The landmarks commission is not required to consider the results of a change in use.

But after two public hearings late last month, the landmarks commission seems ready to back off its earlier position.

"But if none of that history had happened," he went on, "the landmarks commission would have no business being there."

The landmarks commission will not reach its verdict for weeks, perhaps months.

And the landmarks commission looks with particular favor on restaurants.

The issue is particularly sensitive because the landmarks commission won independent status only three years ago.

The landmarks commission says it is sensitive to the owners' economic problems.

In 1983, the landmarks commission rejected a 28-story office tower.

The renovation project was not subject to full review by the landmarks commission.

The landmarks commission held a public hearing on the district proposal in November 1984.