May 4, 2026
The New York Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) is holding a hearing tomorrow, May 5, for the hardship application of West Park Presbyterian Church, a community and City landmark.
Three LPC consultants – an appraiser, an engineer, and a code compliance expert – are expected to report their findings in response to the proposal to demolish this landmark.
You can help by attending the hearing tomorrow to once again show your strong support for this Romanesque Revival beauty. We oppose the Presbytery’s hardship application and the attempt to demolish the building.
We have worked with historic religious properties for decades. We know West Park can have a bright future. However, the Presbytery has turned down offers of help through the years and evicted a thriving cultural center that offered to pay for all repairs to the church.
Read our most recent statement on West Park
The applicants have claimed that it is necessary to spend over $50 million to repair the building, so it must be demolished. We know that there are other approaches. In 2011, we brought together a team of experts to investigate and lay out a plan to phase the work as funds became available.
Engineer Don Friedman was part of the team. Now he is the LPC’s independent engineering consultant, who found in 2023 that the most necessary work would cost closer to $9 million. The applicants have attacked Friedman’s results because that figure is different from the 2011 report. Our statement pushes back against those attacks.
Friedman will present his latest findings at LPC tomorrow.
Please note: The public is welcome to attend and hear the consultant reports, but LPC will not be taking any more public testimony at the meeting. There will not be a vote tomorrow.
Landmarks Preservation Commission Hearing
253 Broadway, 2nd Floor (between Warren Street and Murray Street)
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Time: 9:30 am
Bring a state-issued ID to enter the building.
Check the LPC website for recommended visiting details.
If you cannot attend the hearing in person, you can watch the livestream on YouTube.
Other ways to help: If you haven’t already written in support of saving West Park, please do so now. Send your comments to testimony@lpc.nyc.gov
Tell the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) that you oppose the demolition of West Park!
We’ll keep you posted as the hardship application continues.
Thank you for your support!