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Commissioners press applicant to restudy massing and fenestration at 144 Greenpoint Avenue
Summary
Designers of a proposed 55‑unit residential building at 144 Greenpoint Avenue were told to restudy window proportions, massing and sidewalk planters after commissioners and HDC called for revisions; no action was taken and the item will return for further review.
The commission did not take action on a proposal to demolish an altered commercial building and build a new residential project at 144 Greenpoint Avenue. John Field of Building Studio Architects presented a design for a five‑story red‑brick building (seven stories at setback), with 55 units and 20% affordable housing. Field described efforts to align the street wall with adjacent tenements and to reduce footprint at the rear.
Multiple commissioners criticized the proposed square fenestration and the massing of the upper floors, and several said the street-level planters felt intrusive. Manru Fatima of the Historic Districts Council testified that the proposal "needs work" and urged stronger use of historic cues and window proportions. Commissioners suggested options including changing window proportions to a more vertical rhythm, reducing visible penthouse mass, and rethinking ground-floor planters; the applicant will return with revisions.
Commissioner Chiu said the project "has a split personality," asking designers to clarify which side of the street the building is referencing; Commissioner Mahan suggested simplifying the rooftop parapet and guardrails. No vote was held; the commission asked the applicant to restudy and return.
