Left, the original proposal that had more glass and less black granite, shown above is the approved plan for 28 Liberty St. Below, another rendering of the plaza.
The second time was the charm for Chinese company Fosun, which got Landmarks Preservation Commission approval on Tues., Aug. 4 for changes they want to make to landmarked 28 Liberty Plaza, formerly known as One Chase Manhattan.
Almost two years ago, Fosun bought the 60-story, 2.2 million sq. ft. tower for $725 million from JPMorgan Chase. In March, it had unveiled plans for a revamped plaza, which included glass storefronts, new entrances to the levels below the building and more lighting. All of this was in hope of attracting both retailers and shoppers to the 200,000 sq. ft. in the five levels below the tower.
While praising the overall plan, Community Board 1 in March objected to Fosun cutting away at the plaza’s black granite base and replacing it with glass. The L.P.C. concurred, sending Fosun and its architect Skidmore, Owings & Merrill back to the drawing board after they presented to the commission in May. (S.O.M. was the original architect of the 1964 building, which was landmarked in 2009.)
At last week’s meeting, Fosun presented less glass and more black granite. The commissioners appreciated the reduction of glass and one called the revisions “preserving the integrity of this modern masterpiece.” Fosun did get three entry points for their underground retail space — glass boxes that are reminiscent of Apple’s Midtown store’s entrance.
While the L.P.C. approved the plan, there are still some minor adjustments that need to be worked out.
— DUSICA SUE MALESEVIC with JOSH ROGERS
