The General Theological Seminary announced on April 3, 2007 that it was withdrawing plans to build a new 15-story building along its Ninth Avenue frontage. That building would have requried a waiver of existing height limits and was faced with large-scale community opposition. GTS will instead present a proposal to its Board in mid-May that involves the construction of two new buildings - a seven-story mixed-used residential building along Ninth Avenue, and a five-story administriation building along 20th Street. These buildings are currently being designed. They will not require the waiver of the existing 75-foot height limit. GTS reports in its press release regarding its decision that the new residential building will provide the funding needed for the new administration building, but will not provide the funds needed for renovation and restoration of the rest of their historic property.

The General Theological Seminary had previously submitted plans for the taller building to the Landmarks Preservation Commission on December 26, 2006. The application was for three Certificates of Appropriateness: (i) the demolition of Sherrill Hall, including the "Deanery", fronting Ninth Avenue between 20th and 21st Streets; (ii) a new building to be built on the same footprint; and (iii) a new building to be built along a portion of the 20th Street frontage adjacent to the West Building. PDF's of the text portions of the old application can be found at left.

Manhattan Community Board 4 voted on February 7, 2007 to oppose GTS's landmarks applications. The Board's letter to the Landmarks Preservation Commission is available at left.

GTS brought an earlier version of their proposal to the Board in Fall, 2005. A public meeting was held on November 21, 2005 resulting in a January 4, 2006 letter outlining the Board's concerns about the project, available at left.