Andrew Scott Dolkart

116 Pinehurst Avenue

New York. New York 10033

Tel/Fax: (212) S68-2480

Email: asd3@columbia.edu

Robert Tierney, Chair

New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission
1 Centre Street
New York, NY 10007
November 12, 2013
Dear Chair Tierney and Commissioners:
My name is Andrew Dolkart and I am the director of the Historic Preservation Program at
Columbia University and the James Marston Fitch Associate Professor of Historic Preservation; I
have been involved with preservation issues in New York City for over thirty years. I had hoped
to come in person to the speak about the Apthorp, but my academic schedule does not permit me
to be there, thus I have written this statement in strong opposition to the proposal to build atop
the Apthorp Apartments.
I do not generally speak at C of A hearings, but this proposal is so egregious that I feel it is
imperative for me, as a preservationist and as someone interested in the architecture of New York
City, to comment. The Apthorp was one of the earliest designations made by the Landmarks
Commission. It is clear from this early designation that the Commission considered and, I hope,
still considers, the Apthorp to be one of the most significant and most beautiful apartment
buildings in the city. This great Italian Renaissance inspired design, with its limestone and brick
facades, open rooftop loggias, grand entrance arches, and spacious courtyard, is among the first
buildings that proved that affluent New Yorkers could live in gracious apartment buildings
without giving up any of the amenities that they had in single-family row houses. Architecturally
and historically, this is one of the great buildings ofNew York.
The present proposal seems to be guided by nothing other than greed how can an owner milk
every inch of a property for maximum profit. Fortunately, the Landmarks Commission is there to
say no to the proposed additions. The proposed additions will be highly visible, especially from
the courtyard. The worst feature of the proposal is the manner in which the loggias are treated.
The rooftop loggias were designed and have always served as open, transparent caps to the
building when viewed from the street and as viewing platforms for residents. Enclosing these
loggias and making them part of apartments, with new glass that will destroy their open
transparent quality (not to mention the curtains or shades that residents will add to the windows)
will completely destroy the effect of these important elements of the building.

The Landmarks Commission often works with owners to make proposals for alterations more
appropriate for a building. But in some cases it is necessary for the Commission, as steward of
the city's great architectural landmarks, to just say no. This is one of those cases. Please say NO
to this inappropriate and destructive proposal.

s~~~
Andrew Scott Dolkart