On Thursday, December 15th, the New York City Historic Districts Council (HDC) and their community partners were joined by elected officials and concerned members of the public for a press conference at City Hall, condemning City agencies for approving a raft of demolitions of landmarked buildings across New York City. [Read more…] about NYC Preservationists, Officials Protest Demolition of Historic Landmarks
Landmarks Preservation Commission
Under Threat: South of Union Square Historic District, Manhattan
The proposed South of Union Square Historic District in Manhattan contains a remarkable concentration of sites connected to key civil rights and social justice movements, as well as influential literary, artistic, and music movements.
It offers a unique window into New York City‘s development in the late-19th and early-20th century, with an eclectic array of buildings, many designed by world-class American architects.
Despite its historic importance, this neighborhood is severely lacking in landmark and zoning protections. [Read more…] about Under Threat: South of Union Square Historic District, Manhattan
NYC Politico Jimmy McManus and Tammany History (Series Conclusion)
Jimmy McManus was interested in promoting the political history of Hell’s Kitchen and Tammany Hall. He occasionally would co-lead walking tours about the political history of Hell’s Kitchen for the 92nd Street Y or Culture Now.
One of McManus’s earlier activities in this regard was as a member and later President of the National Democratic Club of New York, which dated from 1834 and was credited with swinging the 1844 Presidential election to Democratic candidate James K. Polk, when as the Empire Club it helped carry New York State to James K. Polk over his opponent Henry Clay. [Read more…] about NYC Politico Jimmy McManus and Tammany History (Series Conclusion)
Controversy Over Development At New York’s Seaport Historic District
On January 5th, 2021, the City of New York’s Landmarks Preservation Commission held a virtual public hearing at which more than a hundred people testified about Howard Hughes Corporation’s proposal to build a 47-story residential building at 250 Water Street in Lower Manhattan, at the heart of the South Street Seaport Historic District.
Fights over the appropriateness of tall buildings in Historic Districts are not unusual in the City of New York, but this one is uniquely centered on the purposes of historic preservation and the role cultural institutions play in helping to build and sustain communities, and themselves. [Read more…] about Controversy Over Development At New York’s Seaport Historic District
Historic District Designated in Central Harlem
The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) has recently designated the Central Harlem – West 130-132nd Streets a Historic District. This mid-block historic district represents Central Harlem’s residential architecture, and the social, cultural, and political life of its African American population in the 20th century.
To illustrate the significance of this diverse historic district, LPC launched an interactive story map called Explore the Central Harlem – West 130th-132nd Streets Historic District. [Read more…] about Historic District Designated in Central Harlem
Historic Buildings: Far Rockaway Fire House, Police Station
The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) has recently designated two historic buildings in Far Rockaway, Queens as individual landmarks: the Firehouse, Engine Companies 264 & 328/Hook and Ladder 134 at 16-15 Central Avenue, and the 53rd (now 101st) Precinct Police Station at 16-12 Mott Avenue.
These buildings are outstanding examples of early-20th century civic buildings and represent a period of significant growth in Far Rockaway. [Read more…] about Historic Buildings: Far Rockaway Fire House, Police Station
NYC Landmarks Commission Offers Permit Web Map
The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) has announced the launch of the new Permit Application Finder, an interactive web map that will allow the public to see geographically where LPC permits have been filed and issued and what that work entails.
The Commission has also enhanced its online Permit Application Search, which now gives the public the ability to search by community district and work type. [Read more…] about NYC Landmarks Commission Offers Permit Web Map
Coney Island Boardwalk Designated Landmark
The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) has designated the Coney Island (Riegelmann) Boardwalk in Brooklyn a Scenic Landmark in recognition of its cultural and historical significance.
Since opening on May 15, 1923, the Coney Island Boardwalk has been one of the best-known waterfront promenades in the world, providing access to the beach, amusements, and ocean views. Scenic landmark designation is expected to protect the boardwalk’s presence along the beachfront and preserve this iconic site for future generations. [Read more…] about Coney Island Boardwalk Designated Landmark
Advocates Call For New Chair Of NYC Landmarks Commission
The Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) has proposed to overhaul its rules under the guise of “increasing transparency.”
Dissenting organizations argue that the proposed changes will actually eliminate transparency, take away public oversight, and give more decision-making to Chair Meenakshi Srinivasan who, acting at the direction of the Bill de Blasio administration, has proven hostile towards historic neighborhoods and the Landmarks Law.
A hearing on the proposed changes will be on March 27, 2018 at 9:30 at 1 Centre Street. [Read more…] about Advocates Call For New Chair Of NYC Landmarks Commission
NYC Historic Districts Council 2017 Highlights
New York City’s Historic Districts Council Public Review Committee is a group that reviews Certificate of Appropriateness applications submitted to New York City’s Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC).
The volunteer committee and professional staff examine each proposal and create testimony that is read to the Commission at public hearings. The following properties were some of the biggest projects that were reviewed this past year. [Read more…] about NYC Historic Districts Council 2017 Highlights