Behind The Lens with Preservationist & Author Michael Perlman

Michael Perlman is a fifth generation Forest Hills resident and Chair of Rego-Forest Preservation Council, who takes pride in commemorating architectural and cultural history, as well as proposing sites for Individual Landmark and sections for Historic District status to the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission. He is completing RFE nomination forms for Forest Hills (founded 1906) and Rego Park (1923), where the latter community was selected as a Historic Districts Council “Six To Celebrate” 2020 community in advance of turning 100 in 2023. 

Michael Perlman honored at Local Heroes reception by Queens Community House, Forest Hills Stadium stage, May 2023

Perlman is a Class of 2000 vocal major graduate of LaGuardia HS of Music & Art and the Performing Arts, and achieved a BA in Communications and Writing from Marymount Manhattan College in 2004. 

 

Perlman is the recipient of a 2014 Historic Districts Council Grassroots Preservation Award for NYC, and was appointed Grand Marshal of the 2017 Forest Hills Memorial Day Parade. In May 2023, he received a crystal “Local Champions” trophy by the Queens Community House on the Forest Hills Stadium stage.

 

“Legendary Locals of Forest Hills and Rego Park,” a book by Michael H. Perlman (foreword by Jerry Springer) features local history, landmarks, and the stories of 210+ notables ranging from celebrities to unsung heroes.

Perlman, a Forest Hills Times columnist since 2012, spotlights historic preservation, human interest stories, humanitarian initiatives, and the arts. He is an admin of Facebook groups Rego-Forest Preservation Council and Forest Hills, Rego Park, Kew Gardens – “Our Communities.”

Forest Hills Stadium, Michael Perlman in center with James Dylan Burris, great-great-grandson & Lynne DeWardener-Burris, great-granddaughter of Stadium architect Kenneth Murchison

Perlman is a member of the West Side Tennis Club’s Tennis History & Archives Council. He played a significant role in rescuing the iconic Forest Hills Stadium from demolition after founding a committee and spearheading a PR and preservation campaign, salvaged the Art Deco neon Jay Dee Bakery sign among other features, secured State & National Register of Historic Places status for Rego Park Jewish Center and First Presbyterian Church of Newtown, acquired landmark status for the Ridgewood Theatre, and prevented Cinemart Cinemas from shuttering.

Historic Rego Park Jewish Center, Photo by Michael Perlman

Perlman earned the nickname “Diner Man” as a result of preserving NYC’s Moondance Diner and Cheyenne Diner via transport to WY and AL in 2007 and 2009, respectively. In recent times, he brokered a deal to reopen the T-Bone Diner (1934) as T-Bone Diner & Delicatessen. 

 

Forest Hills Tree Giveaway Event in MacDonald Park, Photo by coordinator Michael Perlman, May 2014

In partnership with New York Restoration Project, Perlman founded the Forest Hills Tree Giveaway event in MacDonald Park. In 2011 to 2015, he recruited local volunteers, and with the help of sponsors, donated 1,225 trees to property owners and board members.

 

In November 2019, Perlman’s architectural photography and restored vintage prints exhibit, “Reflections of Historic Forest Hills” opened at Jade Eatery’s gallery. He decorated various lobbies with his prints. He also formed the Tea Garden Restoration Committee, which seeks to restore what feels like a magical tea garden from 1912. He spearheaded the replication of a detailed 11-foot ring for tea stand through a partnership with Jade Eatery, Flushing Iron Weld, and Noble Signs.

Replicated Ring For Tea stand in front of Tea Garden's ornate gate upon delivery

In 2020, Perlman co-founded the Forest Hills & Rego Park Graffiti Cleanup Initiative, which restores storefronts and street furniture. In 2021, he founded the Forest Hills & Rego Park Historic Plaque Initiative. As of 2023, the Tudor style Sutton Hall and the Mid-Century Modern style Park Briar have “Forest Hills Historic Site” bronze plaques, which he co-designed with Frank DiBella of Academy Engraving. 

 

In partnership with the New York Sign Museum since 2022, Perlman arranged several deals to salvage historic signs in Queens, Manhattan, and Brooklyn.

 

Along the LIRR Ascan Avenue underpass, Perlman developed two murals, “A Tribute To Ascan Avenue & The Forest Hills Gardens” (2017) and the “Helen Keller Forest Hills Tribute” (2019), painted by Crisp and Praxis, with a Helen Keller pictorial plaque in collaboration with Continental Photo. 

