rear wall is not visible from public thoroughfares, had been previously altered by an approved full-height rear extension and rooftop work, and that the stucco finish matches other previously approved rear additions. Commissioners balanced concerns about loss of historic fabric with the need to address persistent water infiltration to protect the building.
Applicant presentation and rationale: Jordan Dojek of Spear Street Capital, the building's current owner, said the stucco and insulation system were installed after repeated water infiltration into the rear stairway persisted despite repointing. The owner reported that during acquisition and subsequent storms water was pouring into the building; immediate weatherproofing was undertaken to stop the leaks. Tony Zagrafos of CBRE confirmed the installed system includes insulation and a waterproofing/adhesion layer.
Public comment and community board: Christina Conroy of the Victorian Society urged removal of the stucco and restoration of brick and window pintles; Manhattan Community Board 2 recommended approval.
Action taken: Commissioner Chapin moved to approve an amendment (LPC 24-09748) to legalize the removal of shutter pintles and the stucco installation on the rear façade, finding the rear façade is not visible from any public thoroughfare, the stucco matches surrounding rear additions, and the work did not remove substantial historic fabric. Commissioner Ginsburg seconded; the motion passed 7–0.
Ending: The commission approved the amendment and noted the owner's obligation to follow LPC protocol in future work; no street-visible features were altered.
Votes at a glance - LPC 24-09748 (32 Howard Street) — Motion to legalize stucco and removal of shutter pintles: mover Commissioner Chapin; second Commissioner Ginsburg; vote: 7 in favor, 0 opposed.
