BOARD OF DIRECTORS Anthony C. Wood, Founder and Chair Eric Allison, Vice-Chair Vicki Weiner, Vice-Chair the Treasurer ork Stephen Facey, newy Lisa Ackerman, Secretary reservation Margaret Ferguson p Amy Freitag rchive Randall Mason a Dorothy Miner project newsletter Otis Pratt Pearsall Duane A. Watson SPRING 2008

Welcome to the eighth edition of the newsletter of the New York Preservation Archive Project. The mission of the New York Preservation Archive Project is to document, preserve and celebrate the history of preservation in New York. Through public programs, outreach, and the creation of public access to information, the Archive Project hopes to bring these stories to light.

Preserving New York–Then and Now Symposium The second panel featured Suzanne Stephens, Deputy Editor held at the Museum of the City of New York of Architectural Record representing traditional media, Jonathan The media, the civic sector, development, and advocacy were Butler, Founder and Editor of Brownstoner.com, representing some of the topics that the distinguished roll of speakers and the blogosphere, and Alan G. Brake, Associate Editor of panelists addressed at the Preserving New York–Then and Now The Architect’s Newspaper, a five-year old periodical that has symposium held on February 23, 2008 at the Museum of the a strong commitment to the web, representing the middle City of New York. The sold-out event, with over 250 in ground. Moderator Francis Morrone, architectural critic and attendance, began with a welcome by MCNY Director Susan journalist, facilitated the conversation on the historic and con- Henshaw Jones, and introductions by author Anthony M. Tung temporary roles of the media in preservation. Ms. Stephens and Lisa Ackerman, Executive Vice President and COO of addressed the architectural criticism at World Monuments Fund. In the keynote “The Past is Not Dead, It is Not Even Past,” Anthony C. Wood challenged the audience to question whether we are still losing buildings because of changing societal dynamics that preservation has failed to recognize and respond to. He also asked whether we’ve become too dependent on one tool—the landmarks law. The first panel featured Borough Historian, Mike Miscione, Architectural Historian Andrew Dolkart, and cultural preservationist Ned Kaufman and addressed the question “Where Did the ‘History’ Go in Historic Preserva- tion?” Mr. Miscione used Hamilton Grange and Grant’s Tomb to argue that historic preservationists have focused too much Moderator Francis Morrone, Alan G. Brake, Jonathan Butler and Suzanne on architectural preservation and have not been effective in Stephens discuss the media’s role in preservation. protecting places of mainly historic importance. Mr. Dolkart argued against Miscione’s point, countering with the example of the preservation of the Tenement Museum, a place of during Ada Louise Huxtable’s tenure as compared to the writ- importance chiefly for public history. Mr. Dolkart compared ings of her successors. Mr. Butler spoke about the immediacy Landmarks Preservation designation reports from the early and interactive nature offered through blogs and the ability years of the LPC to recent designations to argue that preserva- of this media to concentrate the focus on preservation and tionists now take a more integrative approach, seeking to development issues within a community, as with the case of highlight places’ historical, architectural, and cultural values. 70 Lefferts Place in Clinton Hill. Mr. Brake spoke about the Ned Kaufman offered examples from Australia and Buenos ability of The Architects Newspaper to be a forum to discuss Aires for preserving places that hold intangible or associative timely issues in a traditional print format. While there is a void cultural value, such as Bohemian Hall in Queens. New York left by traditional media sources, new media and innovative State Council on the Humanities Senior Program Officer Jane applications of conventional publishing methods have created McNamera moderated discussion following the presentations. a necessary forum for preservation issues.

174 East 80th Street ● New York, NY 10075 ● tel 212-861-4993 x 246 ● fax 212-628-3146 ● [email protected] ● www.nypap.org NYPAP NEWSLETTER SPRING 2008

