Wednesday
18Jun
DeNiro Pleads Greenwich Hotel's Case
Yesterday, Robert DeNiro went before the Landmarks Preservation Commission to beg forgiveness for building the Greenwich Hotel with a penthouse that was never approved by LPC. Criminal! Msr. DeNiro didn't offer much of an explanation, testifying that “We’ve really worked quite hard on it, and so anything that would be offensive would be offensive to me.” Everyone knows you worked hard, sir, but your Liberty Bonds also built a top floor that wasn't approved. Historic Districts Council associate Nadezhda Williams testified against retroactively approving the penthouse, saying "It is larger and closer to the edges of the building, and the roof line is mansard rather than hipped, making it more visible. It makes it appear more residential and fussy than industrial." That's what we thought too.
We all know how this is going to end. DeNiro and Ira Druckier will study ways to adapt the building and find none that are feasible. The LPC will retroactively approve the design, and the hotel will start booking the penthouse at absurd prices that your average Birdy can't afford. Tear. But that's life in the Big Bad City, and at least Bobby will be happy, because he worked very hard to make sure the Greenwich is "a place that I want to stay in." Pat on the back.
- De Niro Asks Landmark Board to Spare His Hotel’s Penthouse [NY Times]
Down By The Hipster
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