Roberta Brandes Gratz Article Collection
October 1, 2022
The following collection of preservation-related articles by Roberta Brandes Gratz represents three decades of Gratz’s work as a reporter for the New York Post. The bulk of the articles focus on events that occurred between 1973 and 1975. The articles are presented here with permission. *Citations to any of these articles should include reference to the fact that they were accessed via the New York Preservation Archive Project’s Roberta Brandes Gratz Article Collection.
1965
| Author(s) | Title | Source | Date | Subject Headings | Summary |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Alexander’s 58th St. – Marble and Crystal | New York Post | 8/9/1965 | Department stores – ‘New York (State) – New York Farkas, Alexander Alexander’s (Firm) |
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Gratz, Roberta Brandes |
For Queens: A Drive-In Macy’s | New York Post | 8/19/1965 | Department stores – New York (State) – New York Macy’s (Firm) Rego Park (New York, N.Y.) |
1967
| Author(s) | Title | Source | Date | Subject Headings | Summary |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Closeup: FDR’s Ideas in Granite | New York Post | 1/17/1967 | Breuer, Marcel, 1902-1981 Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial (Washington, D.C.) |
A brief profile of Marcel Breuer, the architect of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial in Washington D.C. Gratz relays public opinion of the park’s final design and the architect’s connection to the built environment of New York City. |
1969
| Author(s) | Title | Source | Date | Subject Headings | Summary |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | N. A. Rockefeller, Collector of Art | New York Post | 6/7/1969 |
Rockefeller, Nelson |
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| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Big City and its Kids do Mix | New York Post | 8/1/1969 | City and town life |
Despite the challenges, the city proves to be a rewarding place to raise kids. Gratz profiles several parents and the ways they pushed through the difficult early childhood years, and highlights two books then recently published on ways to amuse kids in the city. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | The Old Neighbor-hood: Article VI: Greenwich Village | New York Post | 12/26/1969 | Greenwich Village (New York, N.Y.) New York University Washington Square Park (New York, N.Y.) |
The author reflects in great detail on the Greenwich Village of her youth and the unfortunate changes to its character and built environment over the years, particularly at the hands of high-rise development and the construction of buildings for NYU. |
1971
| Author(s) | Title | Source | Date | Subject Headings | Summary |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Mugged: A Victim’s Story | New York Post | 2/6/1971 | Mugging Crime – New York (State) – New York Gratz, Roberta Brandes |
Gratz shares her painful experience of being mugged in her Upper West Side neighborhood, and her ensuing reflections on life in a city fraught with challenges and rising crime. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Man in the News: David Rockefeller: A Day at the Bank | New York Post | 2/20/1971 | Rockefeller, David, 1915- City planning World Trade Center (New York, N.Y.) Morningside Heights, Inc. Lower Manhattan (New York, N.Y.) |
Gratz profiles the personal and professional lives of David Rockefeller, head of Chase Manhattan Bank. The article mentions his interest and involvement in urban issues and the built environment, including Chase Manhattan Plaza, the World Trade Center, and Morningside Heights, Inc., an urban redevelopment project. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Daily Closeup: The House of Nuances | New York Post | 7/7/1971 | Sonnenberg, Benjamin, 1901-1978 Gramercy Park Historic District (New York, N.Y.) |
This article profiles the extraordinary home, art collection, and personal style of Benjamin Sonnenberg, timed to advertise an exhibit of his collection then on display at the Pierrepont Morgan Library. Sonnenberg owned and refurbished the former Stuyvesant Fish house, built in 1831 at Gramercy Park South and Irving Place. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Dusting Off Little Old New York | New York Post | 7/16/1971 | Bookstores – New York (State) – New York Stores, Retail – New York (State) – New York New York (N.Y.) – History |
Gratz profiles two shops (The Picture Decorator at 35 E. 64th Street and Pageant Book Shop at 59 Fourth Avenue) offering nostalgic photographs, prints, memorabilia, and books featuring images and memories of old New York for those lamenting the loss of tangible connections to the historic city. |
1972
| Author(s) | Title | Source | Date | Subject Headings | Summary |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | The Great Apartment Hunt | New York Post | 2/26/1972 | Apartments – New York (State) – New York Rental housing – New York (State) – New York |
The author reports that the apartment market is loosening up and rents are leveling off for the first time in recent memory, and outlines typical market trends amongst various populations and average rent and purchase prices for four of the five boroughs. |
| Mancini, Anthony and Roberta Brandes Gratz | Scattersite Housing: The Battle of Forest Hills: Article I: A Clash of Values | New York Post | 4/24/1972 | Forest Hills (New York, N.Y.) Public housing – New York (State) – New York Housing policy Low-income housing Koch, Ed, 1924- New York (State) – New York – Social conditions |
Article one of five in a series about the controversy surrounding a low-income housing project planned in Forest Hills as part of Mayor Lindsay’s “scatter-site housing program.” This first article examines the project’s potential impact on local, state, and national housing policy, and presents both sides of the argument about whether low-income housing belongs in a middle-class neighborhood. |
| Mancini, Anthony and Roberta Brandes Gratz | Scattersite Housing: The Battle of Forest Hills: Article II Integration vs. “Communi-ity Control: |
New York Post | 4/25/1972 | Forest Hills (New York, N.Y.) Public housing – New York (State) – New York Housing policy Low-income housing New York (State) – New York – Social conditions |
In this second of five articles, the authors examine the legal framework and varying opinions on scatter-site housing. Many community and city leaders are quoted, including Edward I. Koch, Benjamin Rosenthal, Simeon Golar, Dr. Thomas Matthew, Roger Starr, Paul Davidoff, Jerry Birbach, and Sonny Carson. |
| Mancini, Anthony and Roberta Brandes Gratz | Scattersite Housing: Forest Hills & Other Battles: Article III: Who Gets In? | New York Post | 4/26/1972 | Forest Hills (New York, N.Y.) Public housing – New York (State) – New York Housing policy Low-income housing New York (State) – New York – Social conditions |
This third installment of the series provides some background on the history and current statistics of public housing in order to shed light on the potential impact the Forest Hills project would have on the community (in particular when it comes to crime). The article outlines the screening process for which populations will be granted units in the new project. |
| Mancini, Anthony and Roberta Brandes Gratz | Scattersite Housing: Forest Hills & Other Battles: Article IV: Choosing a Site | New York Post | 4/27/1972 | Forest Hills (New York, N.Y.) Public housing – New York (State) – New York Housing policy Low-income housing New York (State) – New York – Social conditions |
This fourth installment explores the complicated criteria used to determine locations for scatter-site housing and provides examples around the city of how these projects have been met by locals. The authors point out that while the “social experiment” of scatter-site housing does not seem to be targeting any specific ethnic groups, as asserted by some, the lower middle-income bracket almost always bears the brunt. |
| Mancini, Anthony and Roberta Brandes Gratz | Scattersite Housing: Forest Hills & Other Battles: Article V: The Future | New York Post | 4/28/1972 | Forest Hills (New York, N.Y.) Public housing – New York (State) – New York Housing policy Low-income housing New York (State) – New York – Social conditions |
The final article in the series states that the controversy in Forest Hills has had a harmful impact on the reputation of public housing, and wonders about the future of such projects. By way of potential solutions, the authors suggest further study of more humanizing, low-rise design for public housing (high-rise buildings with vast open space were the default), as well as the construction of housing in the suburbs, and providing incentives in the form of enhanced services to existing residents of scatter-site neighborhoods. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | The New Rental Fee Racket | New York Post | 8/1/1972 | Apartments – New York (State) – New York Rent – New York (State) – New York Goldberg, Arthur Sieradzki, Maurice |
The first in a series of four articles in which Gratz explores the legality or illegality of renter’s fees, especially in the context of new vacancy decontrols. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | No-Fee Rentals: A Game of Find the Landlord | New York Post | 8/2/1972 | Apartments – New York (State) – New York Rent – New York ( State) – New York Orsid Realty Co. |
Providing an example of the confusion surrounding rental fees, Gratz profiles one apartment hunter seeking an apartment in The Normandy on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. An advertisement for no-fee rentals is misleading, but the question is whether this is intentional or not. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Who’s Pocketing the Rental Fees? | New York Post | 8/3/1972 | Apartments – New York (State) – New York Rent – New York (State) – New York Walentas, David C. Two Trees Inc. |
In this third installment in the series, Gratz follows another apartment hunter looking for a place at 309 West 57th Street. While the rental agent, Two Trees Inc., provides more justification for the fees, the apartment hunter finds that they are doing little to merit them. With fees increasing, the author finds that loose regulations are to blame for the variability. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Illegal Rent Fees – Few Fear the Law | New York Post | 8/4/1972 | Apartments – New York ( State) – New York Rent – New York (State) – New York Stavisky, Leonard Samson Management Corp. |
In this final article in the series, Gratz explains that the elimination of rent control created confusion about who was left in charge of regulating fees and what was legal or illegal. She presents a rare example of a building manager going on trial for collecting illegal rental fees at the Bay Country Club apartments at 23-45 Bell Boulevard in Bayside, Queens. Assemblyman Leonard Stavisky assisted the tenants in bringing the case to court. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Mansion Razing Is Halted | New York Post | 9/20/1972 | Mansions – New York (State) – New York Fifth Avenue (New York, N.Y.) Metropolitan Museum Historic District (New York, N.Y.) Neighborhood Association for the Preservation of the Fifth Avenue Houses Barwick, Kent New York (N.Y.). Landmarks Preservation Commission |
Author’s first article on landmarks reports on the effort to save 1006 and 1007 Fifth Avenue from demolition. Real estate investors Sol Goldman and Alex DiLorenzo plan a 24-story apartment house on the site. Neighborhood residents and the Municipal Art Society, along with Manhattan Councilman Carter Burden and Assemblyman Anthony Olivieri sought a demolition injunction. Kent Barwick, then president of MAS, is quoted. (The site is included in the designation of the Metropolitan Museum Historic District in 1977.) |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Judge KOs Suit to Save the Mansions | New York Post | 9/21/1972 | Mansions – New York (State) – New York Fifth Avenue (New York, N.Y.) Neighborhood Association for the Preservation of the Fifth Avenue Houses Barwick, Kent Burden, Carter New York (N.Y.). Landmarks Preservation Commission Historic preservation – Law and legislation – New York (State) – New York |
Later edition of “A Court Bid to Preserve 2 Mansions” reporting the court’s reaction to efforts to save 1006 and 1007 Fifth Avenue. Gratz reports that the effort hit a roadblock when the Supreme Court Justice hearing the case threw out the injunction because the plaintiffs did not file proper paperwork. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | A Court Bid to Preserve 2 Mansions | New York Post | 9/21/1972 | Mansions – New York (State) – New York Fifth Avenue (New York, N.Y.) Neighborhood Association for the Preservation of the Fifth Avenue Houses Barwick, Kent New York (N.Y.). Landmarks Preservation Commission Burden, Carter Historic preservation – Law and legislation – New York (State) – New York |
Gratz continues coverage of the effort to preserve 1006 and 1007 Fifth Avenue. She reports that the Landmarks Preservation Commission’s power was very limited, as it was then only legally permitted to hold hearings on new landmark proposals for six months every three years. This limitation meant that the LPC had no power to intervene in situations such as this. Kent Barwick and Councilman Carter Burden are quoted. |
