The Leonard Lopate Show

Penn Station: McKim, Mead and White, 1910

What's going on with the gorgeous Farley Post Office building on 8th Ave. and 31st St.?

The idea of preservation needs to be applied in a more nuanced way - especially if you are describing it as "legislating based on aesthetics".

The landmarks commissions actions seem to all too often lock something in time with no hope for readaptation and reuse. We should be able to reimagine a piece of architecture based on new times, owners, demands while still keeping its essence.

Also please address NYU and Columbia's destruction of lesser landmarkes (The Edgar Allen Poe House, ivy-covered tenements and the entire North side of W. 3rd St., for one area).

Also, please address the strange cooperation of Community Boards in these destructions.

Also, please address the redesign of Washington Square Park (moving the fountain to line up with the Arch?? Why are we enslaved by the OCD-sufferers of the world??)

I am interested in the topic of Columbia. I know my former university is undertaking a large expansion northward. Are there any historic land mark buildings at risk with this development?

If a landmark is defined by a notable person who lived there at some point in time then half of NYC is a landmark. There should be a discussion

of architectural MERIT, neighborhood fabric not just being old or the former home of someone.

Then - why not put more emphasis on what is built new? NYU is slowly replaced its context with ridiculous architecture by mediocre architects with the support of the community boards.

Everyone feels fine because they get a bad imitation of what they think it once was or "should be" - basically blandness - instead of new ideas creating a new possibilities in a city that has always been a framework for change.

Didn't Jane Jacobs contribute to the preservation efforts in NYC during the 50' & 60's?

Two NYC Landmarks/National Monuments needs MORE protection - Castle Williams and Fort Jay on Governors Island. An organization called "New Globe Theater" wants to install a theater in the Castle and take over more than half of Fort Jay for actors' residences.

THESE NATIONAL LANDMARKS DESERVE BETTER!

you've moved on from this point, but i believe chicago's landmark commission only has the power to recommend preservation. each of the city's 50 aldermen has wide latitude in granting demolition and building permits.

developers make huge "donations" to the aldermen. here is a rather beloved building that was lost http://www.preservationchicago.org/risk/dodger.html

a hideous single family home now occupies the space.

Carnegie Hall studios are under threat right now! They are technically protected by New York law as built for artists (including dancers, musicians, actors, painters) as live/work space. BUT Carnegie is threatening to destroy

them to build a music school. PLEASE HELP

Save the Carnegie Artsist

http://carnegieartiststudios.com/

metzel makes good points, but the Poe House was part of a whole neighborhood anschlussed by NYU.

And what did NYU throw as a sop to those who would object?

They plugged in a _facade_ of the house into the new mega-monstrosity's face. Take visitors by--they are utterly flummoxed. "What is THAT?"

But Community Board #2 was pleased as punch.

Gene - yes! Must be a better way of sorting through it all.

My experiences with the commission have always been less than inspiring....and I believe in saving things. Just not mummifying.