Watch the Video: 60 Years of Landmarking in NYC — Why We’ve Hit All-Time Lows, and How to Come Back
Our report (l.) and Penn Station being demolished in 1963; click to watch.
Last week we held a very well-attended program looking at our report examining sixty years of landmark designations in our city, seeing the patterns that emerged, and looking at how to chart the best path forward for preservation. We were honored to be joined by new City Council Landmarks Subcommittee Chair Chris Marte and nearly a dozen cosponsoring organizations.
Our report found, and the program examined how, under Mayor Adams landmark designations in NYC reached an all-time low. In spite of the administration’s promises that preservation would reach every corner and community of the city, designations were actually dramatically down in all categories and all five boroughs. The few designations taking place scrupulously avoided historic sites that were endangered or vulnerable, and instead leaned increasingly on largely honorific choices where designation would have minimal regulatory value.
Mining the experiences of the preservation leaders gathered, as well as the audience, we discussed how to ensure we return to vigorously protecting our city’s rich and diverse histories.
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Learn more about all our past and upcoming programs HERE.
February 3, 2026