 

Forest Hills & Rego Park architectural mural, "Wish You Were Here... Forest Hills & Rego Park Historic Buildings" by Gigi Chen & accompanying sign by Michael Perlman

Since June 2025, The Bagel Spot at 101-01 Queens Boulevard, features his mural project with national artist Gigi Chen, which bears homage to local architectural treasures, where some have been demolished, such as the Trylon Theatre, Tower Diner bank building, Howard Johnson’s, and the Gulf Station building. Forest Hills Stadium is among the represented preserved properties.

 

Last September, Perlman traveled 500 miles to rescue famed muralist Andre Durenceau’s circa 1939 40-foot mural from Hugh Kelly of MA, who first salvaged it in 1974 from Rego Park’s once iconic Howard Johnson’s. Restoring the mural and resurrecting it in Queens is a goal.

One of three sections of the Howard Johnson's mural by André Durenceau, which Michael Perlman rescued last September in its entirety, 1940 photo in Fortune

Another goal is to erect a “Little Free Library” in Federoff Triangle, which will be modeled after a demolished historic building, as well as co-name streets after historic architects and builders.

 

His interests also include singing, dancing, deltiology, photography, botany, public relations, long exploratory walks, and travel. He performed solo shows at Carnegie Hall, NYC clubs, and aboard cruise ships.  

 

It is always timely to fulfill mitzvahs. To volunteer, email Michael Perlman at mperlman@queensledger.com and join www.facebook.com/groups/SaveRegoParkForestHillsQueens 

 

Annual Preservation Conference Unites Citywide Advocates

By Michael Perlman

Preservation conference panel, Photo by Michael Perlman

The Historic Districts Council (HDC), a citywide advocate for New York’s historic neighborhoods, hosted the 26th Annual Preservation Conference at John Jay College on March 7. Hundreds of preservationists from the five boroughs networked and discussed strategies in preserving historic buildings and districts that grant community distinction, with an aim of strengthening the preservation ethic through tools including Individual Landmark (façade) and Historic District status via the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission, as well as the State & National Register of Historic Places. 

Rego-Forest Preservation Council at the preservation fair

Rego-Forest Preservation Council flyer, March 2020

An annual preservation fair offered an opportunity for organizations to present current initiatives and display posters, brochures, and petitions at tables. Diverse attendees included Rego-Forest Preservation Council, Docomomo, South Street Seaport Coalition, 300 East 25th Street Block Association, Lower East Side Preservation Initiative, NY Preservation Archive Project, Greenwich Village Preservation, Park Slope Civic Council, Iron Hills Civic Association, Save Chelsea, Bronx Borough Landmarks Committee, Mott Haven Historic Districts Association, and Hart Island Project. Networking continued over a buffet lunch. 

Iron Hills Civic Association & friends, Photo by Michael Perlman

Section of preservation fair, Photo by Michael Perlman

This event builds upon the success of the recent ceremony where the “Six To Celebrate” 2020 communities meriting preservation are Rego Park, East Flatbush, Center Park Slope, Bronx Preservation Committee, Todt-Dongan Hills, and Landmarks of the Future Citywide. Rego-Forest Preservation Council advocates for landmark status for significant sites in Rego Park, Forest Hills, and nearby Queens communities, and documents local history. Presently, Forest Hills has three official landmarks, Remsen Cemetery (designated 1981), Ridgewood Savings Bank (2000), and Engine 305 & Ladder 151 (2012), but Rego Park has no designations. 

Simeon Bankoff, executive director, Historic Districts Council, Photo by Michael Perlman

HDC President Daniel Allen, Photo by Michael Perlman

HDC President Daniel Allen explained their success since 1970. “We have produced hundreds of programs about New York’s history and educated thousands of people about how to protect their historic neighborhoods, worked on gaining designations of more than 125 of the soon-to-be 150 historic districts, and reviewed thousands of proposals to alter historic buildings.” He continued, “Since last year’s conference, preservationists fought hard to protect the city’s character.” Landmark designations include Bay Ridge’s first historic district and Tin Pan Alley. “Each advancement has something in common; a fierce group of preservationists holding rallies, sending e-blasts, writing letters, bothering elected officials, and testifying at hearings.” A short film of preservation stories proved what makes our city special, and also included Landmarks Lion award recipients such as historian Barry Lewis and preservationists Christabel Gough and Kitty Carlisle, and Grassroots Preservation Award recipients. 

