Critical support continues to roll in for the campaign to save the imminently endangered historic New York Eye and Ear Infirmary at Second Avenue and East 13th Street. Following the Preservation League of New York State’s support earlier this month, the Center for Independence of the Disabled New York (CIDNY), the Municipal Art Society and the New York Landmarks Conservancy have called upon the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) to support our proposal to landmark the historic building.

The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary is the oldest specialized hospital in the Western Hemisphere, the second oldest hospital in New York, and a place of great significance in the history of health care, services to people with disabilities, and African American history. Helen Keller spoke at the building’s ribbon-cutting. Since 2022, Village Preservation has been working with doctors, staff, patients, and fellow community groups and elected officials to seek landmark designation of the endangered building, which Mount Sinai is seeking to close.

While support has grown for landmark designation, the LPC is yet to take action, and Mayor Adams and local City Councilmember Carlina Rivera are yet to support designation.

TO HELP: