In August 2015, the Gramercy Park Block Association shared news that the School of Visual Arts was restoring the portico of its building in the Gramercy Park Historic District. SVA had filed with Landmarks and was awaiting a docket number.

The Block Association described a longstanding relationship with SVA president David Rhodes and his executive assistant, Jacqueline Hoffner. When the school indicated that additional restoration might be possible, the Block Association offered a set of recommendations.

The recommendations addressed cleaning and repointing the brick façade, cleaning the building base, painting the fire escape, shutters and fences, and planting the planters and tree gardens. Together they considered how the building met the sidewalk and the Park.

The Block Association’s illustrated report documented the existing conditions at SVA. It also showed neighboring 18 Gramercy Park South and The Players as comparisons.

SVA was undertaking the portico work. The Block Association discussed the project with the school and recommended further restoration.

See also the Block Association’s work at 18 Gramercy Park South.

Windows, fences and planters at 17 Gramercy Park South, documented as existing conditions in the Block Association’s restoration recommendations.
Windows, fences and planters at 17 Gramercy Park South, documented as existing conditions in the Block Association’s restoration recommendations.
Fire escape at 17 Gramercy Park South in the Block Association’s existing-condition photographs; painting was among the recommendations.
Fire escape at 17 Gramercy Park South in the Block Association’s existing-condition photographs; painting was among the recommendations.
Sources