Objections by building owner and lack of positive support by council member sank designation. On October 27, 2005, the City Council overturned the Landmarks Preservation Commission’s designation of the 1966-built, former Jamaica Savings Bank on Queens Boulevard in Elmhurst. Landmarks designated the bank in June 2005, calling it a striking example of 1960s popular modernist architecture. 2 CityLand 92 (July 15, 2005). The bank, designed by William F. Cann, features a 116-foot long curved copper clad roof that rises from a low floor-to- ceiling height to a 43-foot height along the Queens Boulevard facade. Landmarks found the roof reminiscent of Saarinen’s TWA Terminal at JFK International Airport.

The owner, BA Property LLC, argued against the designation at the Council’s hearing before the Subcommittee on Landmarks, Public Siting and Maritime Uses. BA claimed that Landmarks, under pressure from preservationists to designate more modern architecture and buildings outside of Manhattan, arbitrarily chose the bank, offering it as a “consolation prize.” BA claimed the bank’s high ceiling and unique design made heating, cooling and repair costs exorbitant, and flooding issues required “six double gallon pumps going 24 hours a day.” BA complained that designation would deprive it of its right to add over 25,000 sq. ft. of as-of-right commercial space. (read more…)