Coney Island Boardwalk Designated a Scenic Landmark

Iconic 2.7-mile long boardwalk designated for its cultural and historical significance, as little if any original fabric remains. On May 15, 2018, Landmarks voted to designate Brooklyn’s Coney Island Boardwalk a scenic landmark. The Boardwalk was originally opened to the public in 1923, and was extended in subsequent years. Under Robert Moses leadership of the Parks Department in 1938, the Boardwalk was straightened, moved inland, and extended. The Boardwalk’s current length is 2.7 miles. A … <Read More>


Testimony in Support and Opposition to Historic District Extension Heard from Community Members

Controversy focused on small section of Atlantic Avenue commercial corridor proposed for inclusion in district extension, characterized by 19th-century low-rise buildings. Landmarks held a hearing on the designation of the Boerum Hill Historic District Extension on May 8, 2018.  The extension would be composed of three direct sections adjoining the existing Boerum Hill Historic District to the north, south, and west. Approximately 288 buildings are included in the proposed extension, roughly equal in … <Read More>


Commissioners Fail to Find Consensus on Revised Proposal for Addition to Individual Landmark

Proposed additions to recently designated buildings, known for housing artists of the Abstract Expressionist movement, reduced in visibility with modifications to design to better relate to existing building. On April 24, 2018, the Landmarks Preservation Commission considered a revised proposal to create a rooftop addition to the 827-831 Broadway Buildings, an individual City landmark designated in October of 2017. The buildings were designated partially for its architecture as proto-cast-iron commercial architecture, designed by Griffith … <Read More>


Threatened Mansion Designated Two Weeks after Calendaring

Turn-of-the-century mansion, identified as part of Sunset Park survey, was calendared as a last-minute addition to agenda two weeks prior to hearing, followed immediately by designation. Landmarks voted to designate the Maurice T. Lewis House, at 404 55th Street in Brooklyn’s Sunset Park neighborhood, immediately following a public hearing on March 6, 2018. Landmarks had only added the item to its calendar two weeks prior, as a last-minute addition to the day’s agenda.


Hearings Held on Two East Midtown Early-20th-Century Buildings

Support for individual landmark designations of Beaux-Arts Hotel and Neo-Renaissance Office Building expressed at hearing. On February 20, 2018, the Landmarks Preservation Commission held public hearings on the potential designations of Hotel Seville and the Emmet Building, both in East Midtown, in the area to the north of Madison Square. Landmarks added both buildings to its calendar in December of 2017.


Four-Story Addition to Recently Designated Landmark Proposed

Developer’s representatives said application was presented as alternative to hardship application to demolish landmark; proposed four-story addition would celebrate and honor history of building. On January 9, 2017, Landmarks held a hearing for proposed work on 827-831 Broadway, an individual City landmark. The twin buildings—completed in 1867 and designed by Griffith Thomas—were recently designated landmarks for their commercial history, original cast-iron Italianate architecture, and their connection to 20th century art. The buildings … <Read More>