| Lee, Timothy and Roberta Brandes Gratz | Demolition Foes Win a Round | New York Post | 9/27/1972 | Mansions – New York (State) – New York Fifth Avenue (New York, N.Y.) |
Report on continuing efforts to save 1006, 1007, 1008 Fifth Avenue and 2 East 82nd Street from demolition by Sol Goldman and Alex DiLorenzo. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Fifth Avenue Mansions: A Zoning Appeal | New York Post | 10/3/1972 | Mansions – New York (State) – New York Fifth Avenue (New York, N.Y.) Barwick, Kent New York (N.Y.). Landmarks Preservation Commission Historic preservation – Law and legislation – New York (State) – New York Zoning – New York (State) – New York |
Gratz reports that the Board of Standards and Appeals would that day hear the case for a zoning variance needed to construct a 24-story building by Sol Goldman and Alex DiLorenzo at Fifth Avenue and 82nd Street. Preservationists hoped a denial would delay the builders long enough to raise money to purchase the buildings and prevent demolition. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Fifth Ave. Zoning: A Plea | New York Post | 10/3/1972 | Mansions – New York (State) – New York Fifth Avenue (New York, N.Y.) Barwick, Kent New York (N.Y.). Landmarks Preservation Commission Historic preservation – Law and legislation – New York (State) – New York Zoning – New York (State) – New York |
Shorter version of “Fifth Av. Mansions: A Zoning Appeal.” |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Landmark Battle Continues | New York Post | 10/17/1972 | Mansions – New York (State) – New York Fifth Avenue (New York, N.Y.) Zoning – New York (State) – New York |
Gratz reports that the Board of Standards and Appeals will soon decide whether the owners of the site at East 82nd Street and Fifth Avenue may be granted a variance to build a 24-story building. She reports that three of the four buildings have already been demolished, but community groups hope to preserve the final one on East 82nd Street in order that the LPC may consider landmarking the entire block. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Landmark Backers Lose Bid | New York Post | 10/25/1972 | Mansions – New York (State) – New York Fifth Avenue (New York, N.Y.) Zoning – New York (State) – New York |
Gratz reports that the owners of the site at East 82nd Street and Fifth Avenue (Sol Goldman and Alex DiLorenzo) won their bid for a variance to construct a 24-story building on the site. Preservationists still hope for landmark status for the East 82nd Street block when the LPC would hold its next hearings the following year. |
1973
| Author(s) | Title | Source | Date | Subject Headings | Summary |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Landmark Law – a City Tragedy | New York Post | 1/8/1973 | Historic preservation – Law and legislation – New York (State) – New York New York (N.Y.). Landmarks Preservation Commission Davies, J. Clarence |
First in a series of five articles examining in depth the deficiencies of the Landmarks Law. Alternate headline: “Landmark Law Is a Bulldozer.” |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Are Experts Overlooking the Landmarks? | New York Post | 1/9/1973 | Historic preservation – Law and legislation – New York (State) – New York New York (N.Y.). Landmarks Preservation Commission Goldstone, Harmon H. (Harmon Hendricks), 1911-2001 Gilbert, Frank Barwick, Kent |
This article, the second of five, includes a list of buildings lost to demolition after passage of the Landmark Law. Alternate headline: “Is There a ‘Catch 22’ in the Landmark Law? “ |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | New York Post | 1/10/1973 | Historic preservation – Law and legislation – New York (State) – New York New York (N.Y.). Landmarks Preservation Commission Flatbush Town Hall (New York, N.Y.) Committee to Preserve Flatbush Town Hall Brooklyn (New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. Barwick, Kent Choban, Irving Goldstone, Harmon H. (Harmon Hendricks), 1911-2001 Burden, Carter Gilbert, Frank Cavaglieri, Giorgio, 1911- |
Third of five articles examining the deficiencies of the Landmarks Law, with a focus on the demolition of the 1875 Flatbush Town Hall. The article raises the issue of the Landmarks Commission being too Manhattan focused. | |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Saving the Ansonia: An Uphill Battle | New York Post | 1/11/1973 | Historic preservation -Law and legislation – New York (State) – New York New York (N.Y.). Landmarks Preservation Commission Ansonia Hotel (New York, N.Y.) Central Savings Bank (New York, N.Y.) East River Savings Bank (New York, N.Y.) Pomander Walk (New York, N.Y.) |
Fourth of five articles includes extensive quotes from lawyers for the Ansonia Residents Association and Ansonia owner Jacob Starr. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Landmarks: A Rating After 10 years: Critics Call Panel Timid and Inept | New York Post | 1/12/1973 | Historic preservation – Law and legislation – New York (State) – New York New York (N.Y.). Landmarks Preservation Commission Haynes, Evelyn Goldstone, Harmon H. (Harmon Hendricks), 1911-2001 |
Fifth and final article in the series in which the author examines the Landmarks Commission’s record. She points out that many believe the Commission is not doing enough to protect the city’s heritage, falling short of its goals and designating many non-controversial sites. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Federal Cuts Hit E. Harlem Renewal | New York Post | 1/17/1973 | East Harlem Triangle Urban Renewal Area ( New York, N.Y.) Kornegay, Alice Urban renewal – New York (State) – New York |
Gratz reports on anger in the East Harlem community after Federal budget cuts led to the elimination of two of the three Section 236 buildings planned as part of the East Harlem Triangle Urban Renewal Area. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | West Side Landmark Unit Set | New York Post | 2/9/1973 | Upper West Side (New York, N.Y.) Community Board 7 (Manhattan, New York, N.Y.) Aid, Rita Ansonia Hotel (New York, N.Y.) Central Savings Bank (New York, N.Y.) |
Gratz reports that an Upper West Side community planning board established a Landmarks Committee to begin advocating for more landmarks and historic districts in the area, after feeling neglected. Such committees were rare at the time. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes and Peter Freiberg | SoHo – Still Not a Landmark | New York Post | 2/14/1973 | SoHo-Cast Iron Historic District (New York, N.Y.) Gayle, Margot Goldstone, Harmon H. (Harmon Hendricks), 1911-2001 New York (N.Y.). Landmarks Preservation Commission |
Gratz reports that three years after a public hearing, SoHo was still not designated as a historic district. Friends of Cast Iron’s Margot Gayle and Commission Chairman Harmon H. Goldstone are quoted. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Man in the News: John D. Rockefeller 3d: Stating It |
New York Post | 3/10/1973 | Rockefeller, John D. (John Davison), 1906- |
Personality profile. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Landmark Panel Hit on Frick Plan | New York Post | 3/20/1973 | Frick Collection | Article reports on the proposed demolition of the Widener House at 5 East 70th Street for an expansion of the Frick Collection. The Frick Collection, which had been caught in a moratorium on designations in 1970 is designated March 20, 1973. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Commission Ready to OK 7 Landmark Areas | New York Post | 3/24/1973 | Carroll Gardens Historic District (New York, N.Y.) Park Slope Historic District (New York, N.Y.) Boerum Hill Historic District (New York, N.Y.) SoHo-Cast Iron Historic District (New York, N.Y.) Carnegie Hill Historic District (New York, N.Y.) Central Park West-76th Street Historic District (New York, N.Y.) Riverside Drive-West 105th Street Historic District (New York, N.Y.) Historic preservation – Law and legislation – New York (State) – New York Brooklyn (New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. New York (N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. |
Gratz reports that the Landmarks Commission, under mounting pressure to do more, is planning to approve 86 individual landmarks and seven new historic districts later that year: Park Slope, Carroll Gardens, Boerum Hill, Soho, Carnegie Hill, W. 76th Street and W. 105th Street. Gratz also reported that new legislation was before the City Council to strengthen the Landmarks Law, and to allow designation of scenic and interior landmarks. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Sutton Urges Landmark Designation for Soho [sic] |
New York Post | 4/19/1973 | SoHo-Cast Iron Historic District (New York, N.Y.) Sutton, Percy E. |
Manhattan Borough President Percy Sutton called on the Landmarks Commission to designate the SoHo Historic District, and asked that its boundaries not be diminished. It was the first time Sutton had pressured the Commission. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Two Upper West Side Blocks Designated Historic Districts | New York Post | 4/20/1973 | Central Park West-76th Street Historic District (New York, N.Y.) Riverside Drive-West 105th Street Historic District (New York, N.Y.) Lewis Gouverneur and Nathalie Bailey Morris House (New York, N.Y.) |
Gratz reports that two of the seven planned historic districts were designated by the Landmarks Commission: The Central Park-W. 76th Street Historic District and the Riverside-W. 105th Street Historic District. Also designated was the 1914 New World Foundation building on Park Avenue and 85th Street, which was formerly the home of a descendant of Gouverneur Morris. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Museum’s Expansion Plan Getting an Airing | New York Post | 5/1/1973 | Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York, N.Y.) | The Landmarks Preservation Commission to hear about the museum’s plans for the American Wing, Rockefeller Wing, and the Western European Arts and European Garden Court. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | ‘Last Expansion’ for Metropolitan | New York Post | 5/2/1973 | Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York, N.Y.) | Longer version of “Say Met Expansion Is the Last.” Article reports on the hearing regarding the expansion of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and mentions the controversy over the expansion into the park. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes |
Say Met Expansion Is the Last |
New York Post | 5/2/1973 | Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York, N.Y.) |
Shorter version of “‘Last Expansion’ for Metropolitan.” |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Brown-stoning – The How-To | New York Post | 5/2/1973 | Dwellings – Maintenance and repair Brownstone Row houses |
Gratz reports on the phenomenon of middle class residents renovating brownstones, and how half a dozen books had recently been published offering guidance on how to go about it. She highlights three such books here: Charles Lockwood’s “Bricks and Brownstone,” Dierdre Stanforth and Martha Stamm’s “Buying and Renovating a House in the City,” and Joy and Paul Wilkes’ “You Don’t Have to Be Rich to Own a Brownstone.” |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | SoHo Tour of Cast Iron Architect-ure | New York Post | 5/4/1973 | SoHo-Cast Iron Historic District (New York, N.Y.) Friends of Cast Iron Architecture Ladies’ Mile (New York, N.Y.) |
Gratz advertises two walking tours offered by Friends of Cast Iron Architecture, one in SoHo and one in Ladies’ Mile. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Carroll Gardens a Landmark | New York Post | 5/7/1973 | Carroll Gardens Historic District (New York, N.Y.) Brooklyn (New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. New York (N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. |
Article also mentions designations for Brooklyn City Railroad Company Building, Frick Collection, New World Foundation Building (a.k.a. Lewis G. and Nathalie B. Morris House), and 326-330 East 18th Street. Some eighty other buildings, including seven on Roosevelt Island, the Woolworth Building, Police Headquarters Building, Jewish Museum, and Bayard-Condict Building are still pending from previous years |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Postcards Celebrate the City’s 75th | New York Post | 5/8/1973 | Postcards – New York (State) – New York Gladstone, Mike |
An unusual series of postcards celebrating New York City architecture. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Frick Plan Runs into More Flak | New York Post | 5/16/1973 | Frick Collection | Report on Landmark Preservation Commission hearings on the proposed demolition of the Widener House for a garden. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Frick Plan Is OK’d by Board | New York Post | 6/15/1973 | Frick Collection | Community planning board approves the demolition of the Widener House for the Frick Collection’s garden. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Cuite Sets Hearing on Landmarks | New York Post | 6/21/1973 | Cuite, Thomas J. Historic preservation – Law and legislation – New York (State) – New York New York (N.Y.). Landmarks Preservation Commission |
Thoms J. Cuite, Majority Leader of the New York City Council announces that hearings will be held on proposed changes to the Landmarks Law. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Landmarks & Ethics | New York Post | 6/22/1973 | New York (N.Y.). Landmarks Preservation Commission |