Following lunch, Mary Schmidt Campbell, Chair of the sector’s role in preservation New York State Council on the Arts introduced the session from the perspectives of Preservation and Progress, a dialogue between architect and place-specific civic groups. Dean of the Yale School of Architecture, Robert A.M. Stern Ms. Kunreuther stressed the and renowned historian Kenneth T. Jackson, moderated by importance of alliance build- Anne Van Ingen, NYSCA Director of Architecture, Planning, ing among civic groups in and Design. Stern discussed order to achieve preservation preservation’s role in growth and objectives. development of SoHo, following Author and Visiting Scholar the neighborhood’s journey from at NYU’s Wagner School of reclamation by artists beginning in Public Service, Tony Hiss, the 1960s to its current state, Anthony Tung and Tony Hiss. had the challenging task of presenting a positive view of serving as the Rapporteur summarizing and digesting the day’s preservation’s role in the City’s proceedings and lessons. With humor and eloquence, Mr. Hiss development. Mr. Jackson took an recounted the day and offered some thoughts for the future. opposing view, purposefully, he said, overstating his case that what Throughout the day, the energy of the sold-out crowd was makes New York City a world class undeniable. It is clear that the questions raised by presentations, city is not its architecture, but its panel discussions, and the audience are ones that lovers of NYC cultural richness and constantly will have to work together to answer in planning for the future. changing nature and that preserva- As Mr. Hiss stated, “Preservationists have been thought to be tion impedes this progress. concerned with the bone—the bricks and mortar of a place— than the heart and soul, but their true underlying passion The third panel of the day sought and commitment has been to the hearts and souls and to the Mary Schmidt Campbell, to address “Preservation Advocacy lifeblood of the City of New York.” “How can we let this area NYSCA Chair introduces the Over the Decades.” In his slide grow and not lose its soul?” More images of the day are available “Preservation and Progress” presentation, Randall Mason, discussion between Kenneth T. on www.nypap.org. Transcripts will also be available soon. Jackson and Robert A.M. Stern. Associate Professor in the Graduate Program in Historic New Oral History Project Teaches Preservation Students Preservation at the University of Pennsylvania, asked not to be Valuable Skills and Expands NYPAP’s Holdings called a preservationist, arguing that “ist” implied a radical, In the 2007 Fall semester the New York Preservation Archive fundamentalist stance that sometimes hurts preservation Project launched an oral history project in partnership with advocates’ cases. Melissa Baldock, Director of Preservation Pratt Institute’s graduate program in Historic Preservation. and Research at the Society for Historic The endeavor supports a major element of NYPAP’s mission— Preservation offered a comparison of the advocacy campaigns documenting and studying preservation’s history to strengthen in Greenwich Village today with those of the nascent preserva- the field today. NYPAP Chair, Anthony C. Wood, and Admin- tion movement in the 1950s and 1960s. istrator Vanessa Norton worked with students in the Public History class taught by Marci Reaven and Jeanne Houck to In the final panel, “The Preservation Civic Sector in Times develop questions, schedule interviews, and record conversations of Change” the audience heard from Executive Director of between preservation students and preservation veterans. The GVSHP, Andrew Berman, Director of the Building Movement series of 6 interviews focuses on the theme of grassroots preser- Project, Frances Kunreuther, and Architect and Co-founder of vation of the 1980s. Students Merrill Branch-McTiernan, Portia the Douglaston & Little Neck Historical Society, Kevin Wolfe. Dyrenforth, Shannon Haltiwanger, Keenan Hughes, Karen Both Mr. Berman and Mr. Wolfe offered thoughts on the civic Mathiasen, Katie Nolan, and participated in the class. Those preservationists interviewed were Hal Bromm, on the TriBeCa historic district designation and the early days of HDC; Joe Rosenberg on the early days of HDC and the fight to protect historic Broadway theatres; Robert Kornfeld, Sr. on achieving historic district designation for Riverdale in the Bronx; publi- cist Joyce Matz on a variety of preservation campaigns including the City and Suburban Houses and St. Bart’s; Jack Taylor, on the subjects of the Drive to Protect the Ladies’ Mile Historic District, Luchöw’s restaurant, and the Dvorak House; and Lorna Nowve, a former staff member of the Municipal Art Society and the Historic Districts’ Council on the early years of the HDC. The interviews were transcribed and, after being edited, will be Kenneth T. Jackson and Robert A.M. Stern debate on “Preservation and made available on NYPAP’s website. NYPAP is seeking support Progress,” moderated by Anne Van Ingen of NYSCA. to continue this program in the Fall 2008 Semester.

