October 7, 2013

Landmarks Preservation Commission

Municipal Building
1 Centre Street, 9th Floor
New York, New York 10007
Re:

Application for Rooftop Addition to the Apthorp

To the Landmarks Preservation Commission:

I am writing to request that the Commission deny the application for a rooftop addition to the residential
building known as the Apthorp, which occupies the block between West 78th and 79th Streets, and between
Broadway and West End Avenue in Manhattan.
As an architect familiar with the wonderful examples of historic residential buildings on the Upper West Side of
Manhattan, I am sensitive to the proportions of the massing and profiles of their skylines, as these are essential
to their architectural character. Clearly the architect of the Apthorp intended that the two existing
penthouses rise above the distinctive copper cornice on opposite sides of the building. The current proposal
to connect them by a third, larger volume is inappropriate and, in fact, damaging to the appearance of the
building and its design intent.
More importantly, I would urge the Commission not to grant a certificate of appropriateness for the rooftop
expansion of an existing landmarked building because of the precedent that it would set, potentially
endangering many other distinctive buildings in this part of Manhattan. The character of the Upper West Side
is important to the citys architectural heritage and I would like it preserved for future generations.
Respectfully,

Michael Graves, FAIA