The Historic Districts Council, the advocate for New York City’s historic neighborhoods, is pleased to announce the election of Leo J. Blackman as the new board president. Mr. Blackman has a Masters in Architecture from Columbia University with an emphasis on Historic Preservation and has over twenty-five years of experience in architectural design and construction in and around New York City. Mr. Blackman established the Leo J. Blackman Architects in 2001 and its work focuses on preservation sensitive design, which strives to maintain and complement the historic feel of the neighborhood.
Mr. Blackman has served on the board of HDC since 2005 and was previously president from 2009-2011. Prior to joining the board, he was honored with a HDC Grassroots Preservation Award for his work on the Village Community School located at 272 W. 10th Street in Greenwich Village, Manhattan. This is only one of the many awards Leo J. Blackman Architects have received for their sensitive work with historic buildings. Along with his involvement with HDC, Mr. Blackman has also served on the Architecture Committee for the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation since 2005, is a board member of the Drive to Protect the Ladies’ Mile District and is Chairman of the Zoning Board of Review in Amenia, New York (located in Duchess County, New York).
Mr. Blackman’s predecessor was Françoise Bollack, another noted New York City architect and Ms. Bollack and Mr. Blackman are only two of several architects on HDC’s board (many of whom, like Mr. Blackman, are also active in their local neighborhoods). HDC happily welcomes Mr. Blackman back as president, we know we are in capable hands!