Plans Unveiled for Mixed-Use Building at Two Cooper Square

By Anuradha Kher, Online News EditorNew York – GKV (Gerner Kronick and Valcarcel) Architects, a New York City-based architecture and design firm, has been selected to design a 15-story residential and commerical building located at 2 Cooper Square, on the corner of East Fourth Street in Manhattan. The 145,000 sq.-ft. building will house a mix of studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments, as well as commercial space on the ground and cellar levels. The site also contains the historic Samuel Tredwell Skidmore House, at 37 East Fourth Street, a landmark townhouse which will be restored and returned to its original use as a single-family residence, according to GKV.  The exterior of the building will reflect historic elements sympathetic with the adjacent Noho Historic District. The design includes double-hung windows in punched openings that are reminiscent of neihboring historic properties. Expressed columns and larger window openings at the corners of the building will help in modulating the scale of the “street wall,” according to the company. The building will include open kitchens, large terraces, a roof deck and uniquely shaped living rooms in corner units.“As we designed this building, situated on the southern portion of Cooper Square, we were very careful to respect the architectural sensibilities of the adjacent historic district and at the same time create a modern residential environment. The restoration of the Skidmore House, long overdue, will breathe new life and vibrancy into this building,” says Randolph Gerner, principal of GKV Architects. “It will be the perfect marriage of old and new.”