The 1,066-foot-tall residential tower at 340 Flatbush Ave. Ext. and 9 Dekalb Ave. in Brooklyn is one step closer to breaking ground.
After receiving approval from the Landmarks Preservation Commission to modify the landmarked Dime Savings Bank in Downtown Brooklyn, the 73-story apartment building is due to go forth this year and will tower twice as high as anything else nearby.
As reported back in February, JDS Development and Chetrit Group were required to submit alterations to the Landmarks Preservation Commission in order to alter the Dime Savings Bank portion of the property. The developers plan to partially demolish 9 Dekalb Ave. (the bank portion) and revamp the city landmark into a 97,000 square foot retail space.
The bank’s modifications include removing annex portions in order to build an atrium, with developers originally planning to remove ATM and teller build-outs, according to a YIMBY report.
Artist’s rendering/ Courtesy of SHoP Architects
Lead designer Gregg Pasquarelli, partner at Shop Architects, plans to use marble fracturing, window repairs and copper work in order to preserve the original appearance of the bank.
The residential portion of the property, also designed by Shop, is inspired by the bank’s architectural appeal, with hexagonal marble, bronzed metal and stainless steel features separating large glass windows to replicate the landmarked property.
Although the project was approved, part of the bank’s renovations are on hold. Commissioner Frederick Bland said he supports Brooklyn’s developments, including the proposed project, but couldn’t sanction removing the teller stations without a definite retailer committed to the space. Commissioner Diana Chapin shared the same sentiment, stating the proposals respected the landmark, but she couldn’t support removing the teller stations, either.
While the bank teller removal aspect of the project was not approved this time around, the LPC offered JDS an invitation to return to ask for removals if and when a tenant signs for the retail space.
Because the Dime Savings Bank property includes 300,000 square feet of air rights, JDS and Chetrit do not need to file with the city to comply with height regulations for the striking tower.
The LPC did approve an added entrance on Fleet Street and new, concealed sprinkler heads, according to the Brooklyn Daily Eagle.
Up until last year, J.P. Morgan Chase occupied the now-vacant Dime Savings Bank. The bank began construction in 1906 by Mowbray & Uffinger and was altered in 1932 by Halsey, McCormack & Helmer.
