The Ford Foundation has received Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) approval for renovations to its building at 320 E 43rd Street in Midtown Manhattan, reports New York Yimby. Constructed from 1963 to 1967, with a design by Kevin Roche and John Dinkeloo and an atrium garden by Dan Kiley, the building became an instant architectural mecca and was made an individual and interior landmark in 1997. The proposed renovations, designed by Gensler, seek to restore a half century of alterations to the building’s appearance, in addition to subtle changes to adhere to adhere to fire and accessibility codes.
Most of the changes will occur beneath the surface, but some of the more pronounced modifications will include additional railings, new and reconfigured doorways, the removal of an exterior planter, and a new pathway along 42nd Street leading to an ADA lift. Hardscape restorations will occur in tandem with landscape upgrades by Raymond Jungles Studio. The intention is to bring the garden back to its Kiley-designed appearance, with a complete replacement of the existing, non-original plantings.
While LPC Chair Meenakshi Srinivasan praised the plans, stating “[they] supports the essence of that space,” are “very modest” and “incredibly respectful,” the public had a more mixed reception. Questions were raised by The Historic Districts Council’s Kelly Carrol over the proposed door replacements (the originals are bronze) and removal of the exterior planter. Both Carrol and Tara Kelly of the Municipal Art Society took issue with the 42nd Street facing wheelchair path, which both felt upset the relationships of the garden space to the street condition.
The LPC approved the changes, but asked the applicant to readdress the greenery along the proposed ADA lift path. The renovated building is expected to reopen to the public in 2018.
Story via New York Yimby.
AD Classics: The Ford Foundation / Kevin Roche John Dinkeloo and Associates
