Architect rendering of the St. Patrick’s Cathedral modification. Image credit: Murphy, Bunham and Buttrick

Approved work would allow Cardinal Dolan to exit and enter his residence without exposing himself to public thoroughfares. On December 15, 2015, the Landmarks Preservation Commission approved a proposal from the Archdiocese of New York to make alterations to the St. Patrick’s Cathedral Complex at 625 Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan. The planned work entails the creation of a curb cut and an opening in the retaining wall. The Gothic Revival Cathedral Complex is an individual City landmark, with the cathedral completed in 1888 to designs by James Renwick. The complex was designated in 1966. The new work would take place on 50th Street, near Madison Avenue. (read more…)

Architect rendering of the proposed facility. Image credit: Rampulla Associates

Revisions to site plan made for more green spaces, while the buildings’ materials and design would better relate to the historic district. On October 20, 2015, the Landmarks Preservation Commission approved a plan to develop a new facility housing Meals on Wheels operations at 460 Brielle Avenue in Staten Island’s New York Farm Colony-Seaview Hospital Historic District. The site, currently empty, lies in the Seaview Hospital portion of the district. The Health and Hospital Corporation still utilizes some properties in the district, but others are vacant and have fallen into disrepair. Proposals have been made to redevelop the area as a “wellness center.” (read more…)

Preservationist to replace Thomas Pike. On March 28, 2007, the City Council voted unanimously to approve the appointment of Diana Chapin to Landmarks. The Council also voted to approve the reappointments of Commissioners Pablo Vengoechea, Stephen Byrns, Joan Gerner, and Christopher Moore.

Diana Chapin, a member of the Municipal Art Society and the Landmarks Conservancy, is Executive Director of the Queens Library Foundation. She was a founding member of the Historic House Trust, a not-for-profit that works with Parks to preserve historic homes. Chapin, who had a long career in City government, served as a Deputy Commissioner with the Department of Environmental Protection, with Buildings, and with Parks as well as being Parks’ Queens Borough Commissioner. Chapin will be replacing Reverend Thomas Pike who served on Landmarks for 16 years. (read more…)