What Makes a NYC Landmark?

Organized by Lower East Side Preservation Initiative

May 13 – LESPI’s Community Meeting: “What Makes a NYC Landmark?”

How does the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) decide what to landmark, what not to landmark, and how to prioritize their work? How much should a building’s historic architecture versus cultural history weigh in the decision? Should a landmark look like a landmark to be a landmark?

Join Margaret Herman, Director of Research at the LPC, Preservation Consultant Simeon Bankoff, and LESPI for a lively yet friendly, illustrated discussion of this important topic.

Do you have a favorite historic building you’d like to see landmarked? Email a photo to us at info@LESPI-nyc.org and we’ll try to include it in the discussion.

When: Wednesday, May 13, 6:30-8:30PM

Where: Henry Street Settlement, 269 Henry Street

Free, reservation required, limited seating, sign up HERE.

Margaret Herman, Ph.D. is an architectural historian who serves as the LPC’s Director of Research, leading geographic and thematic surveys, overseeing special projects, and managing the designation process for numerous landmarks and historic districts. Prior to joining LPC, Margaret held various university teaching positions, where her academic research focused on early 20th century American architectural and urban planning history.

Simeon Bankoff is a longtime preservation activist in New York City. He has helped lead campaigns to designate and preserve historic buildings in all 5 boroughs for over 30 years. Mr. Bankoff served as the Executive Director of the Historic Districts Council for over 20 years and currently works with organizations throughout the city on community preservation campaigns.