The Conservancy was pleased to testify in support of the proposal for a major addition at 277 Canal Street, at a Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) hearing on June 27. It’s one of the first structures under the new SoHo/NoHo rezoning. Morris Adjmi designed the contextual 10-story addition to a low-rise building from 1928, at the corner of Canal Street and Broadway.
When the City passed the rezoning in 2021, the Conservancy did not support it because of concerns that it would encourage the demolition of smaller historic buildings and facilitate new, taller, bulkier construction that would disrupt the scale of these historic districts. Therefore, we’re pleased to say that this proposal has taken great strides to respect the context of SoHo’s streetscape.
It will reactivate the building’s ground floor retail space and create 100 new apartments, 25 of which would be affordable. The masonry-clad facade takes its cues from the historic base, and the window configuration and massing are reminiscent of other SoHo buildings. We did have suggestions as to how to improve the design, including changing some materials, modifying the storefront design, and adding architectural detail to the penthouse.
At the hearing, the Commissioners were supportive of the overall project and the proposed height. They did raise questions about certain aspects, including the signage, some decorative details, and the penthouse design. LPC Chair Sarah Carroll asked the applicants to return to the Commission with a revised design in the near future.