NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission Chair Thanks Conservancy for Support in 2009
Windermere apartments
Hubbard House, a rare surviving Dutch American farmhouse in Brooklyn constructed c. 1830
Robert B. Tierney, Chair of the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission, recently thanked the Conservancy for helping the Commission in 2009.
“As I look back at the properties and districts we designated, I’m struck not only by the large number of districts and buildings that received landmark protection this year, but also by the breadth of architectural styles and periods of the city’s history they represent,” said Tierney.
In 2009, the Commission designated eight historic districts throughout the city, encompassing 1,060 buildings, including the 850-building Prospect Heights Historic District, the largest district designated by the Commission since the Upper West Side Historic District was approved in 1990.
“One of the most remarkable aspects of forming this district was the tremendous amount of groundwork that was laid by organizations like the New York Landmarks Conservancy…” said Tierney.
The Commission designated 33 new individual landmarks including the Hubbard House, a rare surviving Dutch American farmhouse in Brooklyn constructed c. 1830. The Conservancy gave loans and grants to buy and restore the house, which resulted in the preservation of the home and grounds. We also placed an easement on the building and later actively promoted its landmarking.
The Commission gave landmark status to three Federal-era buildings in Manhattan, taking steps to preserve these rare reminders of an early period in New York City’s history.
The Conservancy and the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation promoted the designation of Federal-era buildings for the past several years. We are delighted 3 more are secure.
The Commission also successfully pressed for a demolition-by-neglect lawsuit against the previous owners of the landmark Windermere apartments at the corner of 57th Street and Ninth Avenue and got a record 1.1 million cash settlement.
The Conservancy highlighted the Windermere Apartments as an important building several years ago, worked with a group who sought to buy the building and restore it, promoted its designation and urged the Commission to pursue its ultimately successful lawsuit.
As Commission Chair, Tierney noted: “We may not always agree on which buildings are worthy of designation, or on what constitutes an appropriate intervention for a particular building or district. Indeed, architecture is an artistic expression of a particular moment, and, as such, is subject to different interpretations and meanings. But I am certain we can all agree that each of us cares deeply about the present and future of this City and is committed to acting in the best interest of all New Yorkers.”
The Conservancy couldn’t agree more and will continue its efforts to initiate additional landmarks in 2010.
