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| First Person: Money & Meaning |
Past Perfect
Barbaralee Diamonstein-Spielvogel
07/01/2005
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The
Landmarks of New York is an attempt to create an encyclopedic history of more
than 300 years of the city’s architectural history in social, economic,
historical and commercial terms. In it, I detail what it takes for a building to
become a designated landmark. First, it must be at least 30 years old. We must
then consider architectural details and historical significance. For every
building, there is a reason that someone built it, and there is a reason someone
restored, adapted, amended or extended it. Every landmark building has a history
worth knowing, because each reveals a filament of the rich fabric of the New
York story. The book is organized chronologically, so as it unfolds, so too
unfolds the history of the city.
It has been proven
again and again that
properties that are
preserved create greater economic benefits than most others. |
New York plays a significant role in the
national preservation movement. Although there are older landmark commissions in
the United States, 2005 marks the 40th anniversary of the New York landmarks
law, which has become, in many ways, the model for landmarks laws across the
country. When the New York Landmarks Preservation Commission began, there were
already about 100 such commissions nationwide. There are now more than 4,000,
and thousands of historical societies and conservancies. Almost every community
in the United States has some local preservation group, in addition to the many
official city and state organizations.
Grounded in Gotham
I try not to seem parochial and chauvinistic about what
occurs in New York, but our city is quite remarkable. For example, we have 1,119
individually designated landmarks, 104 interior landmarks (which must be
available for public view) and nine scenic landmarks. Every blade of grass,
tree, walkway, bench, statue and light post in all of Central Park comprise one
of these scenic landmarks. There are also 83 historic districts. In total, there
are approximately 23,000 landmarks, and they are among the most valuable
properties on Earth. Our preservation efforts have their critics, but overall
New Yorkers have been energetically behind preservation. They know how it has
helped to revive neighborhoods.
We always have new ideas about preservation
to consider, as well. One group of people now believes that modernist
buildings—the very structures that spawned the movement to save their older
counterparts—are coming of age, and that they should be considered for landmark
status.
The head of the Royal Institute of British Architects has suggested
that all the eyesores in England be identified and demolished. Perhaps he was
speaking tongue-in-cheek. But it could happen, particularly in England where
there are so many modern buildings. In certain instances, today’s eyesore will
be cherished more in the future; but there may be something to this idea,
provided the razed buildings are replaced with ones of singular beauty. Of
course, it all depends on who the tastemakers are.
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