East 54th Street building provided public bathing facilities to tenement residents. On May 10, 2011, Landmarks designated the East 54th Street Bath and Gymnasium at 342-348 East 54th Street in Manhattan as an individual City landmark. Werner & Windolph completed the three-story, Classical Revival building for the City in 1911. The redbrick building features a large stone cornice, tripartite arched openings, and four Doric columns featuring capitals adorned with Poseidon’s trident. Landmarks staff described the structure as “remarkably intact.”

The East 54th Street facility was the twelfth of thirteen Free Public Baths of the City of New York. The City’s baths were mandated by an 1895 State law and served the residents of nearby tenements which often did not possess bathing facilities. The East 54th Street Bath became obsolete as the surrounding residential buildings added bathing amenities. The facility ceased operating as a bathhouse in 1938, and the City converted the building into a public gymnasium and community facility. The City in 1996 closed the building to carry out extensive renovations. The facility re-opened to the public in 2001. (read more…)

Commissioners hear testimony on Armory building, two churches, and several residences within the borough. On August 11, 2009, Landmarks held hearings for nine potential City landmarks on Staten Island. Chair Robert B. Tierney said the hearings were part of Landmarks ongoing effort to preserve the borough’s 19th century heritage. Council Member Kenneth Mitchell, whose district includes all the buildings, said all nine properties are important to Staten Island’s history and deserve designation.

Landmarks first considered 327 Westervelt Avenue, a shingle-style residence built around 1887 in the New Brighton neighborhood. The building features a three-story turret and is believed to have been designed by Edward Alfred Sargent. The property’s co-owner supported designation and described the restoration work he and his partner had performed on the building, which he said was likely “slated for the wrecking ball.” A representative of the North Shore Waterfront Conservancy said the building was “a rusty nail away from falling down” before the current owners purchased the property, calling it one of Staten Island’s “genuine treasures.” (read more…)