Revamp Of Chelsea Warehouse Draws Preservationist Critics: Report

CHELSEA, NY — Chelsea's historic Terminal Warehouse building is set to be transformed into modern office spaces — but not without hearing criticism from preservationists.

The proposal, led by L&L Holding Co. and Normandy Real Estate Partners, would replace half a million square feet of storage space with offices at the property at 11th Avenue and 27th Street. Architecture firm COOKFOX is leading the design of the renovations and additional floors proposed.

Curbed reported that preservationists and locals are wary of the design plans to add a courtyard, build up several floors of a glass and steel structure, among other design details, they said at a Landmarks Preservation Commission hearing Tuesday.

Additional floors added to the building would be "too visible and distract from the landmark," Andrea Goldwyn of the New York Landmarks Conservancy said at the hearing, as reported by Curbed.

Another noted preservation group Historic Districts Council disapproved of plans to take out some of the interiors of the building for a courtyard, the news website wrote.

COOKFOX says of the design plans: "A planted courtyard at the center of the Warehouse will bring sunlight to the depths of the building for the first time."

"New penthouse-style additions will create terraces for additional green space and orient the building to the waterfront," the firm added in a description on its website.

The Landmarks commission has not yet voted on the plans. Commissioners will comment at a hearing next month, according to Curbed.

See the developers full presentation to the commission here.