Developer Could Demolish Row of Lenox Hill Low-Rises, Build Tower

A developer is looking to demolish five low-rise buildings on the corner of First Avenue and East 60th Street, in order to build a 39-story residential tower in their stead. This would notably involve getting permission to rezone the underlying site.

If the ambitions of First Sigma come to fruition, the resulting tower at 1097 First Ave. would reportedly contain 354 apartment units, roughly a quarter of which would be deemed “affordable” according to the city’s Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH) program. There would also be 42,000 sq. ft. of community facility space and 4,000 sq. ft. of ground-floor retail.

The existing row of buildings targeted for demolition top out at a mere five stories, or just over 50 ft. tall, and date back a century. The new tower, meanwhile, would be just under 400 ft. tall. The block sits just across the street from the Queensboro Bridge.

DOB records confirm that First Sigma, led by Jacob Orfali and Steven Orfali, owns six other properties—in addition to 1097 First Avenue—on the block where the tower would go up: 345 E. 60th St., 347 E. 51st St., 349 51st St., 1099 1st Ave., 1101 First Ave., and 1103 1st Ave.

First Sigma has specifically asked the City Planning Commission to grant a mixed-use “MX-31” zoning designation that would “facilitate” the construction of the 316,000 sq. ft. tower. The site is currently classified as a “C8-4” zone, which allows for commercial or manufacturing uses.

“Over the last three decades, several public and private rezoning applications have steadily replaced the C8-4 district with mixed-use districts,” First Sigma wrote in a filed application.

The developer also argues that such a zoning redesignation wouldn’t be out of character for First Avenue, which does already maintain a few rather tall towers.

“The density permitted by the proposed [MX-31] zoning district is appropriate...[given] its proximity to major transportation infrastructure, and the established high-density, mixed-use character of the surrounding area,” they wrote. First Avenue...is characterized by tall residential and mixed-use buildings.”

Interestingly, First Sigma’s application also substantially references City of Yes, the broad zoning overhaul passed into law last year that promotes further housing development.

“The ‘City of Yes for Economic Opportunity’ recognized that legacy manufacturing districts had not been meaningfully updated since 1961,” First Sigma wrote. “In parallel, the “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity” introduced new high-density residential districts...specifically intended for locations with exceptional transit access and existing high-density development patterns.”

In what may be an encouraging kernel for any opponents of a planned demolition, First Sigma faces a lengthy approval process, the above application of which is only the first step.

In addition to City Planning review, First Sigma faces review from: Community Board 8, the Manhattan Borough President, the New York City Council, and the Mayor’s Office.

It appears that any demolition would inevitably lead to businesses shuttering or moving elsewhere, such as Grata Thai Cuisine at 1099 First Ave., or the vegan restaurant Quantum Leap at 1103 First Ave. Another restaurant that used to occupy 1097 First Ave., John & Tony’s Pizzeria, closed earlier this decade.