Rendering of approved development. Image credit: BKSK

Commissioners split on simultaneous redevelopment of five buildings, including significant increase in height beyond existing structures in some lots. On June 7, 2016, the Landmarks Preservation voted to approve the issuance of three certificates of appropriateness impacting five buildings spanning an entire block on the south side of Gansevoort Street between Greenwich and Washington Street in the Gansevoort Market Historic District. The five buildings occupy three tax lots. Aurora Capital and William Gottlieb Real Estate are the project’s developers.

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From Left to Right: Paul Selver, Jerold Kayden, Meenakshi Srinivasan, Kent Barwick. Image Credit: LPC

Speakers spoke of the different priorities of City government and other stakeholders, examined preservation strategies of municipalities nationwide, and considered changes in the legal landscape that could affect landmarking. On October 26, 2015, , Meenakshi Srinivasan, Chair of the Landmarks Preservation Commission, and Jerold Kayden, Professor at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design, co-hosted an event titled “History in the Making: The New York City Landmarks Law at 50.” The event held at the New York City Bar Association consisted of multiple addresses and panels intended to provoke and challenge common assumptions and perceptions regarding historic preservation as the City’s landmarks law enters the second half of its first century. (more…)

Robert B. Tierney

Robert B. Tierney comes from a background of law and government rather than architecture, but his experience and training serve him well in his current position as Chair of the Landmarks Preservation Commission. His love for learning about the City’s fascinating history and built environment, which he describes as a hobby and passion pursued for over 40 years, has allowed him to approach designation from a well-versed position, while his expertise in navigating through City government has helped him accumulate the resources required to carry out Landmarks’ mission. From 2004 to 2008, Landmarks’ budget expanded from $3.1 to $4.3 million and staff increased from 50 to 68. Tierney credited Mayor Bloomberg for the increased funding and for his appreciation of the role that Landmarks plays in preserving architecturally, historically, and culturally significant sites in the City.

Beyond Manhattan. Tierney’s tenure has been marked by what has been called “a five-borough strategy.” In years past, some have criticized Landmarks for primarily targeting sites within Manhattan for designation. From his first day on the job, one of Tierney’s top priorities has been to identify districts and buildings outside of Manhattan that are worthy of designation. Beginning in 2003, Tierney has overseen the designation of nine outer borough historic districts and 66 outer borough individual landmarks. Of the 1,158 buildings designated in Fiscal Year 2007, 96 percent were outside of Manhattan. Landmarks’ staff is currently reviewing the results of a 22,000 building survey recently undertaken by the research department. The survey evaluated more than 16,000 buildings located outside of Manhattan for designation. (more…)

Morris Adjmi design wins praise from Commissioners. On September 9, 2008, Landmarks heard testimony on three applications for certificates of appropriateness with respect to adjacent properties at 414-422 Greenwich Street and 401-411 Washington Street in the Tribeca North Historic District. The applications propose the demolition of a 1956 garage, the construction of a new six-story building with a penthouse, and a penthouse addition to an existing 1906 loft building adjacent to the garage.

Architectural historian Bill Higgins testified on behalf of the owner that the 1906 Neo-Renaissance loft building had been built as a storehouse for coffee and tea. Higgins noted that the original terra cotta detailing had suffered significant water damage and would be restored as part of the development. Additionally, the brick facade would be cleaned, and eroded mortar joints repaired. As for the garage, Higgins testified that it was the last building constructed in the district before designation, and did not contribute to the district’s character. (more…)