A mysteriously vacant lot at 22 - 28 Downing Street just north of Bedford down in the Village has, for years, been filled with trees and weeds of various sorts. That all changed a couple of weeks ago when a crew came in and chopped everything down, clearing the site down to the dirt. This followed some recent dealings where the 80' by 75' parcel was traded, mortgaged and granted a permit for a New Building of a singular variety: a one-family residence on a 6,000 square foot lot. But that doesn't clear up the mystery.
The architect in charge is David Piscuskas of 1100 Architect and the plan so far indicates a 5-story house, with room for cars and recreation below grade and a little something on the roof up top. The same 1100 crew designed a swank West Village Townhouse back in 2000 so that might give some indication of what's planned here. The guy with the big dreams and deep pockets is one Gary Sherman. Earlier reports claim Mr. Sherman is merely the developer who will subdivide and build multiple townhomes here, maybe as many as three, then sell them off to the highest bidder. Or unload the entire package fully-built for just over $45 Million. As of yet no renders of this swell little enclave have been found, so here's hoping that recent financial events don't burst this bubble before we all get to see what's in store. A bonus for passers-by on Downing Street is the newly-revealed little brick house at the rear of Number 10 Bedford. How sweet that one must have been when hidden within these Village woods.
· 22 - 28 Downing > New Building Permit [NYC DOB]
· Projects > West Village Townhouse 2000 [1100 Architect website]
· It Takes a Lot to Build in the Village [NY Observer]For more stories from Curbed, go to curbed.com.
