From our very first years, the Landmarks Conservancy has championed the cause of vacant, neglected, and threatened buildings. With the Conservancy’s help, the U.S. Customs House, a Beaux-Arts palace on Bowling Green, found new life as the home of the National Museum of the American Indian. In 1974, the Conservancy convinced the Department of Buildings to halt the demolition already in progress of 19th-century commercial buildings on the Fraunces Tavern block, and eventually purchased the five survivors and leased them to a private developer for conversion to residential and commercial use.
To safeguard the more than 21,000 buildings protected by the City’s Landmarks Law, the Conservancy works closely with property owners, community groups, the Landmarks Preservation Commission, and other public agencies.
We also advocate for buildings not yet landmarked, from sacred sites to private buildings across the boroughs.
Recent issues include:
Conservancy Says City and Suburban Hardship Applicant Failed to Prove Case
- City and Suburban Homes 2006
January 24, 2012
NYLC Supports Landmark Designation of East 10th Street Historic District
- E 10th Street
January 17, 2012
NYLC Supports Designation of Crown Heights North Phase III Historic District
-Proposed District, Crown Heights North III
January 17, 2012
Governors Island Alliance Charts Independence
The mission is to build a constituency for the Island, promote appropriate new development, and the preservation and reuse of the historic buildings.
Second Court Decision Finds City and State Violated the Law Regarding the Tobacco Warehouse
Tobacco Warehouse, Brooklyn
State Court Declares Illegal Transfer Of Historic Structure a “Nullity,” Saying State And City Officials Violated Public Trust
Preservation Alert - LPC Salvage Warehouse Auction
Decorative Masonry Cow Head
Over the summer, Conservancy staff visited the Landmarks Preservation Commission’s Salvage Warehouse just before an auction of its contents (read story). Now items in the warehouse will be put on the auction block again in 30 smaller lots.
Conservancy Find at LPC Warehouse
An Early Sacred Sites Exhibit
Imagine our surprise, when an early Sacred Sites exhibit was discovered among the boxes and artifacts stored at the Landmarks Commission warehouse.
The exhibit was launched in 1990 to promote the importance of saving historic religious properties. It premiered at the Urban Center and was later displayed on Long Island and in Westchester. Evidently, we stored it in the warehouse awaiting another exhibit venue. We’re still waiting! And now our “landlords” at the LPC want us out! If anyone wants three, free, 12-foot kiosks with religious imagery, let us know.
Reflections: Ten Years After 9/11
Survivor's Staircase
9/11 will always bring memories of the thousands of lives lost in the attack, but it also reminded us of how important buildings are to this City. The Twin Towers were not official landmarks, but they were a visible anchor as we moved about New York and welcomed us on our return from trips. They truly marked the land.
The New York Landmarks Conservancy formed a special emergency fund with partner groups immediately after 9/11 to help restore landmark buildings damaged that day. We became consulting parties to recovery and rebuilding efforts at Ground Zero. And we documented historic buildings Lower Manhattan, as the City looked to redevelop in the area around Ground Zero.
Restoration Begins on Queens’ Oldest Synagogue
Scaffolding was erected at all four sides of the 1914 Tifereth Israel synagogue in Corona recently. This week, paint analysis was conducted by Richbrook Conservation to determine the building’s historic paint colors, and samples of original window trim and siding were removed by the window manufacturer, Parrett Windows, and the general contractor, Loduca Associates/Lipsky Enterprises, to facilitate accurate restoration and the preparation of shop drawings. Removal of the exterior stucco will begin later this week.
Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation Approves New Slate Roof for Island Chapel
At the urging of the Conservancy, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) approved a new slate roof for the 1888 Chapel of the Good Shepherd. The new slate will restore the original appearance of the landmark’s massive roofs.
Tobacco Warehouse Update
In a ruling with national implications, United States District Judge Eric N. Vitaliano handed The New York Landmarks Conservancy and other plaintiffs an historic victory when he ruled July 12 that the Tobacco Warehouse and the Empire Stores were illegally removed from federally protected parkland in Brooklyn Bridge Park. He ordered their return to public parkland.
