ON SECOND THOUGHT: Diane von Furstenberg has changed her mind about supporting the Save Gansevoort initiative.
Aurora Capital Associates and William Gottlieb Real Estate are looking to develop nine buildings between 46 and 74 Gansevoort Street. Pending approval, the cobblestone block’s footprint would more than double from 47,500 square feet to 112,500 square feet. The project falls within the Gansevoort Market historic district, which was landmarked in 2003.
The proposal has triggered much debate among area residents, most recently at a Landmarks Preservation Commission meeting earlier this month. The Save Gansevoort campaign with help from the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation and Landmark West is trying to shield the historic neighborhood from a major commercial overhaul.
Von Furstenberg said, “After reviewing the plans for the Gansevoort Street project in more detail, I have decided that I am not against it. I have withdrawn my signature from the Save Gansevoort petition.” The company declined further comment.
DVF’s office and store are located in the Meatpacking District. In addition, through The Diller – von Furstenberg Family Foundation, she and her husband Barry Diller have established the nonprofit Pier55, which is developing a $130 million public park and performance space on Manhattan’s Lower West side.
Once LPC members review the testimony from this month’s meeting and any written testimony that has been submitted, the LPC will schedule a public meeting at a yet-to-be-determined date, according to a LPC spokeswoman.