Article reporting on the Board of Ethics ruling that the Landmarks Commission’s Landmarks Preservation Fund of the Cultural Council Foundation may not solicit or accept contributions from private interests with an interest in Commission decisions. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | New York Post | 7/2/1973 | Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York, N.Y.) |
Landmarks Preservation Commission approves plans for the American Wing and Garden Court and Rockefeller Wing of Primitive Art. |
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| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | What Landmark Status Means for Park Slope | New York Post | 7/21/1973 | Park Slope Historic District (New York, N.Y.) Brooklyn (New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. |
Gratz reports that nine years after its initial public hearing, the Park Slope Historic District had finally been designated. Because the area was prime for rowhouse revitalization, residents were eager to ensure these alterations were done sensitively. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Landmarks Hearing Due Tomorrow | New York Post | 7/23/1973 | Flatbush Town Hall (New York, N.Y.) Mansions – New York (State) – New York 52nd Police Precinct Station House (Bronx, New York, N.Y.) Lyceum Theater (New York, N.Y.) 390 Van Duzer Street House (New York, N.Y.) 364 Van Duzer Street House (New York, N.Y.) Steinway Historic District (New York, N.Y.) Isaac L. Rice Mansion (New York, N.Y.) Brooklyn (New York, N.Y. ) – Buildings, structures, etc. Staten Island (New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. Queens (New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. Bronx (New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. |
Shorter version of “Public Hearings on Landmarks.” |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Public Hearing on Landmarks | New York Post | 7/23/1973 | Flatbush Town Hall (New York, N.Y.) Mansions – New York (State) – New York 52nd Police Precinct Station House (Bronx, New York, N.Y.) Lyceum Theater (New York, N.Y.) 390 Van Duzer Street House (New York, N.Y.) 364 Van Duzer Street House (New York, N.Y.) Steinway Historic District (New York, N.Y.) Isaac L. Rice Mansion (New York, N.Y.) Brooklyn (New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. Staten Island (New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. Queens (New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. Bronx (New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. |
Gratz reports that the Landmarks Commission will hold its first public hearing for new landmarks in three and a half years. The sites to be heard include Flatbush Town Hall in Brooklyn and the remaining mansions on Fifth Avenue and East 82nd Street, which had both been subject to heated controversy. Others to be heard included the 52nd Precinct House in the Bronx, the Lyceum Theater in Times Square, two Greek Revival homes on Staten Island, 29 rowhouses in Queens built for Steinway Piano workers, and the Rice Mansion at 89th and Riverside Drive. She also reports on pending legislation to strengthen the Landmarks Law, which would allow the Commission to hold hearings on an unrestricted basis. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Fragments of History: Hearings Seek to Save Them | New York Post | 7/25/1973 | Mansions – New York (State) – New York Fifth Avenue (New York, N.Y.) 390 Van Duzer Street House (NewYork, N.Y.) Flatbush Town Hall (New York, N.Y.) Steinway Historic District (New York, N.Y.) Brooklyn (New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. Staten Island (New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. Queens (New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. |
Report of the first Landmarks Preservation Commission designation hearings since 1970. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Carroll Gardens: Historic? | New York Post | 8/8/1973 | Carroll Gardens Historic District (New York, N.Y.) Leone, Sebastian |
Sebastian Leone, Brooklyn Borough President, requested the designation be withdrawn by the Landmarks Preservation Commission. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | SoHo Wins Historic Designation | New York Post | 8/16/1973 | SoHo-Cast Iron Historic Distric t (New York, N.Y.) |
Several versions of the same article with minor changes. One version includes a quote from chairman, Harmon Goldstone. Also reprinted by the Friends of Cast Iron Architecture with “SoHo Made a Historic District,” New York Times, August 17, 1973. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | School, Church Plan West End Av. Changes | New York Post | 9/17/1973 | Calhoun School All Angels’ Church (New York, N.Y.) |
Calhoun School’s planned demolition of six townhouses for a modern school building and All Angels’ Church’s planned demolition of its building for an apartment house. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Flatbush Appeal: Support Town Hall | New York Post | 9/21/1973 | Flatbush Town Hall (New York, N.Y.) Choban, Irving Brooklyn (New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. Brooklyn (N ew York, N.Y.) – History |
The community appeals to the Flatbush Chamber of Commerce to reconsider its position in favor of designating Flatbush Town Hall, one of Brooklyn’s five National Historic Landmarks. Local merchants favored replacing the building with a 40-space parking lot. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Pollution Damaging Cloisters | New York Post | 9/26/1973 | Cloisters (Museum) Sara Delano Roosevelt Memorial House (New York, N.Y.) New York (N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. Queens (New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. Staten Island (New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. Bronx (New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. Brooklyn (New York, N.Y.) – Building, structures, etc. |
Gratz reports that at a Landmarks Commission hearing to designate 16 sites, the head of The Cloisters, Thomas Hoving, endorsed designation but stated that major exterior alterations may be needed due to the effects of air pollution on the structure. Also heard for designation: Soldiers & Sailors Monument [sic] (Prospect Park), Queensboro Bridge, the New York Botanical Garden Conservatory, Bowling Green subway kiosk, Fort Totten, Fort Tompkins, and Kingsbridge Armory. Sara Delano Roosevelt Memorial House designated at the same hearing. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Cast Iron Treasure in Peril | New York Post | 10/9/1973 | Bogardus Building (New York, N.Y.) Cast-iron fronts (Architecture) – New York (State) – New York Bogardus, James, 1800-1874 Borough of Manhattan Community College (New York, N.Y.) Washington Street Urban Renewal Project (New York, N.Y.) |
The Bogardus Building, also known as the Laing Stores, was designated then disassembled as part of the West Side Urban Renewal Project with the idea to reuse it as part of the Borough of Manhattan Community College campus. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Landmark: City Moves Slowly on Old HQ | New York Post | 10/12/1973 | New York City Police Headquarters (New York, N.Y.) Simon, Donald |
The Police Department finds the old Police Headquarters building at 240 Centre Street to be antiquated for their needs. The city investigates its conversion to a mix of public and private use. Gratz reports that the Landmarks Commission has not taken action since its designation hearing in 1966. William Shopsin, chairman of the historic buildings committee of the AIA, and Donald Simon, Parks Deptartment liaison to the Landmarks Commission are quoted. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | New Design Housing Making Mark in City | New York Post | 10/18/1973 | Public housing – New York (State) – New York Housing – New York (State) – New York Davis, Brody & Associates Ravitch, Richard |
Article reports on the Davis, Brody & Associates designs for Harlem River Park Houses, Waterside and the apartments at the Ruppert Brewery Urban Renewal Area in Yorkville. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Flatbush Town Hall Becomes Landmark | New York Post | 10/19/1973 | Flatbush Town Hall (New York, N.Y.) Choban, Irving Brooklyn (New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. Brooklyn (New York, N.Y.) – History |
Gratz reports on the designation of Flatbush Town Hall after the community rallied to save it from being demolished and turned into a parking lot. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes |
New Wing Dedicated at Walden | New York Post | 10/24/1973 | Walden School (New York, N.Y.) |
The Walden School erects the new six-story Andrew Goodman Building at West 88th Street and Central Park West, designed by architect Edgar Tafel. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Council to Weigh Tougher Landmarks Law | New York Post | 10/31/1973 | Historic preservation – Law and legislation – New York (State) – New York |
Proposed changes to the Landmarks Law: permit designation of scenic landmarks and interior landmarks, eliminate the restriction that allows the Commission to hear designations for only six months every three years and require that reports on city-owned landmarks be made public. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Landmark Revamp Gets an OK | New York Post | 11/2/1973 | Historic preservation – Law and legislation – New York (State) – New York |
Changes strengthen the Landmarks Law. |
| A Post Reporter Wins Award | New York Post | 11/15/1973 | Gratz, Roberta Brandes – Awards |
Front Page Award by the Newswomen’s Club of New York for her series on the Landmarks Law. Attached is “Roberta Brandes Gratz — Account of Career and Accomplishments”. |
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| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | The Old-House Revival Comes to Staten Island | New York Post | 11/26/1973 | 390 Van Duzer Street House (New York, N.Y.) Staten Island (New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. Dwellings – Maintenance and repair |
Gratz reports that Staten Island is the newest frontier for those looking to revive historic homes. The article profiles one particular house in Stapleton: 390 Van Duzer Street, built in 1835 in the Greek Revival style. The house was being considered for landmark status and its owners were working to restore it to its original appearance. It was designated a month after the article was published. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes |
Frick Museum Drops Expansion Plan |
New York Post | 11/27/1973 | Frick Collection Barwick, Kent |
Expansion plans dropped but the Widener House had already been demolished. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | New Landmark Law Is Passed | New York Post | 11/28/1973 | Aid, Rita Historic preservation – Law and legislation – New York (State) – New York New York (N.Y.). Landmarks Preservation Commission Community Board 7 (Manhattan, New York, N.Y.) |
City Council approves the revamping of the Landmarks Law. Rita Aid, West Side Planning Board 7, voices concern over the Commission’s handling of designations in the West Side. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | A Christmas Gift for St. Nick | New York Post | 12/21/1973 | St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral (New York, N.Y.) 364 Van Duzer Street House (New York, N.Y.) 390 Van Duzer Street House (New York, N.Y.) Staten Island (New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. Queens (New York , N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. New York (N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. |
Gratz reports that the Landmarks Commission has designated the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of St. Nicholas at 15 East 97th Street in Manhattan. The article also mentions the designation of the Queensboro Bridge, Soldiers and Sailors Monument [sic] (Prospect Park), Bowling Green subway kiosk, and 364 and 390 Van Duzer Street in Staten Island. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes |
Zuccotti Favors City Zoning Review |
New York Post | 12/24/1973 | Zoning – New York (State) – New York Zuccotti, John E. |
Gratz reports that City Planning Commission Chairman John Zuccotti favors an update to the 12-year-old zoning ordinance. Article mentions mixed-use zoning, special districts and the periodic review of the zoning law. |
1974
| Author(s) | Title | Source | Date | Subject Headings | Summary |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Grand Central D-Day Near | New York Post | 1/9/1974 |
Grand Central |
Gratz reports that after a five-year legal battle, Supreme Court Justice Irving Saypol will soon decide whether Grand Central Terminal, designated in 1967, may be preserved unencumbered by a large addition. She provides a succinct background on the case, which represented a significant legal challenge to the 1965 Landmarks Law. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Court Decision Near on Grand Central’s Future | New York Post | 1/9/1974 |
Grand Central T |
Shorter version of “Grand Central D-Day Near.” |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Now It’s an Exodus from the Suburbs | New York Post | 1/18/1974 | City and town life | The return of suburban dwellers to the city is spurred by the fuel crisis. |
| Roberta Gratz Wins Award | New York Post | 1/21/1974 | Gratz, Roberta Brandes – Awards |
Honorable Mention for the Landmark series in the Award of Merit competition of the Women’s Press Club. |
