Peachy Landmarks: Monthly Update from the New York Landmarks Conservancy
Manhattan
Threatened Rizzoli Bookstore Loss Sparks Public Outcry for Landmarking
The likely loss of the beloved Rizzoli bookstore on West 57th Street has provoked a public outcry over the loss of another piece of architectural and cultural history. Book lovers and architecture lovers alike are gathering signatures and petitioning the mayor’s office in a demonstration that preservation is important to New Yorkers (click here to sign the petition). As the new administration settles in they need to address this public concern for the loss of the special historic character of 57th Street.
Landmark News
Flushing Meadows, Queens
Saving "Futuristic" Relics from '64-65 World's Fair
The Conservancy helped fund an engineering and conservation study that analyzed two reinforced fiberglass pavilions that are relics of the 1964-65 World’s Fair. The structures, located near the marina in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, are highly unusual both in terms of their material and mode of assembly. They were part of an experiment in the structural application of fiberglass reinforced plastics (FRP). Other FRP pavilions were built at the Fair but only these survive in situ.
The study found that small circular discs called “roto-locks” were used to connect and fasten the different segments of the pavilion. Where these pieces are rusting and failing, the pavilions’ seams are opening up. The report, which was completed this month, is intended to aid the Parks Department in making informed decisions on the maintenance and restoration of the structures.
Flushing Meadows, Queens
What Does the Future Hold for New York State Pavilion
The Landmarks Conservancy was very pleased to support the kickoff of “ People for the Pavilion” at the Queens Theatre on January 25. An audience of 250+ learned about the past, present and possible future of the New York State Pavilion in Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
Built for the 1964-65 World’s Fair, the Pavilion was designed by the famous modernist architect Philip Johnson, an early Conservancy board member. By all accounts, it was the star of the fair. Capsule-shaped elevators would whisk visitors to the top of the observation towers where they could enjoy an impressive view of the fairgrounds and the entire metropolitan area. The arena portion was originally roofed with colored glass panels supported by cables. Underfoot was a giant map of New York State executed in colored terrazzo.
New York City Council
New Landmarks Subcommitte Takes Stage
The new City Council Land Use Subcommittee met for the first time this past Tuesday and affirmed the designations of four new landmarks: 39 and 41 Worth Street, 339 Grand Street andTammany Hall at 100-102 East 17th Street.
Queens Councilmember Peter Koo now chairs the subcommittee. Bronx Councilmembers Maria del Carmen Arroyo and Annabel Palma, and Manhattan Councilmember Rosie Mendez are continuing on the subcommittee after being appointed in the prior administration. Tammany Hall is in Councilmember Mendez’s district. Click here to read the Conservancy’s testimony.
Councilmember Steve Levin of Brooklyn, who is serving his second term on the Council, is new to the committee.
Learn More About Landmarks
Explore New York Landmarks
Download Our iPhone App With iPad Version
Find a Landmark Near You!Landmarks: New Yorkmobile app, a collaboration with the Conservancy and Spatiality Apps, allows you to enter your location or a specific address on a map to identify more than 1,400 landmarked buildings and sites throughout all five boroughs. Photos, facts and other interesting details are listed for each New York City landmark.
In addition to the mapping feature, you also get the Google Maps Street View option and a photo upload feature that allows you to share your images to Facebook, Twitter or email.
All this for just 99¢!(including iPad version)
Download
Tourist in Your Own Town
A Visit to the Landmark Riverside Church
The Riverside Church is one of New York's most prominent religious landmarks. Financed in 1927 primarily by John D. Rockefeller, Jr., this "skyscraper" type church with a 392-foot tower was built to show a strong presence on the Upper West Side skyline. The 20-floor tower also holds 74 carillon bells, including a 20-ton bourdon bell.
The church is modeled after the Gothic, 13th century, Chartres Cathedral in France and its nave seats over 2,100 worshipers.
Watch the Video, then visit:
490 Riverside Drive at 120th Street in Manhattan.
Click here for a full schedule of services, musical events and tours. We want to thank The Riverside Church and their friendly staff for all of their assistance.
Mystery Landmark
Did You Guess This Month's Mystery Landmark?
You are looking at the very top of the Flatiron building, Broadway and Fifth Avenue at 23rd Street. This beloved landmark was completed around 1903 and designed by Chicago architect Daniel Burnham. The sculptural group on the roof was re-created as part of the building's centennial celebration.
Leon S. Collins guessed correctly. He cited Richard Upjohn's Christ Church in Cobble Hill Brooklyn as his favorite landmark.
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