Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Urban Design topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission approves single‑story masonry‑clad building with parabolic arches at 74 Hudson in Tribeca despite neighborhood objections
Summary
The commission approved a new single‑story building at 74 Hudson Street in the Tribeca West Historic District, clad in a terracotta‑like ultra‑high‑performance concrete with a repeated parabolic arch motif; vote 7‑0. Preservation groups and the community board had urged denial.
The Landmarks Preservation Commission voted 7‑0 on March 4 to approve construction of a new single‑story building at 74 Hudson Street in the Tribeca West Historic District, finding the masonry‑like cladding and arched bay rhythm compatible with district character while noting the site is constrained by easements limiting height.
Architects from DXA Studio proposed a one‑story, 18‑foot high structure with a repeating parabolic‑arch façade cast in an ultra‑high‑performance cementitious composite intended to evoke terracotta and masonry found throughout the district. The interior program includes a large swimming pool occupying roughly two‑thirds of the building and a small retail space at the corner.
Jordan Rogoff and Sando Thordarson of DXA explained the site is encumbered by easements from surrounding properties that cap any new construction at approximately 18 feet to preserve light and air for adjacent buildings; those constraints prevented a taller, street‑wall building. DXA said the proposed lightweight UHP concrete (UHPC) modules would be cast, hung and jointed to achieve a masonry appearance while allowing rounded parapets and deep pier expression.
Neighbors and preservation groups raised objections. Christina Conroy of the Victorian Society in New York called the one‑story proposal “inappropriate” for such a prominent corner and said the design lacked the base/shaft/top divisions that help modern buildings fit into historic contexts. The Historic Districts Council likewise described the façade as “too small for its site” and objected to large window openings. Manhattan Community Board 1 recommended denial, citing the hyperbolic parabolic arches and color choice.
The applicant responded that prior approvals in 2008 had allowed an all‑glass building and argued the current submission better references masonry arch precedents in the district. DXA emphasized the pool program and the need for mechanical equipment above the pool, and said it had reduced rooftop bulkheads and worked with neighbors to minimize mechanical visibility. Renderings and mockups showed limited views of the building from several vantage points; the team said maximum visibility is a thin sliver from certain directions and that color and finish would be coordinated with LPC staff.
Commissioners who supported approval said the design references the neighborhood’s long history of arched bays, and noted the unusual site constraints. Commissioner Goldblum asked that the team work with staff on final color and material samples to avoid a “near‑match” effect with adjacent masonry. Commissioner Goldblum moved approval; Commissioner Master seconded. The roll call recorded seven votes in favor and none opposed.
The commission’s approval requires the applicant to work with staff on final color and sample review before permit issuance.