Inspecting LPC’s Salvage Warehouse
Images of the warehouse contents.
The planned auction of the contents of the long-ago-shuttered Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) salvage warehouse caused some controversy among colleagues and the public. There were fears that important pieces of the City’s architectural history would be lost.
West Park Presbyterian Church Update
The circa 1939 tax photo shows a standing seam metal roof at the sanctuary – which means that within 40 years of construction, the original slate or tile roof was replaced with a metal one.
A Conservancy-funded phased restoration plan for West-Park Presbyterian Church is nearly complete. For the last several months, the Conservancy has worked closely with the church, initially overseeing urgent roof drainage repairs; then initiating and funding the creation of a phased exterior restoration plan, including Conservancy research to establish original roof materials.
This month the Conservancy arranged inspection of the church by a fire safety consulting engineer as well as solicited and provided a Conservancy Sacred Sites grant to fund engineering inspection and design to secure severely cracked plaster at the sanctuary ceiling – like the spring roof leaks – an immediate priority.
Ceremony Marks Start of $1.6M Restoration of Oldest Queens Synagogue
A groundbreaking ceremony was held at Congregation Tifereth Israel, 109-18 54th Avenue in Corona, at 11 am June 22. The landmark 1911 wooden building is a rare survivor of the earliest, vernacular synagogues built in Queens and is the oldest synagogue in the borough, celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.
“Cronocaos” or “Crockocaos?” Rem Koolhaas vs. Preservation
The New York Times architecture critic suggests that visitors to the current Rem Koolhaas exhibit at the New Museum may conclude that preservation has become a “dangerous epidemic.” They might as easily conclude that it is hard to figure out what Mr. Koolhaas is saying at all.
Update: West Park Presbyterian Church
Larry Best, The Rev. Dr. Robert L. Brashear, Tom Garcia, and (not visible) Matthew Gottsegen & Patrick Baldoni inspect masonry façade and windows of West Park Presbyterian Church from the sidewalk bridge.
This April and May, the Conservancy administered urgent interim roof repairs to the sanctuary and community building, stopping four active leaks. Additionally, the Conservancy oversaw plumbing repairs to blocked cast iron storm drains, arresting active leaks in this recently designated landmark on the upper West Side. Missing leaders were replaced, roof drains cleaned, and a ladder provided to facilitate future inspection and maintenance. Altogether, $8,350 was expended, leaving a balance of just over $4,000 in the West Park Restoration Fund, established last year by New York City Council Member Gale Brewer and administered by the Conservancy.
Tobacco Warehouse Update
In a hopeful sign, the National Park Service may be preparing a settlement offer to end the Conservancy’s and other plaintiffs lawsuit against the NPS for removing the historic Empire Stores and Tobacco Warehouse from Brooklyn Bridge Park without following legally mandated public procedures.
Admirals Row Update
The Conservancy has reached out to elected officials and the Advisory Counsel on Historic Preservation in dismay over the latest news from the Army National Guard (ANG) about Admirals Row. We have been informed that contrary to the stipulations in the Memorandum of Agreement forged after two-years of meetings and reviews, neither the historic timber shed nor the site’s oldest house, Quarters B, will be stabilized by the ANG. The ANG will not allow their workmen near the buildings and will not allow crews from the Brooklyn Navy Yard near them either.
Court Upholds Conservancy on Tobacco Warehouse
In a sweeping decision, United States District Judge Eric N. Vitaliano ruled that the National Park Service (“NPS”) violated federal law by removing two historic landmarks from federally protected parkland. With this decision granting a preliminary injunction, the Court ordered NPS to protect these Civil-War era structures – the Tobacco Warehouse and the Empire Stores – from the current development plans of the Bloomberg Administration. Click here to read the full press release. Click here to read the full decision
NYLC Helps Fix Leaks at West Park Presbyterian Church
Clogged drain at northeast sanctuary roof at West Park Presbyterian Church
Update: Tobacco Warehouse
Both sides in the dispute over the disposition of the Tobacco Warehouse in Brooklyn Bridge Park agreed to a two week extension—until April 8—of a current agreement that prevents construction work at the Warehouse. The agreement was reached at a March 21 hearing at Brooklyn Federal Court before Federal Judge Eric Vitaliano. Judge Vitaliano said he would rule on a request by the New York Landmarks Conservancy, Brooklyn Heights Association and Fulton Ferry Landing Association and Preservation League of New York State for a permanent injunction before the agreement expires.
