PRESERVATION UPDATE
from the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation 
March 5, 2008
www.gvshp.org

Silver Towers Calendared for Landmarking:  In late 2003, GVSHP proposed landmark designation of the I.M. Pei-designed Silver Towers complex, with it's "Portrait of Sylvette" sculpture by Picasso in its center.  We have since been working hard with the board and residents of 505 LaGuardia Place (one of the three towers in the complex; the other two are NYU faculty housing), Councilmember Alan Gerson and other elected officials, and other preservation organizations to make this landmarking proposal a reality.

 
After a four-year effort, in February the Landmarks Preservation Commission voted to "calendar" the complex for consideration for landmark designation, with a first hearing expected in June. This could not have come a moment too soon, as NYU has recently announced that it is considering building in and around the complex, including on sites which would now be protected by landmark designation (NYU Originally opposed designation, but is now supporting it).  The ground-breaking landmark proposal received considerable press attention, including in the New York Times, the New York Sun, The Architect's Newspaper, and The Villager.
 

As soon as a hearing date has been set, will will let you know.

To join GVSHP or support our preservation efforts, go to www.gvshp.org/membership.htm.