New York City Details Landmark Designation Criteria Amid Development Concerns

New York City officials detailed the criteria for landmark designation, asserting its importance during a meeting of the Subcommittee on Landmarks, Public Sightings, and Dispositions on November 13, 2025. The Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) shared insights into how specific architectural and historical attributes influence the designation of buildings.

Margaret Herman, director of research at the LPC, explained that the commission evaluates candidates based on several key factors. These include the building’s architectural significance, its historical importance, and the representation of significant periods in the city’s development. Interestingly, the LPC has identified gaps in prior designations, particularly in Midtown South, where the focus will include buildings that embody the area’s transformation during the early 20th century (Source: https://youtu.be/0uJlYb5W97w&t=1654).

During the session, Herman noted that on August 12, 2025, the LPC designated five buildings in the Midtown South area, highlighting their architectural styles and historical relevance. The buildings include the Barbie Building and the Fashion Tower, both recognized for their unique design elements that represent the garment industry’s past (Source: https://youtu.be/0uJlYb5W97w&t=1718).

Opponents of the designation process expressed concerns that landmarking might hinder the potential for housing development in the area. Kenneth Lee, representing a building owner, claimed that the designation could complicate efforts to convert the building for residential use, stating it would add significant costs and time to necessary renovations (Source: https://youtu.be/0uJlYb5W97w&t=2904). His testimony emphasized the challenges faced by property owners when compliance with landmark status alters their financial viability and project timelines (Source: https://youtu.be/0uJlYb5W97w&t=3225).

Furthermore, Herman explained that a thorough examination of buildings involves assessing their physical condition and historical context through research and stakeholder engagement. The LPC collaborates with various community representatives and property owners to gather comprehensive data before proceeding with official designations (Source: https://youtu.be/0uJlYb5W97w&t=2833).

The LPC’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity in the designation process was highlighted in discussions about efforts to reflect a diverse range of cultural narratives within the city’s architectural heritage. The overarching goal is to ensure that landmark preservation aligns with the needs and aspirations of the communities they serve (Source: https://getlocalpost.com/2025/10/15/new-york-city-council-explores-balancing-development-and-historic-preservation-in-landmark-hearing/).

As the conversation continues around landmark designations amidst the backdrop of urban development pressures, city officials and stakeholders emphasize the need for a regulatory framework that balances heritage preservation with modern urban needs.