Preservationist David Garrad Lowe’s obituary in Sunday’s New York Times was a fitting tribute to a singular man who combined architectural knowledge with wit and charm. He proudly promoted “more is more” architecture.
His best-known book, “Lost Chicago,” reminded residents of that City, and elsewhere, of the price of squandering their architectural heritage. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis edited his “Stanford White’s New York.” It was a time when preservation was an acknowledged good.
Also Sunday morning, a friend sent me an article from Governing entitled “The Escalating Argument over Historic Preservation.” “The movement to protect historic buildings seemed unbeatable for decades,” Alan Ehrenhalt wrote,” but it has spawned sophisticated, well-funded critics—and critics of the critics. Is it really “a good idea that has gone too far?”
New Yorkers have heard arguments against preservation since the law was passed fifty-nine years ago. Critics still claim that preservation prevents new development, especially new affordable housing.
Less than 5% of the City’s land is protected by the City’s Landmarks Preservation Commission, (LPC). There has been massive new development in Brooklyn, parts of Queens, and wherever possible in Manhattan. The LPC has routinely allowed new buildings in historic districts.
Mayor Adams’ “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity” promises more development with greater incentives for market-rate housing than affordable units. The City Council hearings on “City of Yes” are scheduled for next Monday and Tuesday. Council Members are expected to make several changes. Let’s hope so. We have serious concerns.
Perhaps the most immediate challenge to preservation involves AMTRAK’s and New Jersey Transit’s plan to demolish block 780 south of Penn Station for a likely $18 billion underground station for New Jersey commuters. Block 780, is bounded by Seventh and Eighth avenues between 30th and 31st streets. The Railroad plan would also take parcels on either side of both avenues. Several other blocks around the Station remain under threat of eminent domain by the State.
Too many of our elected officials are silent in the face of this possible destruction. The Daily News Editorial Board continues to be a strong critic. Last Friday’s editorial challenged a report by AMTRAK consultants that supposedly looked at through running options and “surprise, surprise concludes that they don’t work, leaving only 780 on the table…”
Early preservationists fought against wiping neighborhoods off the map for “urban renewal.” Here we are again. The Governing article concluded by saying: “If preservation has gone too far, then it has gone too far in the right direction. We ought to be able to manage it without denigrating the things it has achieved.”
Let’s raise a glass to David Garrard Lowe. We will continue to fight to save the homes, local businesses, and landmark quality buildings on Block 780. We don’t need “Lost Midtown Manhattan.”