Queens Bank designated

Building is bold expression of mid-twentieth century engineering. On June 28, 2005, Landmarks designated the former Jamaica Savings Bank located on a diamond-shaped parcel at the intersection of Queens Boulevard and 56th Avenue in Elmhurst, Queens. The unique building, constructed in 1966-68, features a 116-foot long curved copper-clad roof that rises from a low floor-to-ceiling height to a 43-foot height at the Queens Boulevard facade. At the public hearings, North Fork Bank, the owner, strongly … <Read More>


Owners oppose designation of Queens buildings

Owners claimed designation will force them to close their business or hinder needed repair. On March 15, 2005, Landmarks held public hearings on its proposed designations of two separate commercial buildings in Queens: the Sohmer & Co. Piano Factory building in Long Island City and Elmhurst’s Jamaica Savings Bank.

The six-story Sohmer & Company Piano Factory building, built in 1886 and designed by Berger & Baylies, has a unique mansardroofed clock tower, making the building … <Read More>


Landmarks Holds Public Hearing on Public School 48 Designation

Landmarks advocates and elected officials support the designation of the school as a landmark. On August 4, 2020, the Landmarks Preservation Commission held a public hearing to designate Public School 48 in Jamaica, Queens as an individual landmark. Public School 48, also known as the Robert E. Peary School, is located at 155-02 108th Avenue and is an Art Deco style three-story public school building designed by Walter C. Martin. For CityLand’s prior coverage … <Read More>


Two Far Rockaway Civic Structures Designated Individual City Landmarks

Both dating to the early 20th century, firehouse and police precinct station designated in part for their role in Far Rockaway’s development as a year-round residential community. At its meeting on May 29, 2018, the Landmarks Preservation Commission voted to designate two buildings in in the Far Rockaway neighborhood of Queens as individual City landmarks. The buidlings are the 53rd Police Precinct Police Station, at 16-12 Mott Avenue, and the Firehouse, Engine Companies 264 … <Read More>


Two Far Rockaway Civic Structures Identified as Potential Individual Landmarks

Early 20th century buildings, a firehouse and police precinct house, reflect civic development of Far Rockaway. On March 13, 2018, Landmarks voted to add two buildings in Far Rockaway, Queens, to its calendar. The buildings are the Firehouse, Engine Companies 264 & 328, Ladder Company 13 at 16-15 Central Avenue, and the 53rd Precinct Police Station, at 16-12 Mott Avenue.  A seaside resort community through most of the 19th century, Far Rockaway was … <Read More>


Support Voiced for 1920s Clock Tower

Property owners have agreed to restrictive declaration that would limit the development adjacent lots to heights of historic buildings, to preserve towers visible facades and clock faces. On April 21, 2015, the Landmarks Preservation Commission held a hearing on the potential designation Bank of Manhattan Company Long Island City Branch Building at 29-27 Queens Plaza North as a potential individual City landmark. The building, completed in 1927 to designs by architect Morrell Smith has three … <Read More>