Potential Developers Say Designation Would Likely Halt Adaptive Reuse of Former Dairy

Developer’s engineers say stabilizing the buildings while conducting environmental remediation would lead to six million dollars in unplanned costs. On September 13, 2016, the Landmarks Preservation Commission held a second hearing on the potential designation of two of the buildings that once composed the Empire State Dairy Company at 2840 Atlantic Avenue in the East New York section of Brooklyn.


Large Bruckner Boulevard Sign Rejected

OTR Media sought to legalize an 11,297-square-foot billboard visible from the Bruckner Expressway. On January 14, 2013, the Department of Buildings issued a Sign Registration Rejection letter denying registration for a sign leased by OTR Media Group. The 79- by 143-foot sign, constructed in 1962, was located at 330 Bruckner Boulevard in the Bronx—35 feet from and within view of the Bruckner Expressway. Buildings based its rejection on a seven-year gap from 1981 to 1988 … <Read More>


New Building Approved for Vacant Lot on East 62nd Street

Townhouse to be constructed in a modified Beaux-Arts style where 1880s townhouse was destroyed in an explosion. On July 12, 2016, Landmarks considered and approved an application to construct a new building at 34 East 62nd Street, in Manhattan’s Upper East Side Historic District. The site is currently vacant. It was occupied by an 1880s Neo Grec townhouse until 2006, when it was destroyed in an explosion. A plan to replace the … <Read More>


Two Adjoining Bank Buildings to be Considered as Potential Individual Landmarks

A Neoclassical and an Art Deco Building, both from the early 20th century, significant contributors to Brooklyn’s “Bank Row,” added to Landmarks’ calendar. On August 9, 2016 the Landmarks Preservation Commission voted to add two adjoining Brooklyn buildings to its calendar: the People’s Trust Company Building, at 181 Montague Street, and the National Title Guaranty Building, at 185 Montague Street. Both buildings are prominent members of Downtown Brooklyn’s “Bank Row,” developed in … <Read More>


Hearings Held on Five Potential Landmarks as Part of Greater East Midtown Plan

Designations opposed by developers and hoteliers; transit advocates expressed concern that landmarking would prevent improved subway infrastructure and access. On July 19 2016, the Landmarks Preservation Commission held hearings on the potential designations of five possible individual landmarks in the East Midtown area of Manhattan. Twelve items in total were identified by Landmarks as significant historic and architectural resources, as part of the mayoral administration’s Greater East Midtown plan. The plan to revitalize … <Read More>


St. John the Divine Cathedral and Close to Enter Designation Process for Second Time

2003 designation of Church was overturned by the City Council. On July 19 2016, the Landmarks Preservation Commission voted to add the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine and the Cathedral Close to its designation calendar, formally commencing the landmarking process. The complex, consisting of the church and six associated buildings, is located at 1047 Amsterdam Avenue in the Morningside Heights neighborhood of Manhattan. The cathedral is the seat of the Episcopal Diocese <Read More>