Chair Sarah Carroll, NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission, Photo by Michael Perlman

There are over 37,000 landmarked buildings and sites, including over 1,400 Individual Landmarks, 149 Historic Districts, 120 Interior Landmarks, and 11 Scenic Landmarks. HDC Executive Director Simeon Bankoff introduced keynote speaker, Chair Sarah Carroll of the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC). She explained, “NYC is a vibrant city whose history is revealed through its built environment. I believe that preservation is integral for the dynamism of this city and is a significant factor in NYC being a global destination. It was because of New Yorkers’ growing concern for the protection of the city’s history, that the Landmarks Law was enacted 55 years ago.”

During her time at the LPC for over 25 years in various roles, she has strived to initiate fairness and equity to the agency. She explained, “I firmly believe that preservation needs to represent and reach more communities, and that means representing our diverse history, and in the long-run, promoting preservation in all communities. We are working to ensure diversity in designations, making sure that we are telling the stories of all New Yorkers, and really looking at communities that haven’t had a voice in the past. We are working to ensure effective outreach for our regulatory work and garnering support for designations while recognizing NY’s incredible diversity, and ensuring fairness, transparency, and efficiency in regulations, so that proposed work is approved in a timely manner and that we are supporting property owners through technical assistance and improved guidance.”

She continued, “Preservation is more than just protecting our historic buildings, but about providing life to these buildings, so they can continue to be relevant tomorrow because as speaker Corey Johnson says, ‘In a city as dynamic as New York, the only constant is change.’”

A recent LPC goal is to identify newer buildings that reflect the more recent NYC history. She said, “It is vitally important that we think ahead and protect these properties that continue to represent the city’s changing nature, as well as the diversity of our social and cultural history.”

“In order to be equitable, we need to nurture preservation in less represented communities that may not have the architectural icons that earlier districts had, but have equally strong historic and cultural value,” said Carroll. 

Preservation session led by Simeon Bankoff, HDC, Photo by Michael Perlman

Participant-driven conferences are a component that differentiates this event from others. In classrooms, leaders delivered 45-minute sessions on NYC preservation topics which were voted upon by preservationists, and the winners were “South Street Seaport,” “Not Just Preservation,” “What About Penn South?,” “Lower West Side,” “Quarantine Island,” and “Preservation Manifesto.”

Simeon Bankoff’s presentation pinpointed that New Yorkers inherit the city and need to pass it down to future generations in a recognizable shape, and asserted that the government is the nurturer of citizens and must provide a healthy environment, safety, education, housing, and a stable economy. Additionally, equal access and the opportunity to utilize public resources are essential. Attendees proposed advocating for more preservation-friendly people in public office and offering training sessions, having buildings over a certain age become landmarks (similar to other municipalities), and having the full LPC body review proposed designations, the LPC holding public hearings at a certain threshold of community support, and every community having access to open space and protection of their historical resources. Suggestions also included implementing citywide planning which includes preservation and sensitive contextual development, modifying mayoral appointments of commissioners, instituting a demolition tax based on environmental factors and an EIS peer review, and strengthening community board oversight. A main point was that our historic city’s preservation is equally as important future housing and climate resiliency. 

50+ years of advocacy panel, Photo by Michael Perlman

Plenary sessions were inspired by HDC’s 50th anniversary. The first session, “50+ years of advocacy” reflected upon HDC’s preservation work and posed the question of what will advocates seek to preserve in the next 50 years. Panelists pinpointed current preservation challenges and proposed directions meriting exploration. It featured moderator Angel Ayón, Gregory Dietrich, Christian Emanuel, and Vicki Weiner. As a case in point for Queens, Emanuel, a real estate broker, was a dormant preservationist until his parents, commercial tenants at the Bank of Manhattan Company tower in Queens Plaza were facing eviction, and what was once Queens’ first skyscraper (1927), was threatened with demolition. They partnered with the HDC and rallied support from the community and elected officials, and the building was landmarked within a year. Today, Emanuel is on HDC’s board of directors. 

