Commission legalizes neon sign at 225 West Fourth Street in Greenwich Village

The Landmarks Preservation Commission on June 24 approved as-built installation of a neon sign at 225 West Fourth Street (also addressed as 229 W. Fourth Street / 126 Seventh Avenue) in the Greenwich Village Historic District, finding the sign small in scale and consistent with the area’s commercial character.

John Bedard of Kosher Studios presented images showing the building’s long history of food-and-drink uses and precedent neon signs on Seventh Avenue South. The applicant sought retroactive approval for the installed neon above the Seventh Avenue South facade; staff reported the work was built prior to full review, so the hearing considered the as-built condition.

Testimony from preservation groups was supportive. Jeremy Woodoff of the Victorian Society said the signs are “well scaled and not excessive” and specifically endorsed “the use of real neon.” Kaylee Johnson of the Historic Districts Council also supported the sign as “modest and aesthetically pleasing.” Manhattan Community Board 2, however, recommended denial.

Commissioners noted that Seventh Avenue South has a long commercial history with a variety of sign types, and that the small neon sign occupies plain masonry without damaging or concealing significant architectural features. The commission’s finding said the sign is well proportioned to the sign band and does not include exposed conduit or junction boxes.

The commission voted to approve the neon as installed by recorded roll call (7–0). The staff directive requires the sign to be installed without exposed conduit or junction boxes and that its installation did not conceal significant features.