Fiscal Year 2004 Ends With Desired Designations

The designations keep coming! On Tuesday, June 29th (the penultimate day of Fiscal Year 2004), the Landmark Preservation Commission voted unanimously to designate a new historic district on Staten Island and two individual landmarks in Brooklyn. The designation of the St. Paul’s Avenue/Stapleton Heights Historic District represents the culmination of many years’ effort on the part of the community and HDC. The neighborhood’s varied and beautiful homes, which range in date from the mid-19th century to the first quarter of the 20th century, will now be protected from the rampant development that is destroying the character of so many neighborhoods in this borough. This is only the second residential historic district on Staten Island, and increases the borough’s total of landmark properties by 30%! Congratulations are due to the Mud Lane Society for the Renaissance of Stapleton and the Preservation League of Staten Island for their dedication and energy during the long, but ultimately rewarding, campaign toward this designation.

The Avenue H Subway Station is one of the most unique structures in the city and its preservation is now gratifyingly assured. As noted by the Commission on Tuesday, this charming wooden station house with its flared, hipped roof and wrap-around porch is an early example of adaptive reuse. Built in 1905-06 as the real estate office for the adjacent development in Fiske Terrace, it was converted into a stationhouse for the Brighton Beach Railroad in 1908. It is now owned by the MTA, which must be applauded for its support of the designation and desire to be a good steward of this new landmark. Congratulations also to the individuals and community groups that spurred interest in the station and pursued its designation – the Midwood Park Neighborhood Association and the Fiske Terrace Neighborhood Association. HDC will continue working with these groups and lobbying the LPC to get these important examples of early-20th century “streetcar suburbs” designated and protected soon.

Finally, the beautiful Beaux-Arts-style New York and New Jersey Telephone Company Building in downtown Brooklyn was also designated. HDC will continue to lobby for additional designations in this area to protect historic sites that could be affected by the rezoning of downtown Brooklyn that was just approved by City Council. Special thanks goes out to the Landmarks Preservation Commission for their positive response to community concerns. HDC is incredibly appreciative of LPC’s action on these important and endangered historic properties and we’re looking forward to continuing our preservation partnership in the coming year!

Summer Preservation Panel Series
HDC and the New York City chapter of the American Institute of Architects are co-sponsoring three preservation panels at the Center for Architecture. Panels will be held on July 12th, July 27th and August 10th at 6:30 pm. The panels are designed to offer the advice and experience of experts to preservationists and neighborhood advocates. The first panel on Monday, July 12 focuses on archaeology in New York City and how it interacts with preservation concerns. Were you aware that the Landmarks Preservation Commission is responsible for official oversight of all archaeological resources in New York, regardless of landmark status?
Come to our panel to learn more, please click here for more information.

Cocktail Party Benefit for Downtown
With gorgeous views of both rivers, a lively auction and a toast by Master of Scotch Spike McClure, HDC’s party on June 23rd was an event to be remembered. This party was the kick-off to our fundraising efforts for designation of the John Street/Maiden Lane historic district. Look for further updates on the progress of this endeavor on our website and newsletter. If you would like to download a copy of the walking tour booklet of the proposed district and to see pictures of the event, click here.

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The Advocate for New York City’s Historic Neighborhoods
232 East 11th Street New York NY 10003
tel: 212-614-9107 fax: 212-614-9127 email: hdc@hdc.org