827-831 Broadway, Manhattan. Image credit: LPC

Twin 1867 structures served as home for Willem de Kooning, as well others associated with Abstract Expressionism. The Landmarks Preservation Commission voted to add two buildings to its calendar for consideration as an individual City landmark at its meeting on September 19th, 2017. The significance of the twin buildings, collectively labeled the 827-831 Broadway Buildings, largely derives from their association with Abstract Expressionist artists in post-World War II-era, particularly Willem de Kooning. The buildings were constructed for commercial purposes in 1866-67 for tobacco company scion Pierre Lorillard to designs by architect Griffith Thomas. The buildings’ design was inspired by Italian palazzi, and is clad in marble with cast-iron columns. (read more…)