1185 Park is the Grand Dame of Park Avenue. It occupies the entire block between 93rd and 94th more than half way from Park to Lexington. It was constructed in 1929 and serves as a beacon to the Carnegie Hill Historic District. We were asked to replace the existing wood guard booths which were constructed in the 1950’s, added for enhanced security in response to threats associated with the Rosenberg trial, as the presiding Judge Irving Kaufman was a resident. The need for security booth for 1185 and the neighborhood has continued for over 60 years and what was temporary needed to become permanent. Seemingly as small project, it was not, requiring full review by the Community Board and the Board of the Landmarks Preservation Commission. The booths had to be designed to respond to their stately setting, a gothic brick and terracotta beaux arts structure with a drive through oval interior courtyard, only two of which remain in Manhattan. After numerous design studies, it was determined that the oval shape for the booths would best open to the existing grand structure and echo the oval plan of the garden. The bronze frame by Horus Bronze is detailed to echo the columns and the curved glass enclosure by Flickinger Glassworks adds sparkle to the arched entrance. The minimalist design both complements the existing period piece and minimizes the intervention.