New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission

New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission
Name	New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission
Formed	April 19, 1965
Jurisdiction	New York City
Headquarters	Manhattan Municipal Building, New York City
Chief1 position	Chair
Chief2 position	Vice Chair
Parent agency	Mayor of New York City
Website	https://www.nyc.gov/site/lpc/index.page

New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission. The commission is the mayoral agency responsible for identifying, designating, and regulating the city's architecturally, historically, and culturally significant buildings, objects, and districts. Established in 1965 by a local law signed by Mayor Robert F. Wagner Jr., its creation was a direct response to the demolition of the original Pennsylvania Station, a monumental Beaux-Arts masterpiece designed by McKim, Mead & White. The LPC's regulatory authority is derived from the New York City Charter and the New York City Administrative Code, operating under the broader framework of historic preservation in the United States.

History

The catalyst for the commission's formation was the widely lamented 1963 destruction of the original Pennsylvania Station, which galvanized preservationists, architects like Philip Johnson, and civic groups such as the Municipal Art Society. This loss, following earlier fights over sites like the Singer Building, led to a successful advocacy campaign spearheaded by figures including Brendan Gill and Jacques Barzun. The New York City Council passed Local Law 46 of 1965, which was signed by Mayor Robert F. Wagner Jr. on April 19, 1965. Its early years were defined by high-profile designations, including the Astor Library and the Broadway Theatre District, and landmark legal battles, most notably the effort to save Grand Central Terminal which was upheld by the Supreme Court of the United States in the 1978 case Penn Central Transportation Co. v. New York City.

Powers and responsibilities

The commission holds the authority to designate individual landmarks, interior landmarks, scenic landmarks, and historic districts. Once a property is designated, the LPC must grant approval, known as a Certificate of Appropriateness, for any proposed alterations, renovations, or demolitions. Its purview extends to regulating visible changes to designated properties, including facade work, window replacements, and new construction within historic districts. The agency works in conjunction with other city entities like the New York City Department of Buildings and the New York City Planning Commission to enforce its regulations, and its determinations can be reviewed by the New York State Supreme Court.

Designation process

The designation process typically begins with research by the commission's staff or an application from the public. A potential landmark is then calendared for a public hearing, where testimony is taken from owners, community boards, preservation groups like the Historic Districts Council, and other interested parties. Following the hearing, the commission may vote to designate the property, which then triggers a formal designation report. This report is sent to the New York City Council, which has the power to modify or overturn the designation, though it rarely does. The entire process is governed by rules outlined in the New York City Administrative Code.

Composition and structure

The commission consists of eleven members, including a chair and vice chair, all appointed by the Mayor of New York City. By law, the members must include at least three architects, one historian, one city planner or landscape architect, and one realtor. Commissioners serve staggered three-year terms. The chair, a full-time salaried position, oversees a professional staff of architects, architectural historians, restoration specialists, and archaeologists. The agency is divided into departments such as Preservation, Research, and Environmental Review, and it is headquartered in the Manhattan Municipal Building.

Notable designations and controversies

The LPC has designated over 37,000 properties, including iconic structures like the Chrysler Building, Empire State Building, and Flatiron Building, as well as vast historic districts such as Greenwich Village and Brooklyn Heights. It has also preserved culturally significant sites like the Stonewall Inn and the Apollo Theater. Major controversies have surrounded its decisions, including the protracted battle over the St. Bartholomew's Church community house, the demolition of the American Folk Art Museum facade at the Museum of Modern Art, and debates over modern landmarks like the AT&T Building designed by Philip Johnson.

Impact and criticism

The commission is credited with fundamentally shaping the physical character of New York City, protecting its architectural heritage from the widespread urban renewal and redevelopment trends of the mid-20th century. It has fostered the revitalization of neighborhoods like SoHo and Dumbo. Critics, including some property owners and developers, argue that the designation process can be burdensome, restrict economic use, and increase costs, sometimes leading to legal challenges. Preservation advocates, however, sometimes criticize the commission for being too susceptible to political or development pressures, citing instances like the alteration of the Lever House or the redevelopment of the South Street Seaport.

Category:New York City government agencies Category:Historic preservation organizations in New York City Category:1965 establishments in New York City