With nearly 7,000 active building permits in the New York City area, and more to come as construction begins to resume fully, many are looking to projects delayed to provide needed+

36jobs for a population of laborers eager to get back to work. 

The latest among the newer projects is a set of proposals helmed by Tavros Capital Management and BKSK Architects, with a plan to renovate a row of buildings in the Gansevoort Historic District in Manhattan, better known as the Meatpacking District. 

Given the historical status of the area, much care will be given to preserving much of the area’s original architectural appeal, but the aim is to fully restore the exterior facades and construct new commercial office spaces. The current proposals are under review by New York City’s Landmarks Preservation Commission, with these proceedings expected to finish up in early June.

What Is Known About the Structures to be Renovated?

People passing through the area might recognize the old row houses along the corner of 14th Street and 9th Avenue, the precise locations being 44 to 54 Ninth Avenue and 351 to 355 West 14th Street, all of which were constructed in the early-to-mid-1800s. Painted white, their original exteriors stuccoed over, they stand in somewhat stark contrast to the taller, traditionally-still-brick buildings around them. Retail and restaurant spaces occupy the street and basement levels, with residences taking the upper floors, a prototypical example of the mixed-use features that have grown not just popular but also essential in New York construction of late. 

The plans that Tavros and BKSK have in mind for the area include the following: 

1. Restoration of the exterior to reflect the block’s storied past. This will include a slate roof and facade with red brick.
2. New windows with aluminum casing for improved insulation and better energy savings throughout the buildings.
3. New street-level awnings for wider curb appeal and a unified look.
4. Redesigned retail spaces. This will include exposed brick support beams and skylights.

Restoration, however, is only part of the project. Will New Construction Also Take Place? 

Along with the restoration of the main buildings, Tavros Capital Management and BKSK Architects also propose the construction of a new office space behind these buildings to fill in the remaining gap. Contrasting the classical brick facades of the row houses and even the surrounding buildings, this nine-story structure will emphasize metal rather than brick. However, its interiors will carry the exposed brick supports and skylights of the rest of the complex. Reports suggest it will top out at around 210 feet above street level. It will also feature new balconies and a private terrace on the top floor and a courtyard area. 

With the proposals still under review by the Landmarks Preservation Commission, there are no details regarding when construction would commence or how long it would take — something that is likely to be better predicted by whatever construction companies are tapped to complete the project. The mixture of both interior and exterior restorations, plus an entirely new structure to raise promises a variety of smaller projects to complete as part of the whole, and steady work for the lucky firms that land them. Pending approval, the opening for bids should be soon to follow, because while many permits are active, still more are ready to appear. 

For more information on this project, and other projects, contact CIS Leads.