Commission approves green accent at Sherry Netherland storefront, with one dissent

The Landmarks Preservation Commission approved a proposal to refresh the Michael Graves storefront at 779 5th Avenue (the Sherry Netherland) on Dec. 16, 2025, allowing a client's signature bright green portal while restoring the gold Grecian urn and placing stained-glass signage behind the oculus.

Architect Bridal Snyder, representing client Margo McKinney, said the proposal aims to "align with the new owner's brand and signature color" while respecting Michael Graves' original design intent. Several preservation groups and neighbors testified that the bright green portal moves away from the documented historic palettes; Zainab Turan of Friends of the Upper East Side called the proposed bright green "inappropriate" and urged returning the portal to its 1984 terracotta hue.

Commission debate centered on balancing Michael Graves' original color choices, tenant branding, and the storefront's historic role. Commissioner Goldblum and others said the Graves-era pop of color is part of the storefront's significance; Commissioner Ginsburg dissented and said the green "screams out" and is inconsistent with Graves' typical tones. The Commission voted to approve the application as shown while encouraging staff-applicant discussion about restoring terracotta at the arch; the motion carried 7–1.

Why it matters: the storefront is one of the city's notable Michael Graves designs; the decision will affect how postmodern storefronts and tenant branding are handled in landmark districts.

What's next: staff will process the approval and follow up with the applicant regarding the arch treatment suggestion.