High Line Developers Scale Back Plans

Developers of a commercial tower along the High Line have dropped their bid to build a larger building after multiple attempts hit a dead end.

The developers, William Gottlieb Real Estate, had wanted to build something 34 percent larger than what current zoning allows at 13th Street and 10th Avenue. After four hearings with the Board of Standard Appeals, it was clear no additional air rights would be given.

According to the New York Observer, the developers are still seeking height and setback variances at a hearing scheduled in March.

The larger tower was designed by Chicago-based Studio Gang, and the developers had cited financial hardships building on a sandy site, rather than bedrock in their original application for variances.

Neighborhood activists had opposed the larger building as well, though the site is not landmarked. 

Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation executive director Andrew Berman told the Observer the building would have blocked light and air, but the current plan with height and setback variances does not.