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Commission approves aluminum-clad wood windows for Pier A, amid calls for alternate materials and a stronger maintenance plan
Summary
The Landmarks Preservation Commission approved replacement of deteriorated windows at Pier A Harbor House (22 Battery Place) with aluminum-clad wood windows, after applicants cited coastal exposure and preservation groups urged retention of painted wood or acetylated wood.
The Landmarks Preservation Commission on May 20 approved the replacement of multiple windows at Pier A Harbor House (22 Battery Place) with aluminum-clad wood windows, finding the material appropriate given the building—s coastal exposure and the condition of existing sashes.
Iris Altamiranda of H. Tome Architects presented the proposal on behalf of the leaseholder, Battery Park City Authority (BPCA). She told commissioners that many of the building—s wooden window sashes are "irreparably damaged" due to constant exposure to salt and coastal weather and that some sashes and frames are missing or water-damaged. Dan Dixon, director of planning and design at BPCA, said the authority has a 49-year lease (since February 2008) and intends an active maintenance program for Pier A going forward.
Preservation advocates pressed for alternatives. Christina Conroy of the Victorian Society said deterioration between 2016 and 2025 suggested a lapse in maintenance and urged the commission to require investigation of acetylated wood (an engineered, rot-resistant wood product) before approving metal-clad replacements. Lucy Levine of the Historic Districts Council also recommended retention of wood windows if feasible.
Commissioners acknowledged the building—s difficult marine environment and the extent of documented deterioration. The commission—s motion found the proposed windows would match historic configurations, profiles and finishes and that exterior metal cladding would "improve longevity within a marine environment." The motion passed on a roll call with all present voting in favor.
The commission conditioned the approval on matching profiles and on reinstalling existing metal trim where feasible; BPCA indicated it will maintain the building under the new long-term lease. No explicit requirement for acetylated wood testing was recorded in the motion; preservation groups noted that maintenance commitments and specification details would be important for long-term preservation.
