Landmarks considered designating building for the third time. On July 14, 2009, Landmarks heard testimony on the possible designation of the former Interborough Rapid Transit Powerhouse at West 58th Street and Eleventh Avenue. Designed by Stanford White, the Beaux-Arts style powerhouse is an example of the City Beautiful architectural movement influenced by the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. Landmarks considered designating the powerhouse in 1979 and 1990, but never called for a vote on the matter.

The Interborough Rapid Transit Company built the electric powerhouse to run the City’s first subway system in 1904. Con Edison purchased the powerhouse in 1959 and uses the facility to provide steam for numerous private customers. Although much of the original structure has been retained, five of the six original chimneys have been removed, with a much larger chimney added to the southeast corner. The building’s upper cornice and original terra-cotta roof tiles have also been removed. (read more…)