Manhattan House to be considered for landmark status
MANHATTAN HOUSE, highlighted in FRIENDS’ exhibit “Landmarks of the Future” will be heard for landmark designation by the Landmarks Preservation Commission on April 10th, 2007.
Located at 200 East 66th Street, Manhattan House is New York City’s first “white brick” apartment building and is one of the most influential examples of post-war housing in New York City. Completed in 1950 by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, Manhattan House was home to famous residents such as Grace Kelley, Benny Goodman and Florence Knoll. Friends of the Upper East Side Historic Districts has long been advocating for the designation of Manhattan House as an individual New York City landmark. In 2001/2002, Manhattan House was highlighted in our exhibition “Landmarks of the Future: Modern Architecture on the Upper East Side”. For more information on our exhibit, visit http://www.friends-ues.org/Moderns.htm.
We are grateful to the LPC for bringing this important modern icon to a public hearing. But we still NEED YOUR HELP in showing appreciation for our city’s great modern architectural heritage by sending letters of support and/or attending upcoming public meetings. Please see sample letter below and send us a copy of your testimony or letter to [email protected].
APRIL 10TH (12:10 – 1:00 P.M.) LPC HEARING
New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission
1 Centre Street, 9th Floor, NY, NY 10007 (Please bring ID for entrance). If you are unable to attend the hearing, send an email or letter to Chairman Tierney at [email protected] , Fax: 212-669-7955.
APRIL 16TH, 6:30 P.M COMMUNITY BOARD 8’S LANDMARKS COMMITTEE
Hunter College School of Social Work
129 East 79th Street, (Park-Lexington), Room 1010
APRIL 18TH, 6:30 P.M. COMMUNITY BOARD 8’S FULL BOARD MEETING
Chapel of the Good Shepherd Church
543 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, Community Room.
If you are unable to attend the community board hearings, fax or send a letter of support to Community Board 8, 505 PARK AVENUE, #620 NEW YORK, NY 10022, FAX: 212-758-4616
Help recognize our city’s Modern masterpieces by supporting the designation of Manhattan House!!
For more information, contact Seri Worden, Executive Director, 212-535-2526, [email protected] .
Friends of the Upper East Side Historic Districts
20 E. 69th St., #4B NY, NY 10021
p. 212-535-2526, f. 212-535-2155
www.friends-ues.org
SAMPLE LETTER
DATE
Hon. Robert Tierney Chair
New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission
One Centre Street, 9th floor
New York, NY 10007
Fax: 212/669-7960
E-mail: [email protected]
Dear Chair Tierney:
I am writing to strongly urge the Commission to designate Manhattan House, at 200 East 66th Street. Completed in 1950 by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and Mayer & Whittlesey, Manhattan House was erected as part of an urban renewal project by the New York Life Insurance Company. The 19-story residential and retail complex is New York City’s first “white brick” building and is one of the most influential examples of post-war housing in New York City.
In this neighborhood formerly defined by tenements, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill provided a precedent-setting, light-filled building. Its innovative H-plan—as opposed to the standard inner courtyard—allows for greater light and cross-ventilation to 95 percent of its apartments. In 1952, Manhattan House was awarded the New York Chapter of the American Institute of Architects award for outstanding apartment house.
I applaud you for your work thus far in recognizing our city’s Modern masterpieces and I encourage you to support the designation of Manhattan House.
Sincerely,
Name
Address