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| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | The ‘People’s Advocate’ for Landmarks | New York Post | 1/24/1974 | Spatt, Beverly Moss | Personality profile of the new chairperson of the Landmarks Preservation Commission. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | 1920s Loew’s Theater Gets Landmark Billing |
New York Post | 1/24/1974 | Loew’s Triboro Theater (New York, N.Y.) Queens ( New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. |
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| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Another Landmark Under the Gun | New York Post | 1/28/1974 | Otto and Addie Kahn House (New York, N.Y.) James A. and Florence Sloane Burden House (New York, N.Y.) Convent of the Sacred Heart (New York, N.Y.) |
Report on the threat to the then undesignated Otto Kahn and Burden mansions at East 91st Street and Fifth Avenue. The mansions’ owner, Convent of the Sacred Heart, was investigating demolition of the structures to expand their institution. The local community and preservation groups like the Municipal Art Society call for the buildings’ preservation, but the owner argues that designation would be an undue burden on their investment. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Kahn Mansion: A Landmark Under the Gun | New York Post | 1/28/1974 | Otto and Addie Kahn House (New York, N.Y.) James A. and Florence Sloane Burden House (New York, N.Y.) Convent of the Sacred Heart (New York, N.Y.) |
Duplicate text of “Another Landmark Under the Gun.” |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Art Deco in Music Hall Recalls Roxy’s Ban on Nude Statuary |
New York Post | 1/30/1974 | Radio City Music Hall (New York, N.Y.) Deskey, Donald, 1894-1989 Art Deco (Architecture) – New York (State) – New York |
Gratz reports that Radio City Music Hall will host the New York Art Deco Exposition, and a series of nude sculptures created for the original theater’s interior will be on display. The sculptures were rejected by its manager, Sam “Roxy” Rothafel, at the time, but were placed in their originally intended locations throughout the theater for the Expo. The article includes recollections by Donald Deskey, designer of the Music Hall’s interiors. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | ‘Sealed Building’ Fad Losing Steam | New York Post | 2/4/1974 | Architectural design Dwellings – Energy consumption | Richard J. Stein, architect of P.S. 55, Staten Island and Peter Samton, architect of York College, CUNY are turning away from sealed buildings in their designs. Richard Roth, Jr. of Emery Roth & Sons still believes sealed buildings are economical. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | West Side Sites to Get U.S. Funds | New York Post | 2/8/1974 | West Side Urban Renewal Area (New York, N.Y.) Public Housing – New York (State) – New York |
State and city housing officials announce funding for two long-planned, economically integrated apartment buildings in the West Side Urban Renewal Area. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | A Reprieve at Grace Church | New York Post | 2/8/1974 | Grace Church Houses Fitch, James Marston Seymour, Whitney North, 1901-1984 Grace Church (New York, N.Y.) Minifie, Benjamin Newman, Milton Gilbert, Frank |
The buildings were left out of the original designation of the church and rectory designed by James Renwick, Jr. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Sculpture Garden Recalls City’s Past | New York Post | 2/11/1974 | Brooklyn Museum of Art Millstein, Barbara Karp, Ivan Decoration and ornament, Architectural |
Collection of architectural sculptures and details from demolished buildings. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Plans Offered to Save 2 Grace Church Houses | New York Post | 2/16/1974 | Grace Church Houses Fitch, James Marston Seymour, Whitney North, 1901-1984 Grace Church (New York, N.Y.) Renwick, James, 1818-1895 Minifie, Benjamin |
Two Gothic Revival townhouses on Fourth Avenue, designed by James Renwick, Jr. as part of the Grace Church complex, are slated for demolition by the Church to make way for updated school facilities. Gratz reports that a meeting was held to consider alternatives. James Marston Fitch led the preservation effort. The architects for the proposed school building are Hutchins, Evans and Lefferts. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | A Landmark Decision Due | New York Post | 2/18/1974 | Mansions – New York (State) – New York Fifth Avenue (New York, N.Y.) 1009 Fifth Avenue House (New York, N.Y.) | Historic district designation sought for 82nd Street and Fifth Avenue to block demolition of mansions for 24-story apartment house. 1009 Fifth Avenue was built for Benjamin N. and Sarah Duke. (The block is included in the Metropolitan Museum Historic District in 1977.) |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Landmark Designation Due for 2 Mansions on Fifth Av. | New York Post | 2/19/1974 | Otto and Addie Kahn House (New York, N.Y.) James A. and Florence Sloane Burden House (New York, N.Y.) Convent of the Sacred Heart (New York, N.Y.) New York Landmarks Conservancy Andrew and Louise Carnegie House (New York, N.Y.) |
The Otto Kahn and James A. Burden mansions at 1 and 7 East 91st Street are to be designated by the Landmarks Commission after mounting pressure and a change of heart by the mansions’ owners, Convent of the Sacred Heart. The school’s reversal was facilitated by an interest-free loan by the then new Landmarks Conservancy. The Andrew Carnegie mansion across the street was also being considered at the same hearing. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Landmark Rescue Falters | New York Post | 2/22/1974 | Grace Church Houses Seymour, Whitney North, 1901-1984 Grace Church (New York, N.Y.) Greenwich Village Planning Board Renwick, James, 1818-1895 |
In a 14-8 vote, the Greenwich Village Planning Board voted against asking for immediate designation of the Grace Church Houses to protect them from demolition. The Vestry voted 7-5 for demolition. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | A $300,000 Deadline for 2 Buildings | New York Post | 2/26/1974 | Grace Church Houses Grace Church (New York, N.Y.) | Joseph Roberto, staff architect at New York University leads a last minute appeal for funds to cover the cost of preserving the facades and building behind them. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | A Harlem Row House Save It or Demolish It? | New York Post | 3/1/1974 | Harlem (New York, N.Y.) Farrell, Herman D. Harlem Heights Neighborhood Association Riverside-Edgecombe Neighborhood Association |
Article on the fate of 728 St. Nicholas Avenue. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Save Grace Buildings Landmark Groups Ask | New York Post | 3/2/1974 | Grace Church Houses Joint Emergency Committee to Save the Grace Church Houses Grace Church (New York, N.Y.) | The National Trust for Historic Preservation and State Historic Trust ask for preservation of the buildings. The Joint Emergency Committee to Save the Grace Church Houses is formed to raise funds and ask the Commission for designation. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Hearing Set on Grace Buildings | New York Post | 3/5/1974 | Grace Church Houses Joint Emergency Committee to Save the Grace Church Houses New York (N.Y.). Landmarks Preservation Commission Grace Church (New York, N.Y.) |
Beverly Moss Spatt, chairperson of the Landmarks Preservation Commission and Kent Barwick of the Municipal Art Society are quoted about the Commission hearing on the Grace Church Houses. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Gothic Façade Splits Grace Church | New York Post | 3/11/1974 | Grace Church Houses Joint Emergency Committee to Save the Grace Church Houses Schepmoes, Lindsley Grace Church (New York, N.Y.) Minifie, Benjamin |
The Grace Church vestry is split over the issue. Lindsley Schepmoes, clerk of the vestry, is opposed to demolition. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Central Park May Become Landmark | New York Post | 3/13/1974 | Central Park (New York, N.Y.) | The park would be the first scenic landmark designated under the revised Landmarks Law. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Landmark List Gets Six More | New York Post | 3/20/1974 | Morris and Laurette Schinasi House (New York, N.Y.) Saint Bartholomew’s Church (Brooklyn, New York, N.Y.) Abraham J. Wood House (New York, N.Y.) Cloisters (Museum) Congregation Shearith Israel (New York, N.Y.) Public Baths (New York, N.Y.) Staten Island (New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. Brooklyn (New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. New York (N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. |
The Landmarks Commission designates six more landmarks from its backlog: Schinasi Residence at Riverside Drive and W. 107th Street, St. Bartholomew’s Church in Crown Heights, 5910 Amboy Road in Staten Island, The Cloisters in Fort Tryon Park, Congregation Shearith Israel on Central Park West, and the Public Baths at East 23rd Street and the East River. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Hold Hearings on Fate of Grace Church Houses | New York Post | 3/22/1974 | Grace Church Houses Joint Emergency Committee to Save the Grace Church Houses Grace Church (New York, N.Y.) Rathe, Fred Minifie, Benjamin New York (N.Y.). Landmarks Preservation Commission |
Report of the public hearing at the Landmarks Preservation Commission. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | A Reprieve for Grace Buildings | New York Post | 4/15/1974 | Grace Church Houses Grace Church (New York, N.Y.) Binger, Bronson Minifie, Benjamin | Announcement of a joint effort by the church and the Joint Emergency Committee to Preserve the Grace Church Houses. Joan Kaplan Davidson and Whitney North Seymour, Sr., co-chairpersons of the fund drive. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Landmark Activists Aim for New Clout | New York Post | 4/29/1974 | Preservation League of New York State | The first annual statewide conference of the Preservation League of New York State. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Vaux Get His Credit for Park | New York Post | 5/3/1974 | Central Park (New York, N.Y.) Vaux, Calvert | Article about an exhibition at the Museum of the City of New York mentions the designation of the park as a Scenic Landmark by the Landmarks Preservation Commission. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Gothic Facades on Fourth Av.: Hope Revived | New York Post | 5/8/1974 | Grace Church Houses Davidson, Joan Kaplan Seymour, Whitney North, 1901-1984 Grace Church (New York, N.Y.) Minifie, Benjamin Binger, Bronson |
Compromise reached. Vestry unanimously reverses plans for demolition. Preservationists agree to demolition if money not raised in six months. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Pier A – Its Rise & Imminent Fall | New York Post | 5/10/1974 | Pier A (New York, N.Y.) Urstadt, Charles J. Battery Park City Authority Buford, Richard H. Piers Battery Park (New York, N.Y.) |
Pier A scheduled for demolition to build Battery Park City walkway. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | A 3-Way Landmark Is Studied | New York Post | 5/13/1974 | Central Savings Bank (New York, N.Y.) Verdi Square Scenic Landmark (New York, N.Y.) Dorilton Apartments (New York, N.Y.) |
The Landmarks Preservation Commission considering the designation of the interior and exterior of the Central Savings Bank. It would be the first interior designated under the expanded Landmarks Law. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | It’s Raise the Cash or Raise the Landmark | New York Post | 5/22/1974 | Brotherhood Synagogue (New York, N.Y.) Gramercy Park Historic District (New York, N.Y.) Synagogues – New York (State) – New York |
The Board of the Friends Meeting House Foundation determines that the price of renovating the landmark is prohibitive. Several groups show interest in buying the building. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes and George Arzt | They’re Razing a Storm Over Tweed Courthouse | New York Post | 6/14/1974 | Tweed Courthouse (New York, N.Y.) Courthouses – New York (State) – New York O’Dwyer, Paul, 1907-1998 Prentice, Tim Wiesel, Edwin | Draft report from the Mayor’s Manhattan Civic Center Task Force states it’s more costly to renovate than build a new building. City Council President Paul O’Dwyer and Parks Administrator and Task Force member Edwin Wiesel, Jr. opposed to demolition. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Old Tweed Courthouse Could Haunt Mayor | New York Post | 6/22/1974 | Tweed Courthouse (New York, N.Y.) Courthouses – New York (State) – New York Hubbard, William Cavaglieri, Giorgio, 1911- |
Civic groups including the City Club, the Municipal Art Society, the Victorian Society, the NY Chapter of the AIA, and the Fine Arts Federation oppose demolition of the Tweed Courthouse behind City Hall. These groups accuse the Mayor and city government in general of being too quick to choose demolition over restoration, and call for a restorative approach on other city-owned buildings, as well. Noted restoration architect Georgio Cavaglieri is quoted. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Builder Asks Variance on Lincoln Square | New York Post | 6/24/1974 | Lincoln Square Special Zoning District (New York, N.Y.) Milstein, Paul Zoning – New York (State) – New York |
