Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced that three New York City properties have been recommended for historic recognition, highlighting their unique contributions to the city and state’s architectural and cultural heritage. The nominations are part of a broader initiative to preserve New York State’s history, and are three of 15 total properties across New York State that have been proposed for inclusion in the State and National Registers of Historic Places. All three nominations are located in Manhattan.
The first is 821 Broadway, an 11-story building located at the intersection of Broadway and East 12th Street in Greenwich Village. Designed by Samuel Sass and completed in 1906, the building is a prime example of early twentieth century loft design in the Romanesque Revival style. Its exterior features reddish-orange brick, limestone, and terracotta. Historically, it catered to various businesses, most notably the Gimbel Brothers department store.
Metro North Plaza, via nyc.gov
In addition, Metro North Plaza in East Harlem has been nominated, in large part because of its representation of a notable chapter in New York City’s public housing history. Developed through a partnership between the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) and the Metro North Citizens’ Committee, it originally aimed to improve living conditions for its surrounding neighborhoods. Designed by William Lescaze and landscaped by M Paul Friedberg between 1971 and 1973, it features three towers and a courtyard.
Lastly, the Three Arts Club at 340 West 85th Street in the Upper West Side, founded in 1903 by Deaconess Jane Harris Hall, was the United States’ first residential club for women pursuing music, drama, and fine arts. The building, which was completed in 1927 and was designed by architect George Bruno de Gersdorff, originally included an auditorium, a rooftop painting studio, and modest living quarters for female artists. The club’s legacy of supporting women in the arts continued until its closure in 1952.
340 West 85th Street, via Google Maps
Each property has played a notable role in the history of New York. At this time, there is no set timeline for the approval of each property’s historic status.
“New York’s cultural and historic resources are extraordinary,” said Randy Simons, commissioner pro tempore at the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. “They can range from large-scale manufacturing facilities to modest rural residences, but they are all tangible connections to our past. State and National Register listing is an important step to recognizing these sites. In addition to the honorific designation, the listing helps make the properties eligible for various public preservation programs and incentives, such as matching state grants and federal and state historic rehabilitation tax credits. With this support and with opportunities for investment, these resources can continue to be active spaces and contribute to the economic vitality and pride of place of their communities today.”
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The list should be in the hundreds.
Isn’t the building on W 85th Street now a homeless shelter?
Metro North Plaza in East Harlem …seriously? They should just do renovations or make a new bldg instead
I’m all for historical buildings,
but not now. Stop the spending, this state in Debt.