LPC Approves Recladding of 92 Prince Street for Ferrari Boutique; Commissioners Trim Banner Count

The Landmarks Preservation Commission approved a contemporary recladding and new storefront for 92 Prince Street, a commission‑approved building in the SoHo Cast Iron Historic District, during its May 13, 2025 public meeting.

Preservation consultant Jonathan Taylor presented the proposal on behalf of Ferrari’s retail team (architects and preservation consultants were in attendance). The project designs a metal and glass facade in two stainless‑steel finishes that maintains the building’s existing double‑height storefront rhythm while introducing a lighter, contemporary expression and curved recessed primary entrance. The package included minimal chrome lettering, two corner blade banners (reduced from an initial three during review), and removable translucent interior display panels.

Taylor said the new facade would use two finishes of stainless steel — a darker patinated finish and a lighter textured matte finish — to provide depth and a subdued metallic palette that would weather over time. The design team supplied metal samples and noted precedent for similar stainless finishes in the district (including projects on the High Line). The architects also explained that in response to community comments they reduced the number of banners and chose vertical, narrow flags to reduce visual clutter.

Commissioners praised the proposal’s restraint and careful detailing, highlighting the increased vertical rhythm (the team changed some mullion spacing from five to six to emphasize verticality) and the curved recessed entrance as a sculptural element. Several commissioners preferred two banners instead of three; the motion the commission approved specified two banners and otherwise found the design appropriate for this narrow, contemporary infill building.

Manhattan Community Board 2 recommended denial in its advisory capacity; commissioners noted that while staff and the project team had consulted the community board, LPC has a long track record of permitting contemporary interpretations for small commercial infill in SoHo when they respect proportion, scale and materiality.

The motion passed unanimously (10–0) with conditions that ensure the finer details and material selections are finalized with staff, and the commission noted the project’s limited illumination and modest signage program.

Sources: LPC presentation; applicant materials and material samples; community board advisory comments; commission roll call, May 13, 2025.