Paul Milstein’s proposed apartment house would exceed height allowed under zoning regulations. The spokesmen for the opposition include David Praeger and Richard Weinstein. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Lincoln Center Housing Plan Opposed | New York Post | 7/10/1974 | Lincoln Square Special Zoning District (New York, N.Y.) Milstein, Paul Zoning – New York (State) – New York |
Community Planning Board No. 7 votes against Milstein’s planned 43-story apartment building. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Cast-Iron Case for Landmark | New York Post | 7/11/1974 | Bogardus Building (New York, N.Y.) Cast-iron fronts (Architecture) – New York (State) – New York Bogardus, James, 1800-1874 85 Leonard Street Building (New York, N.Y.) Crime – New York (State) – New York |
The Bogardus Building was also known as the Laing Stores; 85 Leonard Street was built as the Kitchen, Montross & Wilcox Store. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Sutton Asks W. Side Apartment Hearing Delay | New York Post | 7/12/1974 | Lincoln Square Special Zoning District (New York, N.Y.) Milstein, Paul Zoning – New York (State) – New York Sutton, Percy E. |
Manhattan Borough President Percy Sutton asks the Board of Standards and Appeals to postpone a hearing on a variance request by developer Paul Millstein for a new tower on the east side of Broadway between 62nd and 63rd Streets, across from Lincoln Center. The variance would allow a much bigger building than allowed by the area’s zoning, which would have an impact on future development of Lincoln Square. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes and Jack Cowley | City May Appeal Landmark Decision | New York Post | 7/16/1974 | Phelps Stokes-J. P. Morgan, Jr. House (New York, N.Y.) Spatt, Beverly Moss Lutheran Church in America Historic preservation – Law and legislation – New York (State) – New York – Cases |
Judge Domenick Gabrielli, writing for the majority in the State Court of Appeals, invalidated the designation of the J. P. Morgan, Jr. House, based on the Lutheran Church in America’s claim that designation posed an economic hardship. |
| [Gratz, Roberta Brandes] | Eastside Area a Landmark | New York Post | 7/23/1974 | Carnegie Hill Historic District (New York, N.Y.) Grand Army Plaza Scenic Landmark (New York, N.Y.) Society for Ethical Culture (New York, N.Y.) First Church of Christ, Scientist (New York, N.Y.) 11 East 70th Street House (New York, N.Y.) |
Article also mentions Commission to consider ten individual buildings next to the Carnegie Hill Historic District. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Judge Gives Lambs Club a Reprieve – and Warning | New York Post | 8/22/1974 | Lambs (New York, N.Y.) | Judge Edward J. Ryan of Bankruptcy Court gave the club an extension to raise the needed money to pay the mortgage on its Stanford White building. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | State Unit – Save Tweed | New York Post | 8/23/1974 | Tweed Courthouse (New York, N.Y.) Courthouses – New York (State) – New York O’Dwyer, Paul, 1907-1998 |
Shorter version of “Save Tweed – State Unit.” New York State Board of Historic Preservation recommends the Tweed Courthouse for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Save Tweed – State Unit | New York Post | 8/23/1974 | Tweed Courthouse (New York, N.Y.) African Burial Ground and the Commons Historic District (New York, N.Y.) O’Dwyer, Paul, 1907-1998 Courthouses – New York (State) – New York African Burial Ground (New York, N.Y.) |
Longer version of “State Unit – Save Tweed.” The State Board of Historic Preservation recommends listing on the National Register of Historic Places. City Council President Paul O’Dwyer refers to the existence of a cemetery for “Negro Slaves and Black Freemen” among other groups under the courthouse. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | It’s a Landmark Day at Gracie Mansion |
New York Post | 8/24/1974 | Gracie Mansion (New York, N.Y.) | Gracie Mansion placed on the National Register of Historic Places. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | A Breath of Art in Jamaica | New York Post | 8/24/1974 | Register (New York, N.Y.) Queens (New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc Mintz, Ward Freeman, Doris Henry, Janet |
The Register is the home of the Jamaica Arts Center. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Sutton Opposes Giant Tower | New York Post | 9/16/1974 | Lincoln Square Special Zoning District (New York, N.Y.) Milstein, Paul Sutton, Percy E. Zoning – New York (State) – New York |
The planned apartment house would be 50 percent larger than permitted by the zoning regulations. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Daily Closeup: Beauty & the City | New York Post | 9/18/1974 | Oppenheimer, Herbert | Profile of architect Herbert Oppenheimer, President of the AIA-New York Chapter who believes that architecture must take into account what is good for the city as a whole. Oppenheimer opposes the Marcel Breuer proposal for Grand Central Terminal. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes and Leo Standora |
New Fight Flares Over Lincoln Center Tower |
New York Post | 9/19/1974 | Lincoln Square Special Zoning District (New York, N.Y.) Milstein, Paul Zoning – New York (State) – New York |
Stakeholders battle over a planned 43-story apartment tower in Lincoln Square at the Board of Standards and Appeals. Paul Milstein sought a variance, as the planned tower was 50% larger than zoning would allow. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | A Party for 2 Park Builders | New York Post | 9/21/1974 | Moses, Robert, 1888-1981 Rockefeller, Laurence Spelman | Conservationist Laurence Rockefeller had replaced Robert Moses as head of the state parks system in 1963. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Landmark Tag, and Jackie Too, for the Lambs | New York Post | 9/24/1974 | Lambs (New York, N.Y.) Kingsbridge Armory (New York, N.Y.) Fort Totten (New York, N.Y.) Fort Tompkins (New York, N.Y.) New York City Police Headquarters (New York, N.Y.) New York (N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. Queens (New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. Staten Island (New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. Bronx (New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. |
Gratz reports that the Stanford White-designed Lambs Club, a fine and performing arts club, was designated a landmark and Jackie Onassis became a Board director. Jackie Onassis is quoted. Other landmarks also designated the same day include: Kingsbridge Armory in the Bronx, Fort Totten Battery in Queens, and Fort Tompkins on Staten Island. Gratz reports that the Commission also voted to hold a hearing on the proposed designation of the old Police Headquarters. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Children Illustrate Concern | New York Post | 10/2/1974 | Grace Church Houses Grace Church (New York, N.Y.) | Article mentions the listing of the entire church complex on the National Register of Historic Places. The children of Grace Church School use various media to express their impressions of the building. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | A New Life for Flushing Landmark? | New York Post | 10/3/1974 | Flushing Town Hall (Flushing, New York, N.Y.) Queens (New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. |
Restaurateur Stephen Phillips negotiates with the city to rent the city-owned, individual landmark Flushing Town Hall for use as a restaurant, theater and community office space. The potential adaptive reuse is welcome after struggles to find a use that would not require public funds. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Skyscraper Up for Landmark Status | New York Post | 10/8/1974 | American Radiator Building (New York, N.Y.) Bryant Park (New York, N.Y.) New York Public Library Dorilton Apartments (New York, N.Y.) First Houses (New York, N.Y.) Hamilton Heights Historic District (New York, N.Y.) 85 Leonard Street Building (New York, N.Y.) Steinway Historic District (New York, N.Y.) Jamaica Savings Bank (New York, N.Y.) Register (New York, N.Y.) Ocean Parkway Scenic Landmark (New York, N.Y.) Queens (New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. New York (N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. Brooklyn (New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. |
Gratz reports on the Landmarks Commission hearing to consider designating the American Radiator Building, which would become the first skyscraper designated a landmark. Other districts and landmarks considered at the hearing include: First Houses at Avenue A between East 2nd and East 3rd Streets, Hamilton Heights Historic District, Steinway Historic District, 85 Leonard Street, Jamaica Savings Bank, 161-04 Jamaica Avenue (Office of the Register for Queens), and Ocean Parkway. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | U.S. Boost for Tweed Courthouse | New York Post | 10/9/1974 | Tweed Courthouse (New York, N.Y.) Courthouses – New York (State) – New York O’Dwyer, Paul, 1907-1998 |
Courthouse officially listed on the National Register. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Alternatives Outlined for W. 96th St. | New York Post | 10/17/1974 | Boomis, Christopher Housing – New York (State) – New York | Developer offers a community meeting two variations on a plan for an apartment house on the northwest corner of West 96th Street and Broadway. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Luxury Apartments Finding Home on W. Side | New York Post | 10/23/1974 | Boomis, Christopher Apartments – New York (State) – New York Housing – New York (State) – New York Good Shepherd Faith Church (New York, N.Y.) Lincoln Square Special Zoning District (New York, N.Y.) Milstein, Paul |
Gratz reports that while most luxury apartment construction has halted, the Upper West Side is experiencing a boom. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Grace Church Houses Drive Halfway to Goal | New York Post | 11/1/1974 | Grace Church Houses Grace Church (New York, N.Y.) |
Gratz reports that half of the fundraising needed to preserve the houses has been reached. Most of the article describes the landmarks to be seen on a Municipal Art Society tour: Colonnade Row, Cooper Union, Public Theater, and Grace Church. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Demolition: New Gaps in the Wall St. Smile | New York Post | 11/1/1974 | Cities Service Company Wall Street (New York, N.Y.) AIG Building (New York, N.Y.) | With Cities Service Company demolishing its holdings at 54-62 Wall Street and 69 Pine Street there is concern over 70 Pine Street the company’s former headquarters building. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | City May Drop Landmark Status for Grand Central Terminal |
New York Post | 11/8/1974 | Grand Central Terminal (New York, N.Y.) Penn Central Transportation Company Historic preservation – Law and legislation – New York (State) – New York – Cases |
Gratz reports that the city may withdraw the landmark designation of Grand Central as Supreme Court Justice Irving Saypol indicates he is leaning in favor of the Plaintiff, Penn Central, which wanted to build a skyscraper over the landmark. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | A Landmark Package Is Unwrapped | New York Post | 11/13/1974 | American Radiator Building (New York, N.Y.) Bryant Park (New York, N.Y.) New York Public Library Dorilton Apartments (New York, N.Y.) First Houses (New York, N.Y.) Gage & Tollner Restaurant (New York, N.Y.) Jamaica Savings Bank (New York, N.Y.) Register (New York, N.Y.) Queens (New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. New York (N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. Brooklyn (New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. |
Landmarks Commission approves landmark designations of the American Radiator Building, the interior of the 42nd Street New York Public Library, First Houses, Gage and Tollner, Jamaica Savings Bank, and 161-04 Jamaica Avenue (Office of the Register for Queens). |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Waterside Takes on Artistic Air | New York Post | 11/15/1974 | Waterside (New York, N.Y.) Public Arts Council Apartment houses – New York (State) – New York Public spaces Housing – New York (State) – New York |
Roberta Gratz provides an update on the conversion of Waterside Plaza into an open air art gallery. She provides insight to the need for privately sponsored outdoor exhibitions. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | An Oyster Traditions Returns | New York Post | 11/21/1974 | Oyster Bar (Restaurant) | The Oyster Bar reopened under new managment after being closed for four months for cleaning and restoration. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Landmark Status for 2 Sites? | New York Post | 11/26/1974 | New York City Police Headquarters (New York, N.Y.) Bayard-Condict Building (New York, N.Y.) Ocean Parkway Scenic Landmark (New York, N.Y.) Central Savings Bank (New York, N.Y.) Verdi Square Scenic Landmark (New York, N.Y.) Hamilton Heights Historic District (New York, N.Y.) 85 Leonard Street Building (New York, N.Y.) Lyceum Theater (New York, N.Y.) Andrew Freedman Home (New York, N.Y.) Steinway Historic District (New York, N.Y.) Queens (New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. New York (N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. Bronx (New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. Brooklyn (New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. |
