I mentioned my confusion only because it undermined your point about the exemption. I’m now clear that the building owner, at some point in the past, successfully argued that rent control should not apply to this building.
You, on the other hand, for not-yet-clearly-articulated reasons (having to do with sprinklers, I guess?) think that rent control should apply.
No need to enumerate your reasons here… For me, “developer pulled dirty trick to skirt laws intended to protect people” is far more persuasive than “think of the circus performers!” 
I accept that other people don’t work like me, might find the emotional appeal more compelling.