Designation tales panel, Photo by Michael Perlman  

The second session, “designation tales” largely focused on landmarking success stories told by advocates and offered advice on the process. Panelists were moderator Kelly Carroll, George Calderaro, Julia Charles, Jim Protos, and Keith Taylor.

Volunteer with Rego-Forest Preservation Council - New Flyer

If Only It Was Landmarked…

By Michael Perlman

Howard Johnson's with the Trylon & Perisphere, 1939 World's Fair, Courtesy of Rego-Forest Preservation Council

Landmarks come in all styles and forms and are in the eyes of the majority of the public, but that is not enough to preserve historic and character-enriching buildings, districts, or monuments, and rescue them from significant alterations or demolition. Therefore, the public has the tools to advocate for the establishment of an Individual Landmark (façade), Historic Districts, Interior Landmark, or Scenic Landmark by submitting a Request For Evaluation (RFE) form to the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC), which may calendar properties for a public hearing to determine their eligibility.

The Landmarks Law was a gift to the people when signed in 1965 by Mayor Robert Wagner, in response to countless protestors whose pleas to halt the demolition of the original Beaux Arts Pennsylvania Station fell upon deaf ears.

A landmark is required to be at least 30 years old. The LPC states, “According to the Landmarks Law, the purpose of safeguarding the buildings and places that represent New York City's cultural, social, economic, political, and architectural history is to stabilize and improve property values, foster civic pride, protect and enhance the City's attractions to tourists, strengthen the economy of the City, and promote the use of historic districts, landmarks, interior landmarks, and scenic landmarks for the education, pleasure and welfare of the people of the City.”

Forest Hills (founded 1906) currently has three official landmarks, Remsen Cemetery (designated 1981), Ridgewood Savings Bank (2000), and Engine 305 & Ladder 151 (2012), whereas Rego Park (founded 1923) has none.

Let’s bear homage to a sample of buildings that would likely achieve landmark status, only if they were still standing. While viewing a photo of a classic building that no longer exists or reminiscing while taking a stroll, the sounds of the wrecking ball can still be heard, but only preservation can offer harmony and character, and a building’s story can continue to evolve. 

Al Jolson's house being prepared for demolition, April 2006, Photo by Jason Steinberg

Al Jolson, nicknamed “The world’s greatest entertainer” was a singer, Vaudeville, and early motion picture star, who owned a Tudor Gothic home at 68-12 110th Street. It was built circa 1925 in a section of Forest Hills developed by Cord Meyer Development Company. The brick façade featured an ornate bay window of stained glass, a distinguishable flagstone sloped roofline, and a corbelled chimney. This home was eyed for landmarking under the LPC’s Community Board 6 January 1990 draft survey, but as a result of the city’s delays, it was demolished in 2006 for a McMansion, which places remaining landmarking candidates in the Cord Meyer area increasingly at risk. 

A mundane black glass office building stands at 95-25 Queens Boulevard in Rego Park, erasing any trace of the 3-story, $300,000 Colonial mansion-like Howard Johnson’s, which was erected in 1939 and presented with a Queens Chamber of Commerce architectural award in 1940 . Its distinctive façade featured sculptures, ornamental cast stone, pilasters, a portico, and shutters, and was topped with a cupola. It was advertised as “The largest roadside restaurant in the U.S.” with 1,000 seats, and was designed by the chain’s chief architect, Joseph G. Morgan and owned by Howard D. Johnson. 

A freestanding Art Deco sign boasted 28 ice cream flavors such as chocolate chip and burgundy cherry ice cream, as well as a grille and cocktail lounge. The 1939 World’s Fair’s esteemed seafood chef Pierre Franey was at your service. Weddings were held in the Colonial Room and Empire Room. Regal appointments included crystal chandeliers, a winding grand staircase, and murals by the famed Andre Durenceau. It was the end of an era in 1974 due to standardization and changing tastes for fast food. 

1939 World's Fair Gulf Service Station, Queens Blvd & Horace Harding Blvd, Courtesy of Rego-Forest Preservation Council

Rego Park once had its own version of the Empire State Building, as in a streamlined glass block Art Deco tower of the Gulf Station on the northeast corner of Queens Boulevard and Horace Harding Boulevard. A curved façade with curved windows and stainless steel accents were among the other novelty features, since nearby service stations exhibited Tudor and Mediterranean influences. It was erected by John J. Meehan Construction Company for Gulf Oil Company. 