Gratz reports that the Landmarks Commission would finally consider the old Police Headquarters and the Bayard Condict Building at 65 Bleecker Street. The Commission would also consider Ocean Parkway, Verdi Square, and the interior and exterior of the Central Savings Bank. Expected designations were the Steinway Historic District, the Hamilton Heights Historic District, 85 Leonard Street, the Lyceum Theater, and the Andrew Freedman Home. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Builder Wins Round in Bid for a Lincoln Tower | New York Post | 11/27/1974 | Lincoln Square Special Zoning District (New York, N.Y.) Milstein, Paul Zoning – New York (State) – New York | Milstein wins approval for a 30-story tower from the City Planning Commission. Dissenters Gordon J. Davis and Alex Cooper opposed approval because the developer’s stated intent is ultimately to build a 43-story tower. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Plan 52-Story Tower to Blend with Landmark |
New York Post | 12/9/1974 | Villard Houses (New York, N.Y.) Phelps Stokes-J. P. Morgan, Jr. House (New York, N.Y.) Emory Roth & Sons Roth, Richard |
Precedent-setting combination of saving landmark and building a new tower. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Manhattan’s West Side: Article III: North from 59th St. |
New York Post | 12/11/1974 | Upper West Side (New York, N.Y.) |
Part 3 of a series profiling the Upper West Side. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes |
Villard Proposal Criticized | New York Post | 12/11/1974 | Villard Houses (New York, N.Y.) Historic buildings – Remodeling for other uses – New York (State) – New York |
At a public hearing of the Landmarks Commission, plans to preserve the Villard Houses by building a 52-story commercial structure (developer Harry B. Helmsley, architects Emery Roth & Sons) behind them are met with criticism by Commission members, the Municipal Art Society, restoration architect Giorgio Cavaglieri, and the Historic Buildings Committee of the AIA. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Manhattan’s West Side: Article IV: The Problems |
New York Post | 12/12/1974 | Upper West Side (New York, N.Y.) West Side Urban Renewal Area (New York, N.Y.) |
Part 4 of a series profiling the Upper West Side. This article showcases some of the problems the neighborhood faces. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | A Radio Tower for Riverside? |
New York Post | 12/18/1974 | Riverside Towers Hotel (New York, N.Y.) Zoning – New York (State) – New York |
Gratz reports that Don Lewis, owner of the Riverside Towers Hotel on Riverside Drive at 80th Street, wants to build a radio tower on the roof, which would require a zoning variance from the Board of Standards and Appeals. Community Board 7, City Councilman Ted Weiss and other stakeholders oppose the project. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | 2 Firehouses Among Landmarks for Sale | New York Post | 12/31/1974 | Fire Engine Company 31 (New York, N.Y.) Brooklyn Fire Headquarters (New York, N.Y.) Government auctions Hunters Point (New York, N.Y.) Queens (New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. New York (N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. Brooklyn (New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. |
Gratz reports that the city will auction off three designated landmarks: Firehouse Engine Company 31 at 87 Layafette Street, the old Brooklyn Fire Headquarters at 365 Jay Street, and a rowhouse in Hunters Point, Queens. The auction will come with the stipulation that provisions of the Landmarks Law will apply. It was the first time the city had auctioned landmarked civic structures. Kent Barwick of the Municipal Art Society is quoted. |
1975
| Author(s) | Title | Source | Date | Subject Headings | Summary |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Parishioners Split Over Sale of Park Av. Church | New York Post | 1/9/1975 | Central Presbyterian Church (New York, N.Y.) Upper East Side Historic District (New York, N.Y.) Upper East Side (New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. |
The congregation of Central Presbyterian Church on Park Avenue is split over the sale of its church building to the Asia Society, which would demolish the structure to build its new headquarters. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | New Roles, Challenges for Landmarks Panel | New York Post | 1/13/1975 | Spatt, Beverly Moss Phelps Stokes-J. P. Morgan, Jr. House (New York, N.Y.) Lutheran Church in America Grand Central Terminal (New York, N.Y.) Penn Central Transportation Company Historic preservation – Law and legislation – New York (State) – New York – Cases Zuccotti, John E. New York (N.Y.). City Planning Commission |
Article includes a discussion of the relationship between the City Planning Commission and the Landmarks Preservation Commission. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Villard Plan Gets First OK | New York Post | 1/31/1975 | Villard Houses (New York, N.Y.) Phelps Stokes-J. P. Morgan, Jr. House (New York, N.Y.) Historic buildings – Remodeling for other uses – New York (State) – New York |
The Landmarks Commission grants initial approval of developer Harry B. Helmsley’s “concept” to convert the Villard Houses into an entryway for a new 52-story building. Final plans must still be approved. Gratz reports that recent legal blows to the Landmarks Law (the overruling of the designations of the Morgan House and Grand Central Terminal) could provide a recourse for Helmsley in gaining approval. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes and James Norman | Grand Central – New Status | New York Post | 2/17/1975 | Grand Central Terminal (New York, N.Y.) Penn Central Transportation Company Historic preservation – Law and legislation – New York (State) – New York – Cases Barwick, Kent | Article notes that State Supreme Court Justice Irving H. Saypol ordered the Landmarks Preservation Commission to remove city designation on the grounds it posed a hardship to the owners. The city may have to pay $60 million in damages to the railroad if they lose on appeal. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Suit Seeks Preservation of Historic E. 82nd St. Block | New York Post | 3/17/1975 | Mansions – New York (State) – New York Fifth Avenue (New York, N.Y.) Neighborhood Association for the Preservation of the Fifth Avenue Houses Barwick, Kent New York (N.Y.). Landmarks Preservation Commission Levitt, Mimi | Article notes that State Supreme Court Justice Irving H. Saypol ordered the Landmarks Preservation Commission to remove city designation on the grounds it posed a hardship to the owners. The city may have to pay $60 million in damages to the railroad if they lose on appeal. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Woman in the News: Joan K. Davidson – The Arts: Holding the Pursestrings | New York Post | 4/5/1975 | Davidson, Joan Kaplan | Community brings lawsuit against the Landmarks Preservation Commission for not considering the neighborhood for historic district status that would have protected the remaining mansions slated for demolition. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Man in the News: Martin E. Segal – Beame’s Culture Czar | New York Post | 4/12/1975 | Segal, Martin E. | Profile of New York City’s first Chairman of the Commission for Cultural Affairs. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Landmark Status for Woolworth Bldg? | New York Post | 4/28/1975 | Woolworth Building (New York, N.Y.) Beame, Abraham D. (Abraham David), 1906-2001 Gilbert, Cass, 1859-1934 |
Shorter version of “Woolworth Building To Be Landmark?” |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Woolworth Building to Be Landmark? | New York Post | 4/28/1975 | Woolworth Building (New York, N.Y.) Beame, Abraham D. (Abraham David), 1906-2001 Gilbert, Cass, 1859-1934 | With growing support, including that of Mayor Beame, the Woolworth Building is poised to become a designated landmark. Landmarks Chair Beverly Moss Spatt is quoted. Gratz reports that the owner, F. W. Woolworth Co., opposes designation. The article includes a description of the skyscraper’s architectural details and significance. This article has two versions. The shorter version is entitled “Landmark Status for Woolworth Bldg.?” |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | A Walking Tour of Civic Center | New York Post | 4/29/1975 | New York (N.Y.) – Description and travel Historic buildings – New York (State) – New York | Tour of New York City’s Civic Center organized by the Women’s Auxiliary of the American Institute of Architects (New York Chapter) to feature theTweed Courthouse, Fire Engine Company 31, New York City Police Headquarters, City Hall, Surrogates Court – Hall of Records, Muncipal Building, United States Courthouse at 1 Foley Square and the Woolworth Building. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | State to Act on Pier A Status | New York Post | 5/20/1975 | Pier A (New York, N.Y.) Urstadt, Charles J. Battery Park City Authority Piers Battery Park (New York, N.Y.) Lehman, Orin | Pier A unanimously nominated to the National Register by the State Board of Historic Preservation in 1973. Orin Lehman, Commissioner of State Parks and Recreation, must give final approval. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | A Historic Street Is in Danger | New York Post | 5/22/1975 | Central Park West-West 73rd-74th Street Historic District (New York, N.Y.) Griffin, Percy | Gratz reports on the imminent danger of eight non-designated Georgian Revival townhouses on West 74th Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue. The structures functioned as five separate nursing homes, but did not meet fire and safety code regulations and were put up for sale. The Landmarks Commission will hold a hearing soon to consider designation. An alternate version of the article, “Historic West Side Street in Danger,” contains the same text without the illustration. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Stuyvesant Square May Get an Official Historic Label | New York Post | 5/27/1975 | Stuyvesant Square Historic District (New York, N.Y.) St. George’s Church (New York, N.Y.) Friends Meeting House and Seminary (New York, N.Y.) Van Cortlandt Mansion (New York, N.Y.) American Museum of Natural History Saint Paul’s Memorial Church (New York, N.Y.) Our Lady of Lourdes Church (New York, N.Y.) New York, Westchester & Boston Railway Bronx (New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. Staten Island (New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. New York (N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. |
Gratz provides a brief history of Stuyvesant Square and the organizations that operated in the buildings in the proximity of the square. She describes key features of the structures that are used to support the proposal to designate the site. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Landmarklubbers Fight for Peerless Old Pier A | New York Post | 5/28/1975 | Pier A (New York, N.Y.) Battery Park City (New York, N.Y.) Piers Battery Park (New York, N.Y.) Stanford, Peter Lehman, Orin |
Gratz relays the effort to designate Pier A as a national landmark. She describes the pier’s relationship to a proposed development of an esplanade at Battery Park City. She informs the readers of the political implications and reveals the sentiment surrounding the proposal. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Gothic Park Av. Church Isn’t Dead Yet | New York Post | 6/7/1975 | Central Presbyterian Church (New York, N.Y.) Upper East Side Historic District (New York, N.Y.) Upper East Side (New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. |
Gratz reports that the New York City Presbytery, a governing body of the Presbyterian Church, would vote on whether to approve the sale of the Central Presbyterian Church on Park Avenue to its neighbor, the Asia Society. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Pier A Gets Landmark Boost | New York Post | 6/9/1975 | Pier A (New York, N.Y.) Piers Battery Park (New York, N.Y.) Lehman, Orin | State officials forward National Register nomination to Washington. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | The Fight to Preserve the Villard Houses | New York Post | 6/11/1975 | Villard Houses (New York, N.Y.) Historic buildings – Remodeling for other uses – New York (State) – New York |
Controversy grows surrounding Harry B. Helmsley’s proposal to incorporate the Villard Houses into a new design for a 52-story hotel and office tower. Gratz reports that after giving approval to the developer’s concept for the landmark, the Landmarks Commission asked for revisions to the design. Stakeholders express concern for the interior rooms, and concerns mount over the Archdiocese’s request for a zoning variance, which would allow for more bulk on the grounds that the landmark creates a hardship. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | A Landmark Plot Thickens | New York Post | 6/16/1975 | Villard Houses (New York, N.Y.) Historic buildings – Remodeling for other uses – New York (State) – New York |
Community Board 5 expresses concerns over developer Harry B. Helmsley’s proposal to incorporate the Villard Houses into a new design for a 52-story hotel and office tower designed by Emery Roth and Sons. The Board voted to postpone their decision to approve or disapprove the project in order to address issues including the proposed bulk, proof of economic hardship, traffic, and preservation of the Villard interiors. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | A Harlem Landmark Gets OK | New York Post | 9/23/1975 | Harlem River Houses (New York, N.Y.) Stuyvesant Square Historic District (New York, N.Y.) Boys’ High School (New York, N.Y.) Dry Dock # 1 (New York Naval Shipyard) New York (N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. Brooklyn (New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. |
The Harlem River Houses on W. 151st Street between Macombs’ Place and Harlem River Drive, the first federally funded and owned public housing project in the city, is designated a landmark. Also designated the same day: Stuyvesant Square Historic District, Boys’ High School in Bedford-Stuyvesant, and Dry Dock 1 in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Auctioning of a Firehouse Sets Landmark Precedent | New York Post | 9/24/1975 | Fire Engine Company 31 (New York, N.Y.) Government auctions New York (N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. |
Gratz explores New York City’s novel approach to auctioning landmark designated structures with restrictions to protect its features after the transfer of ownership. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes and Peter Freiberg | A Call to Save Neighborhoods | New York Post | 9/24/1975 | Barwick, Kent Beame, Abraham D. (Abraham David), 1906-2001 National Conference on Community Conservation Through Historic Preservation |
Gratz reports on the plans for the first National Conference on Community Conservation Through Historic Preservation, to be held in Manhattan. Kent Barwick and Mayor Beame are quoted. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | New Move to Save Threatened Pier | New York Post | 10/4/1975 | Pier A (New York, N.Y.) Battery Park City (New York, N.Y.) Piers Battery Park (New York, N.Y.) | Landmarks Preservation Commission schedules designation hearing. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Court Weighs Grand Central Status | New York Post | 10/22/1975 | Grand Central Terminal (New York, N.Y.) Penn Central Transportation Company Historic preservation – Law and legislation – New York (State) – New York – Cases |
The Appellate Division considers the status of Grand Central Terminal as a New York City landmark. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | A Plan for Landmark in Doubt | New York Post | 10/31/1975 | Flatbush Town Hall (New York, N.Y.) Brooklyn (New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. Choban, Irving Government auctions |
Gratz reports on the 5 year effort by community groups to retain use of t |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Fiscal Crisis Saves City Landmark | New York Post | 11/18/1975 | Pier A (New York, N.Y.) Piers Battery Park (New York, N.Y.) | Lack of funds for a new fireboat facility saves Pier A. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Villard Proposal Gets Nod | New York Post | 11/19/1975 | Villard Houses (New York, N.Y.) Historic buildings – Remodeling for other uses – New York (State) – New York |
The Landmarks Commission approves developer Helmsley’s plans for the Villard Houses, whose plan revisions included preservation of the Gold Room. Approval is still needed from the City Planning Commission. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Brooklyn in the Landmark Limelight | New York Post | 11/24/1975 | Fulton Ferry Historic District (New York, N.Y.) Bayard-Condict Building (New York, N.Y.) Bronx Post Office (New York, N.Y.) Manhattan Bridge (New York, N.Y.) Prospect Park (New York, N.Y.) Grant’s Tomb National Monument (New York, N.Y.) |
Shorter version of “B’klyn Fulton Ferry in Landmark Limelight.” |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | B’klyn Fulton Ferry in Landmark Limelight | New York Post | 11/24/1975 | Fulton Ferry Historic District (New York, N.Y.) Bayard-Condict Building (New York, N.Y.) Bronx Post Office (New York, N.Y.) Manhattan Bridge (New York, N.Y.) Prospect Park (New York, N.Y.) Grant’s Tomb National Monument (New York, N.Y.) Bronx (New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. New York (N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. Brooklyn (New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. |
Longer version (with illustration) of “Brooklyn in the Landmark Limelight.” Gratz reports that the Fulton Ferry Historic District and the Bayard Condict Building will soon be designated, along with the Bronx Post Office, the Manhattan approach to the Manhattan Bridge, Prospect Park, and the interior and exterior of Grant’s Tomb. Gratz highlights a short history of the Fulton Ferry district and the Bayard-Condict Building. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Roosevelt Island’s Past: Does It Have a Future? | New York Post | 11/28/1975 | Cavaglieri, Giorgio, 1911- Roosevelt Island (New York, N.Y.) City Hospital (New York, N.Y.) James Blackwell House (New York, N.Y.) Smallpox Hospital (New York, N.Y.) New York City Lunatic Asylum (New York, N.Y.) Lighthouse (New York, N.Y.) Chapel of the Good Shepherd (New York, N.Y.) Strecker Laboratory (New York, N.Y.) |
Longer version (with illustration) of “Brooklyn in the Landmark Limelight.” Gratz reports that the Fulton Ferry Historic District and the Bayard Condict Building will soon be designated, along with the Bronx Post Office, the Manhattan approach to the Manhattan Bridge, Prospect Park, and the interior and exterior of Grant’s Tomb. Gratz highlights a short history of the Fulton Ferry district and the Bayard-Condict Building. |
| Greaves, William and Roberta Brandes Gratz | Uphold Grand Central As a Landmark | New York Post | 12/16/1975 | Grand Central Terminal (New York, N.Y.) Penn Central Transportation Company Historic preservation – Law and legislation – New York (State) – New York – Cases |
Greaves and Gratz report on the Appellate Division of New York State Supreme Court upholds the designation of Grand Central Terminal |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | An Echoing ‘Yes’ to Grand Central | New York Post | 12/17/1975 | Grand Central Terminal (New York, N.Y.) Penn Central Transportation Company Historic preservation – Law and legislation – New York (State) – New York – Cases |
The Appellate Division of New York State Supreme Court upholds the designation of Grand Central Terminal. |
1976
| Author(s) | Title | Source | Date | Subject Headings | Summary |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | A Hot Property in the Bronx: Art Deco | New York Post | 1/21/1976 | Art Deco (Architecture) – New York (State) – New York Apartment houses – New York (State) – New York Bronx (New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. Sullivan, Donald |
A modest exhibition by Donald Sullivan (director of Hunter College’s graduate urban planning program) on West Bronx Art Deco (the world’s largest concentration of Art Deco buildings) at the Larcada Gallery generates great interest. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Landmark Bid Foundering for Fulton Ferry District? | New York Post | 1/22/1976 | Fulton Ferry Historic District (New York, N.Y.) Consolidated Edison Company of New York, inc. Empire Stores (New York, N.Y.) Brooklyn (New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. |
The Fulton Ferry Historic District, designated by the Landmarks Commission months earlier, faces opposition by the Board of Estimate due to the inclusion of the Empire Stores, a property owned by Con Edison that government agencies were seeking to redevelop. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | From Eyesore to Landmark | New York Post | 1/26/1976 | Municipal Asphalt Plant (New York, N.Y.) Neighborhood Committee on the Asphalt Plant Murphy, George E. Kahn, Ely Jacques Jacobs, Robert Allan |
The Municipal Asphalt Plant at East 91st Street and York Avenue, which withstood a demolition attempt in 1968, is to be designated a landmark. A neighborhood group formed to advocate for its conversion to a recreational center, and were working to raise the funds to do so. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | City Sets Out to Rescue Battery’s Fireboat Station | New York Post | 1/27/1976 | Pier A (New York, N.Y.) City Hall (New York, N.Y.) William Lescaze House and Office (New York, N.Y.) Municipal Asphalt Plant (New York, N.Y.) Anthony Campagna Estate (New York, N.Y.) Saint Peter’s Church (Episcopal), Westchester, Complex and Cemetery (Bronx, New York, N.Y.) Parachute Jump (New York, N.Y.) Gravesend Cemetery (New York, N.Y.) Piers Battery Park (New York, N.Y.) Brooklyn (New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. Bronx (New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. New York (N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. Amusement rides – New York (State) – New York |
Gratz reports that the Landmarks Preservation Commission took the first steps to designate Pier A an historic landmark. Additionally, she relays seven other buildings to be considered as designated ladmarks: the partial interior of City Hall, the William Lescaze House and Office, the 1944 Municipal Asphalt Plant, the Anthony Campagna House, St. Peter’s Church, Chapel, and Cemetary, the Parachute Jump at Coney Island, Gravesend Cemetery. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Weeksville – A Black Landmark | New York Post | 2/2/1976 | Weeksville (New York, N.Y.) African American neighborhoods Hunterfly Road Houses (New York, N.Y.) Maynard, Joan Brooklyn (New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. Public School 243 (Brooklyn, New York, N.Y.) African Americans – History |
Program to save Weeksville combines historic preservation and African-American history for public school students. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | A Landmark Idea on Preservation | New York Post | 2/6/1976 | Villard Houses (New York, N.Y.) Shopsin, William C. Historic buildings – Remodeling for other uses – New York (State) – New York |
The Archdiocese of New York hires noted preservation architect William C. Shopsin to advise on preservation of the Villard Houses during its redevelopment scheme. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Fulton Ferry Landmarks Hits a Snag | New York Post | 2/6/1976 | Fulton Ferry Historic District (New York, N.Y.) Consolidated Edison Company of New York, inc. Empire Stores (New York, N.Y.) Brooklyn (New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. |
Board of Estimate referred the district designation back to the Landmarks Preservation Commission because of the controversy over the Empire Stores. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Last Ditch Effort to Save State’s Oldest House |
New York Post | 4/6/1976 | Pieter Claesen Wyckoff House (New York, N.Y.) Brooklyn (New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. |
Stakeholders and concerned citizens await Board of Estimate approval of restoration plans for the Wyckoff House, the oldest house in NY State and the city’s first officially designated landmark. The timber frame house had fallen into severe disrepair after years of neglect. The restoration would be partially funded by the federal government. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Olde Site Gets Lease on Life |
New York Post | 4/9/1976 | Pieter Claesen Wyckoff House (New York, N.Y.) Brooklyn (New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. |
The Board of Estimate approves restoration plans for the Wyckoff House. The city plans to create a two-acre park around the structure, as well. Article accompanied by a separate illustration. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Landmarks Clash Near | New York Post | 5/10/1976 | Villard Houses (New York, N.Y.) Historic buildings – Remodeling for other uses – New York (State) – New York | Conflicts arise over the jurisdictions of the Landmarks Commission and the City Planning Commission in dealing with the complexities of the Villard Houses redevelopment. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Planners Bend in Landmarks Battle | New York Post | 5/18/1976 | Villard Houses (New York, N.Y.) Historic buildings – Remodeling for other uses – New York (State) – New York | In an executive session, revisions to the City Planning proposal for the redevelopment of the Villard Houses, which could set a precedent for other projects, clarify the jurisdictions of the City Planning Commission (zoning and density matters) and the Landmarks Commission (architectural and design issues). |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | A Happy Ending for a Landmark | New York Post | 5/26/1976 | Brotherhood Synagogue (New York, N.Y.) Gramercy Park Historic District (New York, N.Y.) Synagogues – New York (State) – New York |
Gratz reports on the mutually beneficial decision to allow the Brotherhood Synogogue to utilize the Friends Meeting House on Gramercy Park and the requirements of the new occupants to use the space. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | A Nursing Home Eyed as Landmark | New York Post | 6/14/1976 | Towers Nursing Home (New York, N.Y.) New York Cancer Hospital (New York, N.Y.) Drake, Erin Levenson, Conrad Lee | The former cancer hospital turned nursing home is under consideration for landmark status by both the city and state. Community and preservation activists hope to prevent demolition for development. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Custom House, Open House | New York Post | 6/26/1976 | Alexander Hamilton United States Custom House (New York, N.Y.) | Custom House open to the public for an exhibit by the Landmarks Conservancy of landmark government buildings. Article includes a description of the building. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Villard Tower Plan Heading for Approval | New York Post | 9/22/1976 | Villard Houses (New York, N.Y.) Historic buildings – Remodeling for other uses – New York (State) – New York |
