Here are two recent updates on new developments on the UWS.
New York YIMBY reports that excavation work has begun at 1841 Broadway at 60th Street, a mixed-use tower which once complete, is expected to stand 24 stories and 281 feet tall, contain 162,000 square feet of residential space (spread across 173 apartments) and 12,000 square feet of commercial space. Global Holdings Management Group had pre-filed plans for the project in 2018. The design of 1841 Broadway will be handled by SLCE Architects.
The former building at 1841 Broadway, now razed, was 97 years old and stood 12 stories tall. Global Holdings has also demolished 1845 Broadway, a 111 year old building which was 4 stories tall.
New York YIMBY also reports that preparations to demolish three buildings on 96th between Broadway and West End have begun, which will make way for Fetner Properties’ 266 West 96th Street. The new building will be 23 stories tall and will come with 171 apartments, 68 of which will permanently be reserved for affordable housing. In addition, 80 of the apartments will be micro-units ranging in size from 290 to 340 square feet; these will be marketed to seniors.
One of the low-rise buildings being demolished was a former IRT substation. We first covered this transformation while it was in its proposal stage. Soon after the first public hearing, Fetner Properties released renderings of the project.
c/o Fetner Properties
There’s so much construction in that area that that drawing is already out of date — the two-story building on the corner of Bway and 96th is gone.
It’s heartbreaking to see the disappearance of classic New York City architecture. These ugly, nondescript high rise buildings have no personality. I also wish we were seeing more affordable housing (68 units out of 171 is not enough).
I’m wondering about the environmental cleanup required prior to or during demolition of the IRT substation (on the site)? Not mentioned — is this happening? To quote an earlier YIMBY article: “One critical aspect of the development involves the risk of hazardous materials on the site that consequently led the property to be part of a brownfield cleanup program, which would be jointly run by the New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation and Department of Health. ” (https://newyorkyimby.com/2021/06/266-west-96th-street-awaits-demolition-on-manhattans-upper-west-side.html). And also cited here: “…the development was accepted into the Brownfield Cleanup Program; Fetner Properties is required to remediate the development site under the oversight of the Department of Environmental Conservation. (https://www.ilovetheupperwestside.com/266-west-96th-street-renderings/)