LPC Designates Two Historic Buildings In Far Rockaway

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Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 29, 2018

CONTACT:
lpcpressoffice@lpc.nyc.gov, (212) 669-7938

LPC Designates Two Historic Buildings In Far Rockaway

These buildings, a firehouse and a police station, are outstanding examples of early-20th century civic buildings

NEW YORK – Today, the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) designated two historic buildings in Far Rockaway, Queens as individual landmarks: the Firehouse, Engine Companies 264 & 328/Hook and Ladder 134 at 16-15 Central Avenue, and the 53rd (now 101st) Precinct Police Station at 16-12 Mott Avenue. These buildings are outstanding examples of early-20th century civic buildings and represent a period of significant growth in Far Rockaway.

“I am so pleased the Commission has recognized these exemplary civic buildings in the community of Far Rockaway,” said Landmarks Preservation Commission Chair Meenakshi Srinivasan. “These impressive buildings reflect an era of architectural expression in municipal services buildings and foster civic pride.”

In the decades following the consolidation of the five boroughs, the City commissioned well-known architects to design government buildings such as police stations and firehouses that would distinguish themselves from private structures. These two buildings are great examples of this period.

Designed by the prominent architecture firm of Hoppin & Koen, the Far Rockaway Firehouse is a three-story Renaissance Revival style civic building that features three arched vehicle bays, rusticated limestone at the ground floor, and the upper stories are clad in red brick flanked by monumental columns. It is one of only three firehouses designed by this firm that included a wider, three-bay facade. Upon its completion in 1912, the fire company’s name changed to Engine Company 264, and over time Hook & Ladder Company 134 and Engine Company 238 were established at the same location turning the building into the fire headquarters for Far Rockaway.

The Police Station, which combines the Renaissance Revival and Colonial Revival styles, was designed by Thomas E. O’Brien, an architect and the Police Department’s Superintendent of Buildings at the time. Completed by early 1929, it was the first police station built by the City of New York in the Rockaways. Three stories in height with two fully realized primary facades, its symmetrical facades and palazzo-like form are characteristic of the Renaissance Revival style. Complementing the building’s Renaissance Revival style elements is the Colonial Revival style brickwork of its upper floors, which are faced in Harvard brick ranging in color from deep red to dark gray.

Both buildings are remarkably well-preserved and they continue to be Far Rockaway’s most prominent buildings. They also serve as a reminder of the growth and development of Far Rockaway as a permanent community after the consolidation of New York City.

“I am excited that the City Landmarks Preservation Commission designated the Fire House Engine Company 264 & 328, and the NYPD 101st precinct as historic landmarks,” said Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato. “As a Far Rockaway native I can tell you that our community is full of not only fond memories but deep rooted history. Far Rockaway will continue to grow and develop and it’s important that we maintain our beginnings while also looking forward to what our future holds.”

"Both the 101st Precinct and Far Rockaway Firehouse have been staples in our neighborhood for around a century, housing some of our most precious civil servants," said Council Member Donovan Richards. "The landmark designation of these sites will carry on the character of the neighborhood that was set when our community was first being shaped. These sites should be protected and celebrated and I thank the Landmarks Preservation Commission for their approval."

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About the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC)
The Landmarks Preservation Commission is the mayoral agency responsible for protecting and preserving New York City’s architecturally, historically and culturally significant buildings and sites. Since its creation in 1965, LPC has granted landmark status to more than 36,000 buildings and sites, including 1410 individual landmarks, 120 interior landmarks, 11 scenic landmarks, and 141 historic districts and extensions in all five boroughs. For more information, visit www.nyc.gov/landmarks and connect with us via www.facebook.com/NYCLandmarks and www.twitter.com/nyclandmarks.