Designation Should Not Mean Demolition

The Landmarks Preservation Commission has calendared the AT&T Building at 550 Madison Avenue for a public hearing. As well it should. Designed by Philip Johnson and John Burgee, the skyscraper with a distinctive Chippendale top was the first post-modern addition to the skyline when completed in 1984. It is as emblematic of its time as the Woolworth Building (Cass Gilbert, 1913) and the Chrysler Building (William Van Allen, 1930).


Four-Story Addition to Recently Designated Landmark Proposed

Developer’s representatives said application was presented as alternative to hardship application to demolish landmark; proposed four-story addition would celebrate and honor history of building. On January 9, 2017, Landmarks held a hearing for proposed work on 827-831 Broadway, an individual City landmark. The twin buildings—completed in 1867 and designed by Griffith Thomas—were recently designated landmarks for their commercial history, original cast-iron Italianate architecture, and their connection to 20th century art. The buildings … <Read More>


Exterior and Interior of Colonial Revival Building Added to Commission’s Calendar

Headquarters of the National Society of Colonial Dames in the State of New York serves as both club house and museum. On December 12, 2017, Landmarks voted to add the Headquarters of the National Society of Colonial Dames in the State of New York to its calendar for consideration as both an exterior and interior City landmark.  The Neo-Colonial building, at 215 East 71st Street, was completed in 1930 to designs by architect Richard … <Read More>


Civil War-Era Commercial Buildings that Later Housed Artists’ Studios Designated

Buildings’ significance largely derives from their association with post-World-War-II Abstract Expressionist movement; owners expected to soon apply for permit to build additions. Landmarks voted to designate two twin adjoining buildings as an individual City landmark at its meeting on October 31st, 2017. The buildings, at 827 and 831 Broadway in Manhattan, date to 1867 and were designed by architect Griffith Thomas for Pierre Lorillard, heir to the Lorillard Tobacco Company. The building’s facade is composed … <Read More>


Salvation Army Headquarters Designated an Individual Landmark

Prominent Art Deco headquarters of international Christian charity organization features designated after opposition retracted by Salvation Army leadership. On October 17, 2017, the Landmarks Preservation Commission voted to designate the Salvation Army National and Territorial Headquarters, located at 120 West 14th Street, as an individual City landmark. The complex was completed in 1930 after the organization outgrew its original New York City location. The complex was designed by Ralph Walker of the firm Voorhees, Gmelin … <Read More>


COMPLETE VIDEO: 145th CityLaw Breakfast with DOT Commissioner Trottenberg

On Thursday, September 28, 2017, the Center for New York City Law at New York Law School hosted the 145th CityLaw Breakfast. The event speaker was New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Polly Trottenberg.

Commissioner Trottenberg was introduced by Professor Sandler, the Director of the Center for City Law, and Anthony Crowell, Dean and President of New York Law School. When introducing Commissioner Trottenberg, Professor Sandler acknowledged the great amount of experience … <Read More>