Carolyn Kent, Upper Manhattan Preservationist, Dies at 74
Carolyn Kent, a longtime preservationist who helped save numerous buildings in upper Manhattan, has died, her family said Sunday. She was 74.
From the 1950s until her final days, Kent fought to secure landmark status for west Harlem and Morningside Heights buildings. She was also active in Community Board 9 and other local organizations.
Kent lost a nine-year battle with cancer and died Saturday at Mount Sinai Medical Center, said her husband, Ed Kent.
Born Carolyn Cassady, her parents were civil rights activists.
She became interested in architectural preservation during her graduate studies at Columbia University in the late 1950s.
As a founding member of the Morningside Heights Historic District Committee, Kent led the community’s fight against the expansion plans of her former alma mater.
Two years ago, a local group bestowed her with the first Preservation Angel award