LPC

Fall 2016

Inside This Issue

Message from the Chair

New LPC Website

NYC Artifacts Now Online

Proposed Landmarks

Barrier-Free Access in Historic Buildings

Message from the Chair

As you'll read in this issue, the Commission's website now has a new look! It was crafted to reflect what we have heard from stakeholders and the public about what they want to see on our site, and to make it easier than ever for users to find information on the agency's work. We will continually be expanding our online content to update New Yorkers on the commission's work and relevant information. I encourage you to check back often and send us your feedback.

The agency also launched a brand new website dedicated to New York City's archaeological collections. Researchers, teachers, students, archaeology buffs, and the public will have easy access to the city's archaeological treasures. Researchers and scholars may also come and study these artifacts at the New York City Archaeological Repository: The Nan A. Rothschild Research Center which opened in August 2014. I am delighted that these initiatives advance our goals to promote equity, efficiency and transparency and especially proud to announce that nyc.gov/archaeology has been awarded "The Best of NYC" Excellence in Technology award for Best External Site.

As part of our designation agenda, the Commission calendared the Sullivan-Thompson Historic District in Manhattan. The collection of buildings in the proposed district represents the development of the area from a residential row house neighborhood in the early 19th century to a mixed-use, working-class neighborhood in the early 20th century, and we look forward to holding a public hearing on November 29th.

In the fifty years since the Commission was established, it has designated more than 36,000 buildings and sites and, of those, only 117 are interior landmarks. Therefore, it is notable that the Commission recently calendared two interiors— the United Nations Hotel first floor interiors (Ambassador Grill and part of the lobby), and the Waldorf Astoria interiors.

As we approach the end of 2016, we continue working toward achieving the goals that, together, we set out to accomplish by the end of the year. With significant public participation, we have designated more than half of the sites prioritized through the Backlog Initiative and are committed to bringing the remaining sites before the Commission within the next two months. In addition, the Commission will soon be voting on the properties that were identified during the Greater Midtown East Initiative.

I look forward to continue working together to ensure that the best of our city's built environment continues to be protected and preserved.

My very best,
Meenakshi Srinivasan

New LPC Website!

The Landmarks Preservation Commission is pleased to announce its newly redesigned website, nyc.gov/landmarks. The new design allows for clear navigation, streamlined menus, and a responsive layout across platforms and devices, making it easier than ever to find the information you need— whether you're filing an application or searching for information on one of the more than 36,000 landmark sites in New York City.

What you'll love about the new LPC website:

Homepage – See upcoming hearing agendas, recent news, landmark search tools, and quick links to get to where you want to go in one click.

Public Hearing Calendar – Get a monthly view of scheduled hearings/meetings, complete with links to agendas, actions, proposed projects, and videos of past hearings and meetings.

Responsive Design – You can view the LPC website from any device, and take advantage of LPC's features and services on the go!

Explore the website!

NYC Artifacts Now Online

In October the Landmarks Preservation Commission launched the NYC Archaeological Repository: The Nan A. Rothschild Research Center in midtown Manhattan. The launch included the release of a new website, nyc.gov/archaeology, where visitors can uncover the city's past by searching and browsing artifacts found throughout the five boroughs. The launch makes New York City the first municipality to host a digital archive dedicated to its robust archaeological collections.

Nyc.gov/archaeology provides unprecedented public access to the City's artifacts. The site includes image exhibits of the collection's highlights, overviews of archaeological sites, in-depth reports, quizzes for varying skill levels, curricula for teachers, and advanced search capabilities.

Proposed Landmarks

On September 20th, the Commission voted to calendar the first floor interiors in the United Nations Hotel (now One UN New York), consisting of the Ambassador Grill and part of the lobby, as significant examples of Late and Post-Modern design by the internationally-acclaimed architectural firm Kevin Roche John Dinkeloo and Associates.

On November 1st The Commission also voted to calendar the Waldorf Astoria Interiors, and the proposed Sullivan-Thompson Historic District in Manhattan. The Waldorf Astoria, an individual landmark, is one of New York City's most famous hotels and contains several significant Art Deco interiors. The Commission recognized the prominent main public interior rooms on the first and third floors and their connecting spaces as architecturally and culturally significant and determined that these spaces warrant consideration as an interior landmark.

The proposed Sullivan-Thompson Historic District is nestled between a number of major thoroughfares and designated historic districts, resulting in an enclave with distinct early buildings and historic storefronts that create a unique sense of place. The public hearing for the proposed Sullivan-Thompson Historic District will take place on November 29, 2016.

Calendaring is the first step in the public hearing process. For information on these and other sites under LPC consideration, please visit our website.

Barrier-Free Access in Historic Buildings

Providing barrier-free access to landmark buildings ensures all New Yorkers and visitors can utilize the city's historic resources. LPC can provide guidance on how to achieve accessibility at historic properties through careful planning and sensitive design.

The Commission has a long history of approving proposals for work that accommodate barrier-free access at landmark properties, including ramps, lifts, and associated fixtures, such as signage, push plates and free-standing hardware. While the most appropriate type of installation depends primarily on the site-specific conditions of a building, care should be taken to ensure that the proposed work does not detract from the architectural character and historic features of the building, streetscape and historic district. Continue reading for tips on installing Barrier-Free Access at landmark sites.

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