It was deemed futuristic, coinciding with the 1939 – 1940 World’s Fair’s “World of Tomorrow” theme, and was conveniently situated en route to the Fair when Horace Harding Boulevard was briefly known as World’s Fair Boulevard. The Gulf Station earned a 1st prize award by the Queens Chamber of Commerce in the commercial construction category. The site was redeveloped in 1987 when the 17-story Queens Boulevard Tower opened at 92-29 Queens Boulevard. 

Roman Avenue now 72nd Avenue rowhouses, Forest Hills, circa 1910, Courtesy of Rego-Forest Preservation Council

On 72nd Avenue, formerly Roman Avenue, between Austin Street and Queens Boulevard, an assemblage of ten Neo-Renaissance rowhouses once stood on parallel sides, recalling a more humble time, when Austin Street and nearby streets were nicknamed “The Village.” As of 2018, only two rowhouses remained at 108-11 and 108-19 72nd Avenue, and an out-of-context 7-stoy building is slated to rise between them. 

A plaque states, “This marker denotes the first assemblage of residential structures, still extant, erected in Forest Hills. Built in 1906, they were the beginnings of this historic, beautiful community.” They housed Forest Hills’ first plumber, electrician, and carpenter. The rowhouses were erected by Cord Meyer Development Company which named Forest Hills, and they were designed by a prominent architect, Benjamin Dreisler. Prior to 1906, Forest Hills was known as Whitepot, consisting solely of farmland.

Distinctive features are unique low-rise stoops, bowed fronts of red brick and limestone, bedrock bases, a lion gargoyle, and a variation in cornice and lintel detail, which made no two exactly alike but harmonious. Similar rowhouses were more prevalent in Manhattan and Brooklyn, but with traditional high stoops. Central Queens Historical Association, chaired by historian Jeff Gottlieb, led a dedication ceremony in 1991 for their 85th anniversary, and in 2006, the site was re-dedicated to commemorate the rowhouses’ 100th anniversary, synonymous with Forest Hills’ 100th anniversary. 

Drake Theatre, Rego Park, Courtesy of Cinema Treasures

Saxon Hall at 62-60 99th Street was renamed The Drake, and although it is praiseworthy to pay tribute, it is even more beneficial to preserve the original building. The Rego Park and Middle Village communities were once largely served by the Drake Theatre at 62-90 Woodhaven Boulevard. This 585-seat Art Deco theater movie opened in 1935 in a growing community, twelve years after Rego Park’s founding, and was designed by Charles A. Sandblom. It was mainly a second-run double bill theater. 

Theaters, whether large of small, were spaces which united the community regardless of social status. They were designed to offer a memorable experience with fine architectural features, making patrons feel welcomed and offered a temporary escape from reality. After the Drake shuttered in 1992, Joe Abbracciamento Restaurant, a NYC institution established in 1948, expanded into much of the building. The façade and sections of the interior were preserved until 2016, when the site was demolished for a mundane condo.

Initiative to Re-Designate Elmhurst’s Jamaica Savings Bank as a Landmark

By Michael Perlman

The new Jamaica Savings Bank, Elmhurst, circa 1968

Queens has Jet-Age buildings that merit landmark status, but sometimes they are misunderstood and unappreciated. Locally, one of the most unique Modernist buildings is the former Jamaica Savings Bank at 89-01 Queens Boulevard in Elmhurst. It was erected from 1966 to 1968, and was experimental and revolutionary in style, evoking the spirit of a 1964 World’s Fair pavilion. In 1968, the Queens Chamber of Commerce awarded the bank a bronze plaque for “outstanding excellence.” Today it serves the community as a branch of Bank of America.

In a rare move, after the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) designated the building as an Individual Landmark on June 28, 2005, City Council voted to overturn its designation in November 2005. A majority of City Council was persuaded by the owner’s claim that the bank faced flooding issues, and at the time, City Council Landmarks Subcommittee Chair Simcha Felder and Council Member Helen Sears ultimately did not defend its landmark status. Nearly 15 years later, there is renewed hope and determination by preservationists to see the LPC re-designate a unique architectural work, as the faces behind City Council and the LPC have changed, in addition to the most recent tenant.

