Rizzoli Bookstore to continue fight for landmark status

Effort comes despite being rejected by the Landmarks Preservation Commission this week

Rizzoli Bookstore at 31 West 57th Street
Rizzoli Bookstore at 31 West 57th Street

WEEKENDEDITION Those hoping to save the much loved and elegant Rizzoli Bookstore remain positive despite being denied landmark status.

The Landmarks Preservation Commission rejected the bookstore’s request for historic status this week. Currently, the LeFrak Organization and Vornado Realty Trust plan to demolish the building, located at 31 West 57th Street, to make way for a high-rise condo.

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But members of the Save Rizzoli Committee haven’t lost hope. A committee member has written to Curbed saying:

“[This] is not final, nor a significant departure from their previous stance. The Commission has reversed their positions on whether to landmark buildings in the past, and with the entire Commissioners terms set to expire soon, there is still hope a public hearing can be calendared. The recent support of Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer has been encouraging.” [Curbed]Christopher Cameron