By Serena Solomon
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
CHELSEA — The owners of the notorious Limelight nightclub building are hoping that third time's a charm after failing to impress the Landmarks Preservation Commission on Tuesday.
For the second time, the commission rejected the owners proposal to transform the landmarked Church of the Holy Communion, the W. 20th Street site that was home to the nightclub, into a three-story boutique mall.
The renovation of the exterior is now on hold as the owners scramble to find a proposal that will please the commissioners, who were unhappy with the most recent plans for lighting and signage.
"It's an iconic building in the neighborhood that has been tarted up," said landmarks commissioner, Roberta Brandes Gratz. "I can't approve this until it (the signage) is much, much lighter."
The owners, who have faced many stumbling blocks, said they remained confident that the Limelight Marketplace would open in March.
"We are working as hard as we can with the Dept. of Buildings and the Landmarks Commission," said project manager Jeremy Forsythe, who was present at the hearing. "
It is still on the table to open in March. We have plenty of time to get this completed."
While the commission and many residents are pleased the church will be cared for with this new venture, some are still scarred from Limelight's mischievous past.
The club, which opened in 1983 became refuge for drug dealers, underage drinking and promiscuous party animals as well as loud music. The dismembering murder of drug dealer, Angel Melendez, also added to its infamy.
The Landmarks Preservation Commission has to approve any alterations to exteriors of landmarked buildings. It was unclear when the Limelight Market Place proposal would return before the commission.