Committee backs careful parapet-raising at 40 Fifth Avenue, asks color and finish mock-ups for metal infills

The Landmarks Committee reviewed a proposal to raise the parapet and modify baluster profiles at the upper penthouse of 40 Fifth Avenue in the Greenwich Village Historic District to meet current code-required guardrail height.

CTA Architects explained the existing upper parapet measures about 2 feet 9 inches and must be raised to the minimum 3 feet 6 inches for code compliance. The project team proposed to reuse existing historic baluster profiles found on lower parts of the building and to reset the urn corner pieces after work is completed. Where the space between historic balusters would exceed modern safety limits, the team proposes to install thin metal rods set slightly to the rear of the balusters and painted to visually recede.

Committee members generally supported the limited, carefully detailed approach and said the change would likely be imperceptible from common public viewpoints. Several members and the building—s representatives urged field mock-ups to try alternative rod colors and finishes, noting white rods would be visually conspicuous. One owner—s representative said a pale gray slip-coat finish was planned but the team agreed to test darker tones and bring samples to the commissioners.

The committee recommended approval in principle with the expectation that final color and finish decisions for the metal infill would be resolved by mock-up tests and LPC staff review. The committee also asked the applicant to document the work plan and structural reinforcement required to support the new cast-stone and parapet work.