A new application to significantly alter and dig below the iconic landmarked house (1834) and backhouse at 131 and 131½ Charles Street will come before the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) next Tuesday. We have serious concerns about this plan for one of NYC’s earliest landmarks and the former home of renowned photographer Diane Arbus. Read our comments submitted to the LPC here.

This is the fourth iteration of this plan to alter this iconic pair of buildings between Washington and Greenwich Streets. No. 131 Charles is considered one of the most completely intact examples of a Federal-style (1790-1835) house — the very first uniquely American architectural style that emerged following the country’s independence. Nos. 131 and 131½ Charles are double-landmarked, also being located in the Greenwich Village Historic District Extension we fought for in 2006, as well as listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places. WE HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN GETTING THE LPC TO REJECT PRIOR PLANS TO ALTER THESE BUILDINGS, BUT WE MUST CONTINUE TO PUSH BACK ON THIS LATEST ITERATION, WHICH WOULD COMPROMISE AND POTENTIALLY ENDANGER THIS RARE PIECE OF NYC HISTORY!

The public will only be allowed to submit written comments on this plan, and they must be received by 5 pm Friday to ensure they get to individual commissioners in advance of the Tuesday meeting (comments can be submitted for the record until noon on Monday).

TO HELP: