Design review committee makes a difference in Central Park

UPDATE FROM THE FIELD

As reported by Lauren R.

Yesterday, the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) reviewed a proposal by Le Pain Quotidien (LPQ) who, as new tenant, plans to revive the Mineral Springs Comfort Station, located in Central Park, just northwest of the Sheep Meadow.
 

The original plans presented to the LW! Certificate of Appropriateness (C of A) Committee called for minor alterations to the exterior of the building as well as illuminated signage.  Both LW! and the LPC found illuminating the signage to be excessive and inappropriate for the park--it is, after all, the landscaping of Central Park that is the destination, not LPQ.  

The issue of lit signage also concerned other advocacy groups.  The Historic Districts Council stated that "the installation of such a sign would start an uncomfortable precedent of brightly branding Central Park with corporate logos.”  We couldn't agree more!

LW! is pleased to see that this concessionaire is ready and willing for open dialogue to ensure responsible stewardship of this important Scenic Landmark, Central Park.

Visit hyper-local news site DNAInfo.com for more on the session's proceedings.

Photos

TOP: Mineral Springs building, as seen today.

BOTTOM: Mineral Springs Pavilion, 1868.  As pictured in New York 1880 by Robert A.M. Stern, 1999, page 95.