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Commission approves Little Hen signage and artificial garlands on Bleecker and Thompson
Summary
The commission approved painted signage and light fixtures and a reversible artificial floral garland installation for Little Hen at 155 Bleecker/203'205 Thompson, with conditions addressing planter size and nonpermanence.
The Landmarks Preservation Commission on Aug. 5 approved painted storefront signage, light fixtures and a reversible artificial floral garland installation for Little Hen at 155 Bleecker Street (203'205 Thompson) in the South Village Historic District.
Enrique Tamirano, representing the applicant, told commissioners the proposal uses concrete-filled planters and reversible mounting (including minimal suction cups if needed) so the installation will not penetrate historic fabric. The proposed signage is painted directly on the sign band and the preexisting light fixtures beneath the sign will be repainted to match the storefront.
Commissioners reviewed community board comments: Manhattan Community Board 2 recommended mixed approval, supporting the sign and lighting (to be painted blue to blend with the sign) but recommending denial of the potted floral installation unless planters are reduced in scale. The applicant said planter size and placement were revised after the community board hearing and that the artificial plantings are entirely nonliving and mounted so they will not block the sidewalk.
The commission's approval noted that the floral garlands and urns are ephemeral, reversible and set out in front of the storefront infill so they do not obscure cast-iron piers or other architectural features. The approval finds that the painted sign is well scaled to the sign band and that repainted light fixtures will be compatible when finished to blend with the signboard. The applicant pointed to a recent, similar LPC approval for a garland installation at 98 Thompson Street (May 6, 2025) as precedent.
Details noted in the hearing: the painted sign dimensions were presented as 21 inches high and 102.7 inches wide; the corner brand mark is 25 by 24 inches. The applicant confirmed all plantings are artificial and that no permanent attachments or drilling of the facade is proposed.
The motion to approve was read and seconded; the clerk called the vote and recorded seven in favor, none opposed. The commission required that the final installation conform to the reduced planter dimensions presented to the commission and that staff verify technical specifications for lighting so illumination is not excessive.
