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Over the weekend we stopped by a protest organized by Friends of the Tunnel Garage. Apparently developers are trying to tear down the garage, which was built in 1922 and sits at the corner of Thompson and Spring Broome Street at the edge of SoHo. While the garage looks a little run-down these days, in years past it was quite beautiful (for a garage!)-- featuring details like "terra-cotta polychromy" (?) and signage (there is supposedly a picture of a Model T under the "Park Here" on the rounded corner of the building) Our favorite detail: the G in "Garage"-- they really knew their fonts in the 1920s!
The owner of the building is arguing that the building has become dilapidated and structurally unsound, and plans to build an eight story tower on the same spot. Opponents of the demolition, including The Art Deco Society of New York, the Historic Districts Council, and the Greenwich Village Society for Historical Preservation, say that the building is an integral part of the neighborhood's architectural landscape, and that the owner of the building could bring the garage up to code relatively easily and make tons of money renting out spaces. We think the neighborhood needs parking spaces more than luxury lofts, and that the building is too unique to destroy. What do you think-- do garages deserve landmark protection? [Related: press release from the GVSHP, more info on the Tunnel Garage, and info about the developer's plans at Curbed.]
A few pictures of the protest, after the jump.
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I've never seen it, but I think its gorgeous (again, for a garage). You know if they replace it you wouldn't give the new building a second glance. Definitely save the garage.
Save the garage, but redevelop it into something other than a garage.
I once went there to see what a monthly rate for parking was. I almost punched the guy when he told me it was $600 per month. Take a picture of the building and let the guy do what he wants with it. Besides the top part there is nothing special about the building. There are probably over a million people without health care in this city and people are protesting to save $600 a month parking spaces?
If these preservationists want to save the building so badly, why the hell don't they buy it?
Where's Kevin Walsh? He's usually on top of stories like this.
I suspect the ground level was once spiffier. It looks like windows were bricked up over the years around the curved corner. The wraparound billboard certainly doesn't help. If the building is dilapidated, it's because the owners let it get that way.
test
I knew Tunnel Garage was there but never knew they wanted to tear it down.
Of course, as My Queens is being replaced overnight I have come to the conclusion that they want to tear _everything_ down and replace it with a Fedders Special -- which will happen to the Tunnel Garage if the developers get their way.
www.forgotten-ny.com
I haven't thought about the garage for quite some time, but I remember probably seeing it for the first time about 10 years ago and recall it striking me as a beautiful building. I don't recall the billboard and Park Here sign being there at the time.
I personally would love to see the facade restored and preserved, but believe the owner should otherwise be free to develop what he likes.
In case you're looking for it, it's on Broome, not Spring as the article says.
How does an owner get away with arguing that his building has become delapidated and unsound? Isn't it his job to make sure that doesn't happen?
there were no such things as "fonts" in the 20s. they are called typefaces. or were handcut renderings of an alphabet.
Terra-Cotta Polychromy is clay painted in multiple colours.
*does not apply to graffiti
On the account of numerous preservationists and for history's sake, we urge you to save this unique Art Deco gem, which clearly ties in to the culture of the neighborhood. It paints a picture that should NOT be forgotten. At the very least, preserve the historic facade and incorporate it into the new development. This has been done several times throughout this city, as well as many others. Why can't all parties work together for the common good? I feel this would be a fair compromise. Please listen to us. Thank you!!!
UPDATE on the the garage: Demolition permits were issued earlier this week and a sidewalk bridge is going up today (Friday, 3/10). Repeated attempts to get the LPC to intervene have been met with relatively deaf ears, as have attempts to get the developer to consider preserving the facade. More on the fight to save the garage and what still can be done at http://capitoilette.blogspot.com/