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LPC legalizes diamond plate area way and allows storefront garland at 98 Thompson Street with conditions
Summary
The Landmarks Preservation Commission on May 6 legalized diamond‑plate surfacing in an area way at 98 Thompson Street after the applicant reported bluestone curb removal during construction and granted permanent permission for a decorative garland at the storefront, finding both to be reversible and not to damage historic fabric; the commission's
The Landmarks Preservation Commission on May 6 approved two modifications at 98 Thompson Street in the Sullivan‑Thompson Historic District: legalization of a diamond‑plate coverage of the area way and continued installation of a decorative floral garland at the commercial storefront. LPC found both interventions reversible and not to cause loss of significant historic material when compared with district character.
Background and reason for change: The building originally had a bluestone airway curb and a slab above a vault; during permitted storefront work contractors attempted to trim the curb to create a sloped, barrier‑free entry but encountered thin stone and underlying structure (rebar and slab). The contractor instead removed the bluestone and extended diamond plate over the area. The applicant said the diamond plate links two existing diamond‑plate elements and was selected to avoid damaging the vault below; the work was installed without LPC permit and the application sought legalization.
Garland request: The retail tenant further requested that a temporary decorative garland of greenery be approved permanently. Applicant architect Hal Dorfman said the garland is mechanically attached to the storefront wood framing, is removable, and that the storefront wood and brackets behind it were restored and made watertight during the renovation.
Public and board comments: Manhattan Community Board 2 recommended mixed action — it asked that any non‑skid surface be maintained and that the garland remain temporary. Preservation commenters noted the area way and diamond‑plate finds in similar nearby blocks and emphasized reversibility. Commissioners said the garland is playful but reversible, and the area‑way diamond plate does not unduly draw attention in the block context.
Commission action and conditions: LPC voted (7–0) to legalize the diamond‑plate area way and to allow the garland to remain, with the understanding it is mechanically attached and reversible and that the tenant maintain any anti‑slip surfacing as required. The commission noted the garland’s attachment method and asked the owner to ensure future tenants could remove the display and restore the storefront as needed.
Bottom line: LPC legalized the built condition with a requirement to maintain safe non‑slip surfaces and reiterated that the garland is reversible and does not harm significant historic fabric; the Department of Buildings must still sign off on any code items before final approvals.
