Commission approves redesigned Bleecker Street storefront and marquee with textured glass and neon

The Landmarks Preservation Commission voted to approve alterations to the ground‑floor storefront and marquee at 159–161 Bleecker Street in the South Village Historic District on Aug. 12. The building, an early 20th‑century theater structure, is heavily altered; the application proposed new storefront infill, patterned/transom glazing, and a reworked marquee clad in painted metal with halo‑style neon banding and recessed downlights. Applicant representative Greta Hansen explained that the current aluminum storefront would be replaced with a painted metal storefront system, new doors and transoms featuring textured (reeded and cross‑reeded) glass in the transoms and doors, and clear glass at the display windows. The marquee would be reclad with painted metal and include linear neon to create a muted halo glow and recessed pinpoint LED downlights on the underside. The Victorian Society and others testified in support, praising the design’s ability to downplay an incongruous upper‑floor addition and commending the use of real neon on the marquee. Manhattan Community Board 2 recommended approval conditionally, asking LPC staff to ensure the marquee’s illumination remains an unobtrusive glow. Commissioners discussed the relation of the new infill to the remaining historic fabric and the streetscape and encouraged the applicant to work with staff on details. The commission explicitly noted that reeded and cross‑reeded glazing—a historic mid‑20th‑century storefront treatment—would be acceptable and said staff could approve final details; the motion passed unanimously as recorded.