Settlement Reached to Preserve Modernist Masterpiece
According to Stoelker, Vornado Reality and preservationists have finally reached an agreement for how to preserve, and redevelop, key elements of the building designed by Gordon Bunshaft for Skidmore Owings and Merrill (SOM) in 1954.
The primary issue of contention between the two sides was how to protect the interior elements of the former bank building as it's converted to retail uses. Victories for preservationists include the expansion of the landmarking to include the interior of the former vault space and the reinstallation of two Harry Bertoia sculptures.
Not all of preservationists' concerns were addressed in the agreement, however. "Several other contentious elements remain. The escalators that were once viewed in profile from Fifth Avenue, now run perpendicular to the avenue, and two doors were inserted onto the Fifth Avenue facade," noted Stoelker.
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