The City Planning Commission approves special zoning legislation to allow redevelopment of the Villard Houses. Final approval still needed from the Board of Estimate. Gratz outlines revisions made to the plan before it was approved. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Tower Plan Approved for Villard Landmark | New York Post | 9/22/1976 | Villard Houses (New York, N.Y.) Historic buildings – Remodeling for other uses – New York (State) – New York |
Later edition of “Villard Tower Plan Heading for Approval.” The City Planning Commission approves special zoning legislation to allow redevelopment of the Villard Houses. Final approval still needed from the Board of Estimate. Gratz outlines revisions made to the plan before it was approved. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | 5 Sites Likely to Become Landmarks | New York Post | 11/9/1976 | 17 West 16th Street House (New York, N.Y.); Jacob Adriance Farmhouse (New York, N.Y.); Surgeon’s House (New York Naval Shipyard); Britton Cottage (New York, N.Y.); Stuyvesant Polyclinic (New York, N.Y.); Saint George’s Episcopal Church (Brooklyn, New York, N.Y.); Cyril and Barbara Rutherford Hatch House (New York, N.Y.); Lycée Français de New York; Oliver Gould and Mary Brewster Jennings House (New York, N.Y.); Henry T. and Jessie Sloane House (New York, N.Y.); Trinity Lutheran Church (Staten Island, New York, N.Y.); Benjamin P. Allen House (New York, N.Y.); Prospect Cemetery (New York, N.Y.); Queens (New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc.; Brooklyn (New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc.; Staten Island (New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. |
To be designated: former Margaret Sanger Clinic on West 16th Street in Manhattan, the Creedmore Farmhouse in Queens, the Surgeons House in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, the Cubberly-Britton Cottage in Staten Island, and the Stuyvesant Polyclinic in Manhattan. Six more sites were to be considered the same day. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | ‘Y’ May Raze Historic Church | New York Post | 11/24/1976 | Spencer Memorial Church (New York, N.Y.) Brooklyn Heights (New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. |
The YMCA seeks permission to demolish the Spencer Memorial Church in the Brooklyn Heights Historic District to build a community branch. Local residents and experts express opposition, including James Marston Fitch. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | 126-Year-Old B’klyn Church Saved from the Wrecker’s Ball | New York Post | 12/27/1976 | Spencer Memorial Church (New York, N.Y.) Brooklyn Heights (New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. | The Landmarks Preservation Commission denies a request to demolish the Spencer Memorial Church, but leaves open the possibility of building a new facility within the shell of the church. James Marston Fitch notes the precedent that would have been established if demolition was authorized. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | The Tweed Courthouse Gets Life | New York Post | 12/30/1976 | Tweed Courthouse (New York, N.Y.) O’Dwyer, Paul, 1907-1998 Courthouses – New York (State) – New York | Article also refers to the awarding of $90,000 in federal matching funds for the restoration of Pier A. |
1977
| Author(s) | Title | Source | Date | Subject Headings | Summary |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Time Running Out for a 1630’s Cottage | New York Post | 2/12/1977 | Pieter Claesen Wyckoff House (New York, N.Y.) Brooklyn (New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. |
Gratz reports that despite Board of Estimate approval and funding in place for restoration, bureaucratic delays have left the Wyckoff House in danger. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Court Stays Razing of Townhouse | New York Post | 2/14/1977 | Mansions – New York (State) – New York Fifth Avenue (New York, N.Y.) Neighborhood Association for the Preservation of the Fifth Avenue Houses Metropolitan Museum Historic District (New York, N.Y.) |
Community gets stay against demolition of 1008 Fifth Avenue. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Judge Orders Review of 5th Av. Building | New York Post | 3/2/1977 | Mansions – New York (State) – New York Fifth Avenue (New York, N.Y.) Neighborhood Association for the Preservation of the Fifth Avenue Houses Greenfield, Edward J. Kalikow, Peter Levitt, Mimi |
Justice Greenfield directs Peter Kalikow to show plans for his apartment house at 82nd Street and Fifth Avenue to a committee of architects at the Municipal Art Society. The building is designed by Philip Birnbaum. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | A Gothic Face Is Saved: Post Photonews | New York Post | 3/2/1977 | Grace Church Houses Grace Church (New York, N.Y.) | Article notes the designation of the houses by the Landmarks Preservation Commission after the completion of the new gym by Hutchins, Evans and Lefferts which incorporated the facades of the old buildings. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Winds Cause World Trade Center Suit |
New York Post | 3/3/1977 | World Trade Center (New York, N.Y.) Office buildings – New York (State) – New York |
Wind conditions caused by the World Trade Center cause a neighboring structure to sway. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | A Fine PS to Saga of School |
New York Post | 3/8/1977 | Public School 39 (Brooklyn, New York, N.Y.) |
PS 39 in Park Slope is designated a landmark after 100 students appeared at the Landmarks Commission hearing in support. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Officials Call for Review of Annenberg Arts Plan |
New York Post | 3/15/1977 | Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York, N.Y.) | Proposed Fine Arts Center funded by Walter H. Annenberg. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Bid Annenberg Change His Mind |
New York Post | 3/16/1977 | Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York, N.Y.) | Proposed Fine Arts Center funded by Walter H. Annenberg. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | The New Offer to Annenberg Is Choice of 3 Sites |
New York Post | 3/17/1977 | Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York, N.Y.) | Proposed Fine Arts Center funded by Walter H. Annenberg. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Historic Site Put on Block | New York Post | 3/19/1977 | Fulton Ferry Historic District (New York, N.Y.) Consolidated Edison Company of New York, inc. Empire Stores (New York, N.Y.) Brooklyn (New York, N.Y.) – Buildings, structures, etc. |
Con Edison put the Empire Stores up for sale. The National Register property was not designated a city landmark, putting it in danger of demolition. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Mayor in Production to Fight Departure of Grand Central | New York Post | 4/21/1977 | Grand Central Terminal (New York, N.Y.) Penn Central Transportation Company Historic preservation – Law and legislation – New York (State) – New York – Cases Municipal Art Society of New York |
Mayor Abraham Beame joins Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Chairperson of the Sponsoring Committee to Save Grand Central. The article refers to the 3-2 decision in the Appellate Division upholding the building’s designation. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Landmark Case in Top N.Y. Court | New York Post | 4/27/1977 | Grand Central Terminal (New York, N.Y.) Penn Central Transportation Company Historic preservation – Law and legislation – New York (State) – New York – Cases |
New York State Court of Appeals in Albany to hear arguments on Grand Central. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Landmark Ruling Near | New York Post | 4/28/1977 | Grand Central Terminal (New York, N.Y.) Penn Central Transportation Company Historic preservation – Law and legislation – New York (State) – New York – Cases |
Gratz reports on the arguments made by Penn Central in the New York State Court of Appeals and the upcoming ruling which will determine if company can demolish parts of the landmark designated Grand Central Station. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Homes Seek Landmark Status | New York Post | 4/30/1977 | Central Park West-West 73rd-74th Street Historic District (New York, N.Y.) |
The Landmarks Commission considers designation of the Central Park Weast-West 73rd-74th Street Historic District, which includes the row of Georgian Revival townhouses that functioned as a group of small nursing homes on W. 74th Street. The nursing homes were plagued by scandal for not meeting fire and safety codes, and put the houses up for sale, leaving them vulnerable to demolition. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Carey Plan Could Bring 152M for Parks in City | New York Post | 5/24/1977 | Parks – New York (State) – New York Central Park (New York, N.Y.) Bryant Park (New York, N.Y.) Riverside Park (New York, N.Y.) Tweed Courthouse (New York, N.Y.) City Hall (New York, N.Y.) Sailors’ Snug Harbor (Institution) Prospect Park (New York, N.Y.) |
Governor Carey proposed a state bond issue of up to $152 million for parks and recreation projects. The article mentions restoration projects that have been stalled by the city’s fiscal crisis and could benefit from the funding. They include: Central Park, Riverside and Bryant Parks, Tweed Courthouse and City Hall, Coney Island and Rockaway Beach boardwalks, Sailors’ Snug Harbor, and Prospect Park. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Bill Would Fund Housing Repair | New York Post | 6/2/1977 | Neighborhood Preservation Companies Act | State legislation to provide matching funds to citizen groups working to restore housing in their neighborhoods. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes and Rita Delfiner | New York Post | 6/8/1977 | Bogardus Building (New York, N.Y.) Cast-iron fronts (Architecture) – New York (State) – New York Bogardus, James, 1800-1874 Crime – New York (State) – New York |
Gratz and Delfiner report on the theft of 1.5 tons of cast iron facade panels from the Bogardus building. |
1978
| Author(s) | Title | Source | Date | Subject Headings | Summary |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes and Joy Cook |
Krupsak Aims Some High Kicks at the Music Hall |
New York Post | 3/14/1978 | Radio City Music Hall (New York, N.Y.) Krupsak, Mary Anne |
Focus of the article is on arguments at the designation hearing. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes and Joy Cook |
Music Hall: Krupsak Blames Regime for Woes |
New York Post | 3/14/1978 | Radio City Music Hall (New York, N.Y.) Krupsak, Mary Anne |
The Landmarks Commission considers designating Radio City Music Hall. Lt. Governor Mary Anne Krupsak, who spearheaded the fight to save the theater, accused the owners of intentionally mismanaging Radio City in order to show it was no longer economically viable. State Parks Commissioner Orin Lehman nominated it to the National Register. The owners opposed designation. Joseph Papp is quoted. |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes |
Music Hall Available for $1 a Year, if… |
New York Post | 3/15/1978 | Radio City Music Hall (New York, N.Y.) |
Article with Convinced that designation would be the final nail in the coffin for Radio City Music Hall, its executive, Alton G. Marshall, offers a $1 lease to anyone with a viable plan for the theater. The Landmarks Commission hears overwhelming public support for designation. Article with same text under title “Music Hall Is Offered for $1 a Year under ‘Viable Plan’.” text under title “Music Hall Is Offered for $1 a Year under ‘Viable Plan’.” |
1987
| Author(s) | Title | Source | Date | Subject Headings | Summary |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes | Miracle of the Subways: On July 4 They Performed As They Should – Why Not All the Time? |
New York Post | 2/14/1987 | Local transit Subways |
Gratz posits that the city’s vehicle traffic is a direct result of the dysfunctional subway system. Over the long 4th of July weekend in 1986, the subway functioned extremely well to move people in and out of lower Manhattan for the fireworks display. The author questions why the system can’t always function this way. |
1989
| Author(s) | Title | Source | Date | Subject Headings | Summary |
| Horsley, Carter B. | Nine Projects Receive the Bard: City Club Announces Annual Awards for Architectural Excellence |
New York Post | 5/18/1989 | Gratz, Roberta Brandes – Awards | Roberta Brandes Gratz, Ada Louise Huxtable and Brendan Gill awarded for their writing about urban design. Accompanied by press release and photograph of Roberta B. Gratz. |
1993
| Author(s) | Title | Source | Date | Subject Headings | Summary |
| Gratz, Roberta Brandes |
Holding Developers to Their Word |
New York Post | 4/19/1993 | Parker Meridien Hotel (New York, N.Y.) Public spaces |
The Parker Meridien Hotel on W. 57th Street was awarded eight extra floors in exchange for the creation of a public space, but citing security issues, a judge approved the removal of the public amenity, creating what Gratz considers a dangerous precedent. |
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