One would think that just having a facade in place instead of an empty lot would be more ideal for anyone who might want to sell an old building that they might not be able to repair themselves. Facade demolition in historic neighborhoods really upset the flow of the block and also many of the neighbors but if owners would just have the front of the building braced, much of the important details could be saved. The above photo of a facade on West 126th Street by Lenox was taken a couple of years back but shows how one building was supported so that it could be used at a later date. Of course this up to the owner to enact but such a basic investment would seem natural especially on a block of preserved brownstones.
Good to see this façade was preserved, this gives the developer a template for the future building if he chooses to use it, which will result in a grand brownstone façade and high ceiling floors, not to mention preserving the continuity of the block. Here is hoping the future owner values history, which unfortunately is a quality rarely seen in developers, architects or contractors.
ReplyDeleteSo why don't we force the City to "brace" rather then demolish like they are now doing on that other block...????
ReplyDeleteits not too late!! or is it?