There are new plans to expand the mysterious 84 2nd Ave.

Tonight, CB3's Landmarks Committee will hear a proposal on a Certificate of Appropriateness for 84 Second Ave., the circa-1841 Greek Revival-type rowhouse (aka that rather mysterious building with a dark past) just south of Fifth Street.





The new owners of the currently-empty building, reportedly Highpoint Property Group, a real-estate development company, are — in DOB speak — looking to modify and replace the storefront infill; replace windows; construct rear yard and rooftop additions; and install railings.

According to the alteration permits, filed with the city on June 28, the additions would take the building from its current 5,829 square feet to 8,439 total square feet. The modified No. 84 would feature new retail space as well as four residences.

If you're interested, then this 51-page PDF has all the details, including some historic photos.

This property changed hands for the second time in as many years back in May, selling for $7.8 million.

The previous owners were looking to make similar alterations to the building. In January, CB3's Landmark's Committee issued a partial Certificate of Appropriateness for the address.

According to the official minutes from the January meeting, CB3 approved the front façade plan and opposed the rear yard addition. Among other points, CB3 officials said that "great care should be taken to monitor this fragile building and its neighboring buildings." (There was also a petition in circulation in opposition to the planned alterations to the rear of the building.)

However, the previous owner didn't follow through with the plans with the Landmarks Preservation Committee, instead selling the building. (Landlords of buildings located within a designated New York City historic district must receive a permit from the Landmarks Preservation Commission for major work.)

As we've noted several times through the years, the address has a dark past, which includes the still-unsolved murder of Helen Sopolsky, proprietor of the family's tailor shop who was found bludgeoned to death in 1974, per an article at the time.

The storefront has remained empty since her death in 1974.

The Landmarks Committee meeting is at 6:30 tonight, taking place at the Lee, 133 Pitt St. at Houston.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Plywood and a petition at 84 2nd Ave.

Workers clearing out the mysterious 84 2nd Ave. storefront

Renovations proposed for mysterious 84 2nd Ave.

Mysterious 84 2nd Ave. sells again, this time for $7.8 million