Admiral’s Row Historic Sites Endangered
Despite a recent agreement to save the “timber shed,” an 1850s brick storehouse built to hold ship timbers, the national guard announced that it would not stabilize the structure because they felt it could lead to its collapse. The Navy Yard has now joined the Conservancy and others demanding that the structure—the only one of its kind left in the country—be immediately protected.
Conservancy Supports Three New Historic Districts in Brooklyn
Proposed Park Slope historic district extension
Officials Announce Groundbreaking of Moynihan Station
Gov. Paterson and the late Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan’s wife Elizabeth Brennan Moynihan and daughter, Maura Moynihan
Conservancy Meets With New President of the National Trust for Historic Preservation
Stephanie Meeks, the new President of the National Trust for Historic Preservation
Conservancy’s Grants Manager Speaks at Upstate Roundtables, Hosted by U.S. Sen. Gillibrand
Dozens of concerned members from religious organizations throughout upstate New York gathered to learn about funding programs from various federal and state agencies.
Conservancy Helps Roosevelt Island Landmarks Get Needed Repairs
Blackwell House rendering with ramp and plants.
Conservancy Staff Examines 18th Century Ship at Ground Zero
Conservancy President Peg Breen and archaeologist Michael Pappalardo from consulting firm AKRF, Inc. examine the uncovered 18th century ship at Ground Zero.
Blazes Strike 3 Historic Churches
Fire damage inside the 1884 Metropolitan Baptist Church in Harlem.
Conservancy Attends ‘Big Cities’ Preservation Gathering
Severely damaged Ennis House in 2005. Photo courtesy National Trust for Historic Preservation
LPC Designates Another Federal From Conservancy List
Conservancy's “Federal Era Row House of Lower Manhattan” Report Cover
Share Your Views of Lindsay Era Preservation Issues
There is a major retrospective now underway on the Mayoralty of John Lindsay (1966-73), including an exhibition at the Museum of the City of New York, a television documentary produced by Thirteen/WNET, a book of essays edited by Sam Roberts, and a series of Symposia. Many of the most heated preservation issues of those years remain relevant today. Please share your views.
Conservancy Board Member Works to Stop Church Demolition
Our Lady of Loreto, Ocean Hill-Brownsville Brooklyn
Assembly Also Restores Funds for Historic Sites: No Final Budget
Staatsburgh—the Hudson River mansion—home of the 19th century financier Ogden Mills, is among the 25 New York historic sites threatened.
The Assembly joined the Senate in passing a one-House budget resolution to restore funding to keep State Parks and Historic Sites open. Each budget resolution differs however. There is no final budget. The governor has not accepted either Houses’ overall proposals.
Leading Preservation Economist Chides White House for Plan to Cut Preserve America, SAT
Donovan Rypkema is principal of PlaceEconomics and President of Heritage Strategies International. Rypkema is the author of numerous publications and a book, The Economics of Historic Preservation.
Conservancy’s Technical Director in Midst of Fight to Save Historic Brownstones
329 & 331 MacDonough Street. Photo by NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission
NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission Chair Thanks Conservancy for Support in 2009
Windermere apartments
Queens Borough President Salutes Conservancy for Guiding Synagogues to State, National Listings
Rabbi Michael Weisser, left, Rabbi Jonathon Pearl, Queens Borough President, Helen M. Marshall, Conservancy Sacred Sites Director, Ann-Isabel Friedman, Conservancy President, Peg Breen, and Rabbi Samuel Waidenbaum.
Conservancy Seminar Features Expert Panel on Sustainability in Historic Houses, Nov. 12
Walter Sedovic, Principal and CEO of Walter Sedovic Architects, discusses the importance of building responsibly.
