| In late November, the Kean House site was once again in the news when it was reported that developer Trevor Davis is facing a $17 million foreclosure lawsuit after defaulting payment on this vacant lot at East 65th Street and Lexington Avenue.In October, Davis apparently missed a $94,800 mortgage payment to Ark Real Estate and fell behind on payments to his contracting company. Ark Real Estate responded by filing a suit to the New York State Supreme Court, demanding a payment of $19.5 million. Despite this foreclosure suit, Davis said that he has plans to work out a deal and move forward with the project.In 2007 Davis purchased the Kean House, and despite staunch opposition from FRIENDS and the surrounding neighborhood, he swiftly demolished this highly revered historic building in Fall 2008. Prior to any LPC action, plans were filed to construct a mixed-use fifteen-story luxury condominium to be called “The Honore”.
FRIENDS has been calling for an expansion of the Upper East Side Historic District, which includes this site, since 2006. Despite the loss of the Kean House, the LPC finally heard our call and this October held a designation hearing for the expansion, including this now vacant lot. At the hearing, there was overwhelming support from local politicians and community members alike, and concern was repeatedly voiced for the future of the Kean House site. As always, this issue remains a high priority for FRIENDS and we will be sure to keep you up to date on any future developments. |
