ABSTRACT

Preserving New York is the largely unknown inspiring story of the origins of New York City’s nationally acclaimed landmarks law. The decades of struggle behind the law, its intellectual origins, the men and women who fought for it, the forces that shaped it, and the buildings lost and saved on the way to its ultimate passage, span from 1913 to 1965. Intended for the interested public as well as students of New York City history, architecture, and preservation itself, over 100 illustrations help reveal a history richer and more complex than the accepted myth that the landmarks law sprang from the wreckage of the great Pennsylvania Station. Images include those by noted historic photographers as well as those from newspaper accounts of the time. Forgotten civic leaders such as Albert S. Bard and lost buildings including the Brokaw Mansions, are unveiled in an extensively researched narrative bringing this essential episode in New York’s history to future generations tasked with protecting the city’s landmarks. For the first time, the story of how New York won the right to protect its treasured buildings, neighborhoods and special places is brought together to enjoy, inform, and inspire all who love New York.

chapter 1|20 pages

The Myth of Pennsylvania Station

chapter 2|22 pages

Albert Bard and the City Beautiful

chapter 3|30 pages

The Bridge, the Castle, and Moses

chapter 4|25 pages

Postwar as Prelude

chapter 5|34 pages

The Civics Engage

chapter 6|33 pages

The Bard Act

chapter 7|30 pages

The Village People

chapter 8|31 pages

The View from the Heights

chapter 9|21 pages

Heard. Deferred. Referred.

chapter 10|26 pages

A Series of Near Misses

chapter 11|45 pages

The Commission and the Station

chapter 12|49 pages

Crisis and Sacrifice

chapter |22 pages

Epilogue