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NYPAP and Co-sponsoring Organizations Host Save the Date - June 10th “Making the Best Better: Preserving New York Book Launch and Book Programs An Anniversary and Celebration of the 1973 Amendments On November 5, 2007, NYPAP to New York City’s Landmarks Law” and The Museum of the City The 1973 amendments to New York City’s landmarks law of New York were joined by dramatically transformed the strongest landmarks law in the over 200 friends and members nation by broadening its powers and improving its operations. of co-sponsoring organizations The amendments established interior landmarks, scenic land- to celebrate the launch of marks, and continuous hearings and designations, ending the Preserving New York: Winning mandated moratorium limiting designations to a 6-month the Right to Protect a City’s period every three years. These amendments fundamentally Landmarks (Routledge 2007) strengthened the ability of the Landmarks Preservation Com- by NYPAP Founder and Chair mission to protect New York City’s valuable historic resources. Anthony C. Wood. The kick- “Making the Best Better” will celebrate the 35th Anniversary off event at MCNY included MCNY Director Susan Hensaw Jones of these amendments. Please join us for a panel discussion ex- a short program with special welcomes guests to the Preserving New amining the origins of the 1973 amendments, the contribution guests Museum Director York book launch in October. Also they have made to preservation in New York City, and the Susan Henshaw Jones, pictured are speakers Roberta Brandes implications of those changes for the powers and duties of Roberta Brandes Gratz, Gratz and Joan K. Davidson. present and future Landmarks Preservation Commissions. Adele Chatfield Taylor, Joan K. Davidson, and Anthony Wood. Following the panel, NYPAP will hold a fundraiser cocktail A reception and author book-signing followed the program. reception celebrating the 35th Anniversary of the Amendments Preserving New York was also featured at a number of book talks, and honoring those who played a role in their passage. A list panel discussions, and slideshows held by NYPAP and co-spon- of honorees is in formation. If you were involved in the efforts soring organizations in the last part of 2007. In January the book leading to the passage of the Amendments and have not already received a positive review in the Wall Street Journal. Copies of been contacted by NYPAP, please contact us. Invitations will Preserving New York are available for purchase through NYPAP. be mailed in May. Please visit www.nypap.org for updates. Lisa Ackerman, NYPAP Secretary, Honored at HDC Preservation Vision Project Landmark Lion Award Dinner Preservation Vision: Planning for the Future of Preservation in On October 23rd colleagues and friends of Lisa Ackerman, New York City is a year-long initiative to engage those interested Executive Vice President & COO of World Monuments in preservation in a conversation about their aspirations for Fund, gathered at the Prince George Ballroom to honor preservation in the New York City of 2030 and the actions Ms. Ackerman’s invaluable contributions needed to make those hopes a reality. to the field of preservation as she Please participate in these efforts accepted the Historic District Council’s by completing the online survey at prestigious Landmarks Lion Award. http://www.preservationvision-nyc.org. 2007 Bard Birthday Breakfast Benefit NYPAP News Features Talk on New York City’s Art NYPAP received an Institutional Commission Development Grant from the New New York City’s Art Commission, its York State Council on the Arts extensive archive and its significance to Architecture, Planning, and Design historic preservation were the subjects Program for the 2007-2008 Fiscal Year. of Michele H. Bogart’s talk at the 4th John C. Fontaine, 2007 Landmark Lion Lisa Ackerman, NYSCA’s grant provides support for Annual Bard Birthday Breakfast Benefit Adrian Benepe, Simeon Bankoff, Anthony Wood, and general operations and increasing on December 19th at the Harvard Club. Paul Graziano. Photo by Virgil Stephens. capacity of developing organizations The Bard Breakfast provides a chance such as NYPAP. Our thanks go to for NYPAP to celebrate the legacy of NYSCA for this vote of confidence in Albert S. Bard’s civic leadership and to recall the contributions our work. Please support NYPAP today and help us match this made to New York City, aesthetic regulation, and the preserva- grant with your contribution. tion movement by organizations such as the New York City NYPAP granted a fall 2007 internship to Erica Powell, an Art Commission. Michele H. Bogart’s exploration of the Art undergraduate History major at NYU and is joined this spring Commission’s historical and contemporary importance to semester by Gabby Goldberg, a candidate for an M.A. in preservation reflects continuing concern for this type of civic Archives and Public History from NYU. Ms. Goldberg is improvement and NYPAP was pleased to highlight such an completing a practicum and will work to research and write important topic at the 2007 program. entries for NYPAP’s web-based Archive. Ms. Bogart also signed copies of her recent book, The Politics of Urban Beauty: New York and Its Art Commission (University of Chicago, 2006).

