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Landmarks committee flags permanent decorative displays, façade changes and large screens in Soho; outdoor dining continues to surge
Summary
Manhattan CB2's Landmark committee reported applications in Soho for permanent decorative flower displays, a full‑glass façade modification to a two‑story building, and large display screens the committee found objectionable; committee members also described a renewed surge in outdoor dining applications in the district.
The Landmark committee reported several applications in Soho that committee members described as "facially unacceptable" and asked the executive committee to note growing concerns about certain types of commercial alterations.
Committee members described one application that would make what has been marketed as a temporary flower decoration permanent for the duration of a lease; members objected on preservation grounds, saying such features obscure historic building facades. Another application for a two‑story building (referred to as the Crystal Building in committee notes) would replace the existing façade with full glass and alter historic floor delineation; the committee said the proposal lacked sensitivity to district character.
The committee also raised objections to a proposal for a double‑height display screen that would show moving images; members said large digital screens are increasingly before the committee and can be incompatible with historic streetscapes.
Landmarks reported the volume of outdoor dining and roadway cafe applications is increasing and that many of the new builds are modular or prebuilt structures. The committee said they have counted many applications and continue weekly monitoring and outreach to FDNY and DOT on safety and permitting questions.
