Update March 23, 2021: The Landmarks Preservation Commission unanimously approved the new proposal during today's public hearing. 

Developer Bromley Companies and design firm Studios Architecture will return before the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) tomorrow to present their updated rendition of 122 Fifth Avenue, a proposal aiming to expand the footprint of a turn-of-the-century commercial office building within the Ladies Mile Historic District of Flatiron.

The development plan sees updates to the facade and storefronts of the historic 1899 building, as well as the construction of a brand new, 10-story structure atop a site currently occupied by a parking lot. The new design by Studios Architecture is a handsome and respectful Fifth Avenue addition that will be clad in stone, brick and bronze, mirroring the aesthetic of its predecessor.


Studios Architecture | Bromley Companies

The redevelopment will also add three new retail units on the ground floor of the new combined structure, one on each 5th Avenue, 17th Street and 18th Street. Above the retail will be both new and renovated office spaces, as well as a rooftop garden with a glass atrium.  

Studios Architecture | Bromley Companies

This will be the second try for the project team. Last December, the LPC refused their request for a Certificate of Appropriateness, the passkey for construction. LPC Commissioners asked that the building design be revised to better harmonize with the 1899 structure and the historic streetscape. The detailing of the first iteration, they argued, was far too flat and contemporary and should better reflect that of 122 Fifth Avenue. They also asked that the entrance marquee be reduced and the structure register a one-story ingress (versus two) to match the existing condition. 

LPC will review the updated application tomorrow, March 23, 2021. We will provide updates here. Stay tuned.