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The Archive Project thanks the following Jane Cowan Katharine Flanders Mukherji co-sponsoring organizations for their Linda Cox The Municipal Art Society collaboration in 2007: Daniel Allen, Nancy Owens Studio, LLC Cutsogeorge Tooman & Allen Architects, PC Christopher Neville Brooklyn Heights Association Joan K. Davidson Brooklyn Historical Society Suzanne Davis Thomas Cusa, Nicholas & Galloway, Inc. Citizens Emergency Committee to Preserve Nancy and Richard Davis Guy Nordenson Preservation Georgia Delano Gene Norman The Gotham Center for New York History Gregory Dietrich Everett H. Ortner Historic Districts Council John Morris Dixon Otis and Nancy Pearsall Historic House Trust Andrew Dolkart Peter Pennoyer, Peter Pennoyer Architects Landmark West! Rodney Dow, The Dow Corporation Jean Parker Phifer The Municipal Art Society Frances Eberhart Platt Byard Dovell White Architects, LLP The Museum of the City of New York Stephen Facey Jan Hird Pokorny The National Arts Club Nicholas Falco James Stewart Polshek National Trust for Historic Preservation Wendy Feuer Evelyn Pousette-Dart The New York Landmarks Conservancy Barbara G. Fleishman Pratt Center for Community Development Preservation League of New York State Tom Fontana Nicholas Quennell The Archive Project thanks the following Amy Freitag Matt Reiley for generous contributions in 2007: Friends of Terra Cotta Marc Reisch Ritter Foundation Inc. Grants: Joan Geismar Robert A.M. Stern Architects, LLP Anonymous Linda Gillies Joseph Rosenberg, V.I.P Tours of New York The Bay and Paul Foundations, Inc. Diana Goldstein Tomas Rossant Samuel H. Kress Foundation Vera Julia Gordon Robert S. Rubin James A. Macdonald Foundation Beatrice Gottlieb Howie and Suzanne Samelson New York Community Trust Chan Graham Christopher Schepis New York State Council on the Arts Roberta Brandes Gratz Julia Schoeck The Ritter Foundation Carol Greitzer Lisa Semple Norman and Rosita Winston Foundation Paul Gunther Kandace Simmons Kathryn Hausman Arlene Simon Individual Contributions: Huyler C. Held Jo Anne Simon Kate Ottavino, A. Ottavino Corp Higgins & Quasebarth Jane Stanicki Lisa Ackerman To ny Hi s s Martha Roby Stephens Jan C.K. Anderson Christopher Holbrook Donald and Margo Stever Anonymous Anna Iacucci John and Linda Stubbs Elizabeth Ashby Richard Pieper, Jan Hird Pokorny Associates, Inc. Joseph V. Svehlak Bank of America Matching Fund Ned Kaufman Claire D. Tankel George Beane Ken Smith Landscape Architect Jack Taylor Beaux Arts Alliance, Inc. Holly V. Bean, K-V Fund Helen Tucker, The Gramercy Park Foundation, Inc. Clare Beckhardt Alice La Prelle Stephen Tilly and Elizabeth Martin Barry Benepe Judith Labelle David F.M. Todd William Bernard and Catherine Cahill Alexia Lalli James Boorstein, Traditional Line Limited, LTD. Anne Bernstein Anne Tenenbaum and Thomas H. Lee Helen Tucker Minor Bishop Edwin Deane and Judith Leonard Amy Uhrynowski Morley and Frederick Bland Barbara Levy Anne Van Ingen Agnes Bogart Jack T. Linn Arete S. Warren Francoise Bollack Ken Lustbader Duane A. Watson Ruth Bowman Janet Marks Sydney Houghton Weinberg Elena Brescia Jeanne Martowski Vicki Weiner Hal Bromm Randy Mason John Weiss Neal Brown Allyson Mehley Diane Whelton Daniel Bukowski Joyce Mendelsohn Norval White David Burg Pauline Metcalf Michael White Paul Spencer Byard George and Susan Meyer Charles L. Whited Adele Chatfield-Taylor Michele Cetera, AIA Marillyn B. Wilson Helen Chin Dorothy Miner Anthony C. Wood and Anthony Badalamenti Erbert F. Cicenia Norman Mintz George W. Young Carol Clark Stuart and Annette Mont Diane Young Lawrence Cohn Richard Moylan, Green-Wood Cemetery Caroline Rob Zaleski

Supporting the Archive Project The New York Preservation Archive Project is a not-for-profit organization and we depend upon contributions to continue our work. Now you can donate online at www.nypap.org. Please give generously to support the celebration of the history of preservation in New York! As always, NYPAP welcomes thoughts, comments and suggestions from our supporters. Please feel free to contact Administrator Vanessa Norton with any remarks at [email protected] or 212-861-4993 x 246.

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