For those who hoped the St. Denis would not be demolished, this doesn't look good. But a look at the permits reveals an important note: "Development Challenge Process is pending Zoning Approval. For any issues, please contact the relevant borough office."
Does that mean there is hope to save this building?
The GVSHP put out an email to explain the situation:
"The bottom line is we are working very hard to get zoning or landmark protections for the University Place, Broadway, and 3rd and 4th Avenue corridors, which the Mayor continues to oppose. We are using the leverage provided by his desire to get approval of his 14th Street tech hub, which requires City Council approval. We are not there yet, but the wheels are turning.
What does this mean in terms of the St. Denis site? The short answer is no one can say yet. It is still very much possible for the city to adopt zoning or landmark protections that include that site and would affect what can happen there moving forward – either limiting the size and height of new development, or preventing demolition or significant alteration of the existing building. But that depends upon timing – of when such measures would be adopted, and when demolition or development on the site might begin."
GVSHP asks that you send these quick and easy pre-written letters to the Mayor, the Borough President, and Councilmember Carlina Rivera. Add a note to say that the St. Denis should be protected from total demolition. You can include this history to argue for protection.
I worked in that building in the early 1970s and traipsed up and down that stairway a number of times. We had a huge office space on the 3rd floor with smaller offices on the upper floors. Was fun working there at the porn Greenbriar Club, a division of Evergreen Club/Grove Press, which were down the block at 53 E 11 St.
ReplyDeleteI am one of the last tenants remaining at the St Denis. There are just a handful left in the entire building. Even though I have officially relocated my office to a downtown location, I still have access to my office at the St. Denis, solely for sentimental reasons. I have had my law practice there since 2003 and always brought my dogs, Pogo and Grady to work with me. I lost Grady a few years ago but Pogo is still with me as he approaches his 20th birthday. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to stop the economic forces taking place throughout major cities like ours. Pogo and I will miss this beautiful building forever and we are cherishing our final days there.
ReplyDeleteRichard Signorelli