Finally! A Hearing for 27 E. 4th St. Today

Today, the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) will be hearing the new building application for 27 East 4th Street, the site next to the landmarked Merchant’s House Museum. If you can make it, the hearing time has been set for 3:45pm. Those planning to testify should plan to arrive early (by about 3:15) to get through security and fill out a speaker card. Whether you plan to testify or just listen, please make sure to bring photo ID to get through security. The hearing will be held on the 9th floor of the Municipal Building at 1 Centre Street.

The proposed nine-story building (left) at 27 East 4th Street threatens to overwhelm the 1832 Merchant’s House, a rare exterior and interior designated New York City Landmark. We have strong concerns about the structural safety of the house museum should demolition or construction work be approved without careful consideration. Though the LPC defers structural matters to the Buildings Department, we have urged them to play an integral role in any new building that goes up at 27 East 4th Street. See more of our efforts with this application HERE.

We have suggested that any new building for this site be comparable in height to the Merchant’s House, and that the current proposed design be re-thought so that it is less “midtown” in character. There will be many elected officials, preservation groups, and members of the public testifying alongside us; we hope that you’ll be able to come to the hearing and make your voices heard!

For more information about this application, please see our Landmarks Applications Webpage. You can also sign up for e-alerts so that GVSHP can email you about changes in status to this building or any other landmarked property in our neighborhoods that’s up for an LPC public hearing.