Most notably, Council Member Daniel Dromm serving Elmhurst said the bank merits landmarking and would support the vision of Elmhurst History & Cemeteries Preservation Society, according to Marialena Giampino, the organization’s president. She said, “Our organization firmly believes this building is one-of-a-kind with its cutting edge, innovative, and unique design. It resembles something out of the future, and yet we are in the year 2020! It truly is deserving of landmark status!” 

The new Jamaica Savings Bank, Elmhurst, 1968

The LPC’s designation report referenced the bank as “one of the most unique and memorable structures on this busy multi-lane thoroughfare.” Construction began in 1966, which marked the bank’s centennial, and it was designed by the William F. Cann Company, part of the Bank Building and Equipment Corporation of America, based in St. Louis, Missouri. It opened its doors in March 1968. The designation report explained that its form is reminiscent of an elongated saddle, better known as a hyperbolic paraboloid. The LPC stated, “To create this distinctive form, Cann used reinforced concrete and bronze glass, cladding the 116-foot-long roof with copper panels” and then referred to the building as “a bold expression of 20th century engineering recalling works by Eduardo Catalano, Felix Candela, and Eero Saarinen.” “This unusual design solution created not only a column-free banking hall, but a visually-distinctive form that stands out from neighboring structures,” the report read.

From local to out of state, preservationists call on landmarking while sharing their perspectives. Mitchell Grubler, Queens Preservation Council President had much to say about the LPC and City Council. “The bank was designated by the LPC, the body charged with the responsibility for surveying, researching and determining the significance of buildings and districts that require designation in order to ensure the protection of our architectural, historical and cultural patrimony. The problem is that the designation goes to the City Council, a political body, lacking the scholarly expertise of the Commission and its staff.”

He continued, “Its hyperbolic paraboloid form is not only unique, but reflective of its time and represents the optimism for a modernist future in post-World’s Fair Queens and the nation. We need to do more to educate the public and the members of the City Council that the best of Modernist architecture is as worthy of designation as the classical banks and Victorian houses that are so venerated.” 

Former Jamaica Savings Bank, back facade, Photo by Michael Perlman

Architectural historian Frampton Tolbert founded Queens Modern, with hopes of granting recognition and preservation of unappreciated Modernist treasures. He said, “While there is a significant amount of Modern architecture in Queens, most is done by regional architects. This bank is unique, as it was designed by an architect known nationally for cutting-edge bank design. Other Modern buildings in Queens designed by architects of this caliber were typically major projects for airports, and many have been demolished or badly altered. Its eye-catching design was to attract drivers and pedestrians along Queens Boulevard, and is evocative of how bank construction and design of the era embraced Modernism.”

Utah resident Kirk Huffaker, a Consultant for Kirk Huffaker Preservation Strategies, came across this building while researching the company. “So much to the contrary of coming upon it on the street, I was in a dark archive room looking at microfilm, and immediately saw its significance and a clear interpretation of International Style architecture.”

He feels that history does not stop in a certain year. He explained, “Historic architecture, as well as a community’s corresponding history should be viewed along a time continuum. The modern styles of architecture that became prevalent in America after WWII are no less significant to preserve than the more traditional styles. As the National Register of Historic Places tells us, they should be viewed equally.”

“It angers and saddens me that financial gains, land use, and development very often comes at the expense of removing the culture and diversity which makes our city unique, so any local legislator should have the best interest of the community when making decisions that impact its future integrity and honor its history,” said local resident Debby Dip. She compared the bank’s style to the World’s Fair experience. “That was instrumental in placing our lovely borough on the map, as a look to the future. These non-designated buildings and structures and the landmarked Eero Saarinen’s TWA Flight Center at JFK now turned hotel deserve an equal place of honor and integrity, which only landmark status will achieve.”

NYC licensed tour guide Linda Fisher considers the bank to represent the Googie/Populuxe architectural style. “It represents the aspirations of the Space Age and echoes the style of the nearby 1964-65 World’s Fair, and stands as a reminder of the days when Queens was standing on the edge of the future. The modernist flair was uplifting and fun, ready to take off in flight and head for the heights!”

In reference to landmark status being overturned, she said “In 2005, Queens’ reputation was still that of a backwards town and landmarking was disdained. Queens residents were and many still are completely unaware that occurred.”

