After two hearings, 1930-built Horn and Hardart Automat finally designated. On January 30, 2007, Landmarks unanimously approved the designation of 2710 Broadway, one of the last remaining structures in the city to once house a Horn and Hardart Automat. Constructed in 1930 by the architectural firm E.P. Platt and Brothers, the Art-Deco style building features glazed terra cotta ornamentation of contrasting colors in stylized floral motifs that remain remarkably intact.

The building’s owner, Norma Teitler, adamantly opposed landmarking, believing it would devalue the property she held for over 20 years. In two hearings, preservationist groups called attention to the well-preserved structure and ornamentation, while community residents and others evoked the memories and cultural significance of the automats. 3 CityLand 94 (July 15, 2006). (read more…)