Landmarks Preservation Commission

The Landmarks Preservation Commission is known for its power to decide which New York areas, buildings, statues, and other landmarks can be designated ‘historic’ and therefore protected against demolition and certain changes. The Commission was established in 1965 and is made up of an 11-person board of experts and New York residents who are appointed by the mayor of New York. It was created to slow the pace of demolition of historic buildings. The inciting incident for the Commission's formation was the destruction of the original Penn Station, an architecturally significant building. The original Penn Station was demolished in 1963 to make way for the modern Madison Square Garden and new underground version of the station. This garnered outrage internationally and from New Yorkers.

The Commission is decided by the mayor and therefore subject to change. As of November 2019, the members are Sarah Carroll (Chair), Frederick Bland (Vice-Chair), Diana Chapin, Wellington Chen, Michael Devonshire, Michael Goldblum, John Gustafsson, Anne Holford-Smith, Jeanne Lutfy, Adi Shamir-Baron, and Everardo Jefferson.

Since it has the power to deem certain buildings or areas “protected”, the Commission has the power to both increase the value and the restrictions on real estate. “Historic” designation can make a building or area more desirable, but it also comes with strict rules that can inhibit developers and landlords from making changes or improvements.

Check out our Top Stories below for TRD’s most up-to-date coverage of the Landmarks Preservation Commission.