Landmarks rejects Mariners’ Family Asylum bldg.

Elected officials saw designation as obstacle to expansion of foster care facility. On November 20, 2007, Landmarks removed the Mariners’ Family Asylum building from its designation calendar, allowing its current owner, New York Foundling Hospital, to move forward with its development plan.

Built in 1852, the Italianate Villa style building was originally known as the Seamens’ Retreat and housed widows and other family members of New York seamen. Progressive in its time, it was entirely … <Read More>


Landmarks considers historic district in DUMBO

Residents, preservationists, and elected officials testify for designation. On October 30, 2007, Landmarks held a public hearing on a proposed historic district in the area known as Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, or DUMBO. The area is already on the National and State Registries of Historic Places, and featured in the National Trust’s list of “America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places.” The district would include a unique mix of buildings, including some of the … <Read More>


Hearing held on Flatbush school designation

EDC intends to transfer property to non-profit trade group. On September 18, 2007, Landmarks heard testimony on the possible designation of the former Public School 90 building in Flatbush, Brooklyn. Architect John Y. Culyer, also responsible for the nearby Flatbush Town Hall, a City landmark, designed P.S. 90 in 1878, before Flatbush assimilated into the city of Brooklyn. P.S. 90 built additions to the school in 1886 and 1906. Chair Robert B. Tierney stated that … <Read More>


Landmarks designates Domino Sugar plant

Iconic symbol of Brooklyn’s industrial heritage approved as City landmark. On September 25, 2007, Landmarks voted unanimously to designate three buildings within the former Domino Sugar Processing Plant, located along the East River in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

The three round arch-style brick buildings, the largest of which measures 13 stories high, date back to the 1880s. The plant produced sugar until the 1970s. After Domino closed the site in 2004, CPC Resources purchased the plant with … <Read More>


Landmarks to consider Lord & Taylor’s 5th Ave. bldg.

Hearing set for August 7th. On July 17, 2007, Landmarks voted unanimously to consider the Lord & Taylor building on 424 Fifth Avenue at West 38th Street for individual designation. Architectural firm Starrett & Van Vleck designed the 1914 building, and was also responsible for other iconic department stores, including the landmarked Saks Fifth Avenue building. Landmarks’ research department found that the Lord & Taylor building appeared to be Starrett & Van Vleck’s first department … <Read More>


Two Federal row houses designated as landmarks

Despite homeowner objections, rare residences designated unanimously. Landmarks designated two Federalera row houses at 486 and 488 Greenwich Street as individual landmarks on July 24, 2007. The two-and-a-half story houses, built in 1823 for German tailor and developer John Rohr, now contain commercial establishments on their ground floors. The houses retain their peaked dormered roofs, stone lintels and sills, and essential identity as three-bayed row houses despite numerous alterations over the years. The buildings’ survival … <Read More>