LPC Sends East Village Gas Explosion Site Back To Drawing Board

EAST VILLAGE, NY — The city's Landmark Preservation Commission asked the architects behind a condo building slated for the lot where a 2015 gas explosion leveled two buildings to revise the plan to better fit the neighborhood's character and to commentate those who died in the blast, the commission ruled in a Tuesday meeting.

Plans call for the Morris Adjmi Architects-designed building on Second Avenue and East Seventh Street to have 21 apartments from one through three-bedrooms and because the building sits within the area's historic district, the Landmarks Preservation Commission's approval is mandated.

But during the Tuesday meeting the commission took issue with the building's sullen grey brick, its large corner windows and the visibility of the penthouse — all of which the commission felt puts the building in stark contrast to its neighbors, explained a commission spokeswoman.

The commission also suggested the building's architects return with a revised proposal that include a commemorative plaque to the gas explosion's two victims.

There is no timeline for the applicants to submit a revised proposal.

Images courtesy of Morris Adjmi Architects