Workshop Provides Hand-On Approach to Maximizing Energy Efficiency of Religious Institutions
The Rev. Lezlie Austin-Kennedy speaks at the Green Theology Workshop at the Church of St. Matthew and St. Timothy
Preservation is Sustainability: How to Make Your Older Building More Energy Efficient
Barbara Livingstone, Vice-President for Marketing at the Museum of the City of New York welcomes the audience
Thursday • May 7 • 6:30 PM at the Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Avenue at 103rd Street
Conservancy’s Technical Services Director Takes Part in Preservation Conference Roundtable
Conservancy Director of Technical Services, Alex Herrera
Conservancy Guides Historic Brooklyn Synagogues Towards State, National Register Listing
Ocean Parkway Jewish Center, on Ocean Parkway between Ditmas & Avenue F in Kensington, built in 1924-1926.
Moynihan Station Progress
Amtrak’s recent announcement that it will move into the landmark Farley Post Office is a welcome sign that behind the scenes work on Moynihan Station is paying off.
But funding issues remain.
Sacred Sites Director on Buffalo Panel
Sacred Sites Director Ann Friedman, a nationally recognized expert on restoring religious properties and issues
of church closings, will speak in Buffalo tonight.
Conservancy Interns Survey Bronx, Fight Fires
Bronx Survey Team Vermont graduate student Britta Fenniman, left, volunteer Ian Dull and Pratt graduate student Andito Lloyd.
This summer, the Conservancy’s survey of historic religious properties returned to the Bronx to complete our survey of Bronx Roman Catholic churches, commenced in 2005, and to undertake a survey of the borough’s historic synagogues.
Link Text Here
The Road to City Hall
City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr.
Hear what mayoral candidate William C. Thompson, Jr. has to say about preservation before the September primary
West Park Presbyterian
On July 14, Conservancy staff joined several dozen others to testify at an LPC hearing in support of designating West Park as an individual landmark.
The Road to City Hall
Councilmember Tony Avella
Hear what the mayoral candidates have to say about preservation before the September primary
Conservancy Guides Historic Queens Synagogues Towards State, National Register Listing
A colorful mosaic by A. Raymond Katz and Vincent Foscato
Conservancy Upset with Admirals’ Row Decision
Demolition of Most of Admirals’ Row Is Approved
Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Passes Senate; Brings Redevelopment To Distressed Communities
Senate Passes Enhanced Preservation Tax Credit
Windermere Apartments Has New Owner
Windermere Apartments Has a New Owner. Photo: Librado Romero/The New York Times
The Landmarks Conservancy has been a longtime advocate for the Windermere Apartments, a Victorian-era brick masterpiece on the west side of Manhattan built in 1880-81.
Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Update
Legislative talks first step towards expanding pre-tax credits. The Conservancy has been part of a statewide coalition which has supported getting historic tax credits. We are pushing for this and will keep you posted. Please see the below article for more information.
Preservation Lobby Day 2009
NYLC President Peg Breen
The third annual “NYC Preservation Lobby Day” Wednesday, May 6 at 11 a.m. at City Hall.
Cleaning and Repair of Lippold Sculpture
Here are some behind-the-scenes photos of the cleaning and repair of a Lippold Sculpture owned by the Conservancy and housed at the Four Seasons Restaurant.
Breen Makes Case for NYC’s Buildings
Not many people can view the fruits of their own work from their Manhattan office window. But from the 21st floor at 1 Whitehall Street at the southern tip of Manhattan, Peg Breen, the president of New York Landmarks Conservancy, can look onto the former
Governor Paterson Drops Preservation Tax
Thank you to everyone who responded to our alert urging the Governor not to limit the capital improvement exemption to new buildings.
Governors Island Reprieve
The State budget scheduled to be passed today contains $7 million in funding for the operation of the Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation (GIPEC) and some $20 million in deferred monies for capital projects.
General Theological Seminary’s Latest Proposal
The New York Sun reports that the General Theological Seminary has presented to Community Board 4 a “compromise design” to build a seven-story, mixed-use residential building on Ninth Avenue
