Photo of the current buildings on the left. Rendering of proposed building on the right by COOKFOX Architects. The corner building will be rehabilitated and the building next to it will be replaced.
By Jessica Brockington
The West End Collegiate Church is planning to demolish the old Collegiate school at 260 West 78th Street and build a new apartment building that will be part of an 18-story development with 66 market-rate apartments. The Collegiate school (unaffiliated with the church) is building a new school in the Riverside Center Development at 61st street.
The new building will be connected to 378 West End Avenue, the building on the corner, which is set to be rehabilitated.
Calling West End Collegiate’s plans “uniquely sensitive,” the Community Board voted 32-0 to approve the plan. The church still needs to go before the Landmarks Preservation Commission.
Jeanette Rausch, member of CB7, asked if there would be any allocation of affordable housing or senior housing in the new buildings. Reverend Michael S. Bos, Senior Pastor, replied that the church’s programs will benefit significantly from the income generated by this project, citing the church’s involvement in the Doe Fund, Westside Campaign and other local charities.
The church exists “to do the most good for the most people and this project helps us do things that impact our [church] community and the broader community,” Bos said.
Richard Cook, lead architect for Collegiate Church, emphasized the green space and said that as many units as possible will have small gardens and balconies.
The Preservation Committee said they supported the proposed development wholeheartedly, citing the “beautiful details, its sensitivity to context and background architecture.”
Will there be senior & affordable housing???
Reverend Michael S. Bos, Senior Pastor, replied that the church’s programs will benefit significantly from the income generated by this project, citing the church’s involvement in the Doe Fund, Westside Campaign and other local charities.
The church exists “to do the most good for the most people and this project helps us do things that impact our [church] community and the broader community,” Bos said.
When will applications be available?
Clearly, it will be affordable for some people. I’m sure you can apply with a giant check.