The Landmarks Preservation Commission heard testimony yesterday that the eagles and the eastern clock tower along with portions of the parapet at 346 Broadway "have decayed and are in danger of falling into the street," according to an article at DNAinfo.com by Julie Shapiro.
The landmarked building features two clock towers and other decorative elements on the roof, including four large stone eagles.
"It's just in terrible condition right now," said Joseph Donovan, senior principal at Stantec Architecture, referring to several rooftop structures at 346 Broadway, and after his testimony the article said "the commission approved emergency measures to stabilize the rooftop."
Commissioner Joan Gerner said that "This is dangerous to the public and needs to be remedied immediately."
The article said that "the city plans to complete the work within six weeks, said Mark Daly, spokesman for the Department of Citywide Administrative Services, which is in charge of the building," adding that "the city will remove a deteriorating brick and terra cotta chimney and will use steel and supportive fabric to keep the eagles, eastern clock tower and other rooftop elements in place."
The article said that Mr. Donovan said that "early next year, the city will do a more in-depth inspection and develop a permanent plan to stabilize the building."
It was unclear, however, the article continued, if the city will put money toward a major restoration.
Commissioner Elizabeth Ryan said that if the eagles "were bandaged on a permanent basis, it would be a great loss" and Commissioner Roberta Gratz said that "We can't let preservation be the victim of a severe budget, particularly in a building as important as this."
Designed by Stephen D. Hatch and McKim, Mead & White, the building was constructed between 1894 and 1898 as headquarters for the New York Life Insurance Company. A skyscraper in its day, the 13-story building "was intended to project an image of prosperity, integrity and permanence," according to the Landmarks Commission.
The city bought the building in 1967, and today it houses the summons part of the New York City Criminal Court, along with other city offices, Mr. Daly said.
The landmarked building features two clock towers and other decorative elements on the roof, including four large stone eagles.
"It's just in terrible condition right now," said Joseph Donovan, senior principal at Stantec Architecture, referring to several rooftop structures at 346 Broadway, and after his testimony the article said "the commission approved emergency measures to stabilize the rooftop."
Commissioner Joan Gerner said that "This is dangerous to the public and needs to be remedied immediately."
The article said that "the city plans to complete the work within six weeks, said Mark Daly, spokesman for the Department of Citywide Administrative Services, which is in charge of the building," adding that "the city will remove a deteriorating brick and terra cotta chimney and will use steel and supportive fabric to keep the eagles, eastern clock tower and other rooftop elements in place."
The article said that Mr. Donovan said that "early next year, the city will do a more in-depth inspection and develop a permanent plan to stabilize the building."
It was unclear, however, the article continued, if the city will put money toward a major restoration.
Commissioner Elizabeth Ryan said that if the eagles "were bandaged on a permanent basis, it would be a great loss" and Commissioner Roberta Gratz said that "We can't let preservation be the victim of a severe budget, particularly in a building as important as this."
Designed by Stephen D. Hatch and McKim, Mead & White, the building was constructed between 1894 and 1898 as headquarters for the New York Life Insurance Company. A skyscraper in its day, the 13-story building "was intended to project an image of prosperity, integrity and permanence," according to the Landmarks Commission.
The city bought the building in 1967, and today it houses the summons part of the New York City Criminal Court, along with other city offices, Mr. Daly said.
Architecture Critic
Carter Horsley
Since 1997, Carter B. Horsley has been the editorial director of CityRealty. He began his journalistic career at The New York Times in 1961 where he spent 26 years as a reporter specializing in real estate & architectural news. In 1987, he became the architecture critic and real estate editor of The New York Post.
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