Howard Hughes’ (slightly less) big Seaport project approved
If any pigs were seen flying over Lower Manhattan Tuesday, this would explain it: An $850 million development planned...
Landmarks Preservation Commission
About: The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission is the government agency that designates historic landmarks and districts for New York City.
Headquarters: New York City
Founded in: 1965
Founded by: Mayor Robert F. Wagner
Landmarks Preservation Commission Q&A
What is the Landmarks Preservation Commission known for?
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.
Who runs the Landmarks Preservation Commission?
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.
Why is the Landmarks Preservation Commission important to the real estate industry?
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.
Want to learn more about the Landmarks Preservation Commission?
Check out our Top Stories below for TRD’s most up-to-date coverage of the Landmarks Preservation Commission.
Landmarks Preservation Commission Top Stories
June 11, 2019—It's official: The home of the Strand bookstore is now a historical site, and the owners are not happy.
February 12, 2019—The Landmarks Preservation Commission has approved the latest design proposal for renovating the iconic 37-story office tower designed by late architect Philip Johnson and John Burgee “with modifications,”
The Latest
Howard Hughes told to further refine Seaport tower proposal
The Howard Hughes Corporation will get a third chance in front of the Landmarks Preservation Commission with its South...
Critics look down on shorter 250 Water Street
UPDATED April 7, 2020, 7:11 a.m.: Howard Hughes Corporation returned to the Landmarks Preservation Commission Tuesday with a shorter,...
Howard Hughes hopes smaller Seaport project will work this time
After intense pushback from development-averse community groups and a rejection by the height-averse Landmarks Preservation Commission, the Howard Hughes...
Down Town Association files for bankruptcy
Lower Manhattan’s oldest social club is going under. The Down Town Association said in a bankruptcy filing on Thursday it had less than $75,000 to pay $6.9 million in debt, primarily held by its...
Over owner’s protests, city landmarks Strand bookstore
It’s official: The home of the Strand bookstore is now a historical site, and the owners are not happy....
Revamped design for 550 Madison receives Landmarks’ approval
UPDATE, Feb. 15, 6:57p.m.: The messy makeover of 550 Madison is officially cleaned up and back on track. The...
Weekend Edition
The Top 10 preservation fights of 2018
JP Morgan’s new headquarters, the renovations to 550 Madison and rule changes at the Landmarks Preservation Commission were among the top preservation battles of 2018. Here’s a look at the year’s 10 biggest showdowns,...
Weekend Edition
The Strand’s building could become an official landmark despite owner’s opposition
Landmarking is often seen as way of honoring important buildings, and a defense against excessive development. But what if preserving a building comes at...
550 Madison is now a landmark
The Landmarks Preservation Commission designated the exterior of 550 Madison Avenue a landmark. “This is the building that established postmodernism as a legitimate architectural movement,” LPC vice chair Frederick Bland told Curbed in a...