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Commission legalizes rebuilt garage and rooftop deck at 271 West 130th Street (Striver’s Row)
Summary
The commission approved reconstruction of a rear garage and a new deck at 271 West 130th Street in the Saint Nicholas Historic District, concluding the work will not harm character-defining features and will cure a prior unpermitted condition.
The Landmarks Preservation Commission on March 4 approved a plan to demolish and rebuild a rear garage and add a small balcony and rooftop deck at 271 West 130th Street in the Saint Nicholas Historic District, legalizing a construction condition that predated the current owners.
Architects Kathy Sabir and William Moses presented a proposal to remove an existing unpermitted rear garage, replace it with a new, slightly taller garage (raising the clear opening from about 6 feet 6 inches to 8 feet), and add a small balcony and railing above the garage to improve usability. The design calls for a buff-finished paneled garage door and black metal railings to match other back-of-block conditions.
Public testimony was supportive. Claudette Grady of Safe Harlem Now applauded the applicant for seeking to cure the violation and suggested the commission consider standardized guidelines for future garage work in the district; Manhattan Community Board 10 recommended approval.
Commission discussion found the existing utilitarian rear wall had no significant historic fabric and that garages already exist throughout the alley and rear yards on this block. Commissioners said the proposed garage height is within the typical range on the block and that materials and simple detailing are compatible with the secondary rear façade. Commissioner Lutfi moved for approval and Commissioner Master seconded; the motion passed by roll call (7–0).
The commission’s findings noted the demolition of the unpermitted garage did not remove significant historic features and that the rebuilt garage with metal railings and buff-colored paneled door would be compatible with the alley context. The applicant was required to follow standard LPC permit and DOB procedures to effect the work and cure the prior violation.
