Tuesday, November 5, 2013

☞ ARCHITECTURE: A Modern Penthouse on 126th

Number 71-73 West 126th Street caused quite a stir back in August when it was revealed that the original brownstone facades were torn down for a futuristic take on a townhouse.  We walked by the block just east of Lenox Avenue this past week and noticed that the penthouse has finally finished up.

There is something interesting about the mix of modern and old but we would have preferred to have kept the brownstone line intact and just add the modern addition on top.  This is more in line with the new glass pyramid at the Louvre in Paris and keeps the integrity of the neighborhood.  With that said, things could be much worse here and at least the new building is a lot more interesting than some of the other modern building that have appeared uptown. Check out what Bespoke readers had to say about the new arrival in our past post: LINK
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6 comments:

  1. westsiderNovember 5, 2013 at 10:20 AM

    One of the great pleasures of Harlem is to walk the brownstone side streets, each brownstone follows a strict formula of stoop, window details and cornice, but this is where the similarities end, all have slightly differing color, stoop ironwork, entry doors, window bars, planters etc creating a street scape of old world charm. I am sorry to say that this building does nothing to contribute to the beauty of this block or Harlem, in my opinion, it spoils the charm of the block. Ulysses, I appreciate you looking for the positive in this.

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  2. UlyssesNovember 5, 2013 at 10:37 AM

    Folks move to brownstone Harlem for the townhouses so we believe in retaining this aesthetic on the side blocks if the structure still exists. Modern condo folks want the big constructions that are usually found on the avenues.

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  3. westsiderNovember 5, 2013 at 10:59 AM

    Harlem is a very special part of Manhattan in that it has so much old architecture, especially on the side streets. Agreed, the avenues have a more fragmented mix of buildings with the exception of lower Lenox with it’s fabulous buildings that are now thankfully being restored.

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  4. westsiderNovember 5, 2013 at 11:03 AM

    To it’s credit, this modern façade adds interest when viewed from afar looking down the street with it’s undulating overlapping brown columns and the glass hidden from view.

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  5. UnknownNovember 5, 2013 at 6:54 PM

    I hate the fact that the traditional architecture is being changed! I am an avid believer in retaining Harlem's historical aesthetic. Homeowners in these blocks should protest these changes!

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  6. Mad JoyNovember 7, 2013 at 6:26 PM

    Personally, I think it's gorgeous! I welcome the diversity and the innovative design.

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