We’re pleased to share that Borough President Gale Brewer has urged the Landmarks Preservation Commission to designate our proposed historic district South of Union Square, which would protect nearly 200 historic buildings from demolition and inappropriate development. She joined Council Speaker Corey Johnson, who did the same this past summer. Councilmember Carlina Rivera now remains the only local city elected official who has not called for landmark designation of the proposed district. 

This news follows the announcement in January that the city would consider landmark designation of 70 Fifth Avenue in the proposed historic district, which embodies a remarkable history and which current zoning would allow to be replaced with a supertall structure. 

We’re also pleased to announce that our recent research documenting the connection between this area and the great artist Robert Motherwell and the founding of institutions like the American Federation of Teachers has engendered strong new statements of support for landmarking from scholars and leaders connected to both — read all the new letters of support here.