"With all of the important work that is going on, it seems antithetical to go and put a large glass box at the main entrance in the central courtyard. If more restaurant space is needed, it should be accomodated in additions on the secondary façades, a tactic typically required of other landmarked buildings throughout the city." - The Historic Districts Council
Historic Scenic Landmark? The City has repeatedly maintained they removed Tavern On The Green's Crystal Room in order to restore the area to compliment the original Victorian Gothic style building, designed by Jacob Wrey Mould and built in 1870-1871, within the English Romantic style Central Park designed by Olmsted and Vaux.
When the new Tavern On The Green reopens in 2013, the city hopes it will become what the Parks department’s proposal termed "a moderately priced restaurant,” with "a vibrant bar scene," a "bar space for park visitors to meet and gather for a drink and small plates,” as well as a cafe with “both indoor and outdoor seating” that also offers takeout food. Yes takeout food.
The Mayoral approved Landmarks Preservation Committee approved the glass tube design on Tuesday.
"Approving the proposed addition opens the door to insensitive additions in years to come, and the Tavern on the Green begins down the slippery slope from which it is presently recovering,"Landmark West! testified on Tuesday.
"The proposed addition is inappropriate to the historic Tavern on the Green building and the Scenic Landmark setting. We urge the Commission to deny the addition." - Geoffrey Croft
Manhattan
A Victorian Gothic style building, designed by Jacob Wrey Mould and built in 1870-1871, within an English Romantic style public park designed by Olmsted and Vaux. Application is to demolish existing additions, construct a new addition, modify masonry openings, replace infill, install HVAC equipment, and modify landscapes, according to The Historic Districts Council.
The Historic Districts Council is the advocate for New York City’s designated historic districts and neighborhoods meriting preservation. Its Public Review Committee monitors proposed changes within historic districts and changes to individual landmarks and has reviewed the application now before the Commission.
HDC applauds the restoration and uncovering, or rediscovering, of Tavern on the Green. With all of the important work that is going on, it seems antithetical to go and put a large glass box at the main entrance in the central courtyard. If more restaurant space is needed, it should be accomodated in additions on the secondary façades, a tactic typically required of other landmarked buildings throughout the city.
On a lesser note, we also ask that window configurations display more divisions as they do throughout historic photos. The divided light scheme is more in keeping with the romantically rural tradition of the sheep’s fold and Tavern on the Green.
LPC Determination: Approved
Landmark West! is not opposed to new design at the Tavern on the Green site in principle, but a legendary destination and a handsomely designed building such as this deserves something far more sympathetic; a quietly masterful note of our time, they write on their website.
The pavilion proposed is a hefty glass-and-metal box that does nothing but hide what is most exciting about the building's primary facade: the East-facing central bay.
We're disappointed to report that the LPC ultimately approved the City's plan, glass box and all.
Read more from preservation advocates on this issue:
Read More:
February 22, 2012
Landmark West! - February 23, 2012
Landmark West! - February 22, 2012
Curbed - February 21, 2012 - By Dave Hogarty
A Walk In The Park - December 30, 2011
Appalling! I'd love to know who's getting paid off to allow such an atrocity.
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