Replacing a space filled with nostalgia is not an easy feat for a developer in New York. So it’s no surprise that there was a bit of an uproar when William S. Macklowe presented plans to replace Bowlmor Lanes in Greenwich Village, which was one of the city’s oldest bowling alleys and a popular party spot until it closed in 2014, with a new condominium building.

Longtime bowlers, revelers and area residents, aided by a neighborhood preservation group and local politicians, said Mr. Macklowe’s plan for a residential tower some 300 feet high would not fit in with the surrounding neighborhood, which is largely defined by low- to midrise historic structures.

In a recent interview, Mr. Macklowe said his tower at 21 East 12th Street is “as of right,” meaning it is legally allowed to be built as designed given the existing zoning designation, but he added that the project’s architect, Annabelle Selldorf, gave careful consideration to the building’s design.

“While I’m always appreciative of opposite points of view, I really believe we are building something that will contribute to the community,” said Mr. Macklowe, who asked the architect to design a building with stone and not glass. “But time will be the judge.”