Chase Manhattan Plaza and NYU’s Silver Towers considered as City Landmarks. On June 24, 2008, Landmarks heard testimony on the potential designation of two iconic modernist sites, 1 Chase Manhattan Plaza in Lower Manhattan, and University Village in Greenwich Village.

Chase Plaza includes a tower office building, designed by Gordon Bunshaft of Skidmore Owings and Merrill, and a plaza, featuring a sunken Japanese rock garden and a sculpture by Jean Dubuffet. The entire complex occupies two-and-a half-acres and necessitated the demapping of a portion of Cedar Street. Built between 1957 and 1961 in the International Style, the 60- floor glass and aluminum tower is a result of David Rockefeller’s commitment to Lower Manhattan when financial firms were migrating to Midtown. A representative from JP Morgan Chase, which still owns the property, stated that the company was proud that Landmarks was considering the property. (read more…)