High-end four-story house coming to W. 88th Street

In a surprise move by the city's Landmarks Preservation Commission, architects for a luxury row house project on the Upper West Side were told to come back with a design that stood out from the buildings - mainly brownstones - that surround it.

Bazbaz Development is pursuing plans to build the four-story rowhouse on a vacant lot at 110 West 88th Street. The architect, DXA Studio, submitted the plans for the 60-foot building - which includes a penthouse - to the city's Landmarks Preservation Commission on Jan. 7, but were told it "should either relate more to the existing row of buildings, or differentiate itself to be more distinct and singular in its placement on the street, rather than trying to accomplish both things at once."

Given the option, lead architect Jordan Rogove is going with the latter suggestion.

"I thought we presented something that was very contemporary but took just enough cues from the neighbors," said Rogove. "But overall the biggest comments they made were just, 'have fun with this, do what you want to do and don't worry that it's in a landmarked district.' To an architect, that's great."

Rogove didn't give any specifics on what DXA will come back with. "We're evaluating that right now," said Rogove. "There was a lot of very, very positive things said by the commissioners."

DXA is proposing a 4-bedroom, 4-bath, single-family dwelling on the 16 x 100 foot lot, complete with terrace, wine-cellar, fitness room, and, of course, the penthouse.