She feels it is essential to remember what principles were valued by a community. “Each style celebrates and incorporates a guiding value, whether it is the democratic values of the Greeks and Romans or the minimalist values of Brutalism. Modernist architecture tells the story of man’s reach in the modern age, which is a story worth remembering.”

Landmarks Law Turns 50 & Is Marked By Praise, Criticism, & Commitment

To nominate a landmark-worthy site, interior, or district, complete a Request For Evaluation form: www.nyc.gov/html/lpc/html/propose/propose.shtml

Mayor Robert Wagner signing the Landmarks Law, April 19, 1965, Photograph by Margot Gayle, Courtesy of the New York Preservation Archive Project

New York City’s Landmarks Law, which falls under the jurisdiction of the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC), is being recognized by citywide residents as it turned 50 on April 19th. One such commemoration was the illumination of the Empire State Building in blue, gold, and white. On April 16th, Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and the New York City Council presented LPC Chair Meenakshi Srinivasan with a proclamation to honor the Landmarks Law, the LPC, and the preservation community.

History has proven that it may take a travesty to result in some success stories. Back in 1963, hundreds of New Yorkers marched, urging the city to preserve the classic Penn Station back in 1963, but watched in awe as the wrecking ball slammed the grand ionic columns, eagles, and palatial arched interior. In 1965, the city responded to those pleas when Mayor Robert Wagner signed the Landmarks Law, but it could not resurrect Penn Station’s glory.

Nevertheless, the LPC did not act swiftly to calendar, hear, and designate other unofficial landmarks such as Howard Johnson’s Restaurant on Queens Boulevard in Rego Park, nicknamed “The largest roadside restaurant in the United States,” and the Singer Building, one of America’s first skyscrapers to be illuminated at night. 

Howard Johnson's not landmarked in time & demolished... all for a banal black glass office tower. Note the Trylon & Perisphere monuments, the symbol of the 1939 World's Fair in the background.

   It may be difficult to visualize a cityscape without landmarks such as Carnegie Hall and Grand Central Station, and Individual Landmarks and Historic Districts in Washington Square Park and SoHo. However, these properties and neighborhoods nearly faced demolition, if not for the heroic preservation advocacy of respectively violinist Isaac Stern, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and urban theorist and author Jane Jacobs.  

LPC Chair Meenakshi Srinivasan explained, “Over the past 50 years, we have protected over 33,000 architecturally, historically, and culturally significant buildings and sites throughout all five boroughs. I am proud to say that since I was appointed Chair, we have designated around 1,700 additional buildings.”

Referencing the Preservation Department’s excess of 13,000 work applications for landmarked properties annually, she said, “The Commission rigorously reviews these applications to find architectural solutions to meet today’s exciting challenges of sustainability, adaptive reuse, and new construction in historic districts, all while preserving the significant architectural features and character of the landmarked properties.” She then extended gratitude to her fellow Commissioners and staff members, alongside the dedication of property owners who become stewards, architects who are creative yet historically-sensitive, and preservation advocates and community groups who often play a major role in public hearings after nominating sites and districts by submitting a Request For Evaluation (RFE) form.

Many community residents feel that Forest Hills and Rego Park, which have a shared history that dates to 1906 and 1923, have long been underserved by the LPC in the name of Individual Landmarks (facades), Interior Landmarks, and Historic Districts. Forest Hills has three landmarks which are the Remsen Cemetery (designated 1981), the Ridgewood Savings Bank (designated 2000), and Engine Company 305, Hook &Ladder Company 151 (designated 2012). Rego Park has yet to receive designations. 

Engine Co. 305, Hook & Lader Co. 151, Photo by Michael Perlman

Ridgewood Savings Bank, 107-55 Queens Blvd, Photo by Michael Perlman

Remsen Cemtery, Photo by Michael Perlman

Dadras Architects, a firm led by partners Robert Dadras and Victor Dadras, are the founders of the Downtown Revitalization Group, a collaborative which specializes in the revitalization and redevelopment of main streets and neighborhood commercial corridors, as well as historic preservation, urban design, and adaptive reuse. Now they wish to assist Forest Hills and Rego Park with their preservation, revitalization, and landmarking initiatives.

The firm emphasized the need for greater public education about architecture and the landmarking process. Dadras Architects explained, "Landmarking is overwhelmingly successful in every scenario; from economically to socially to environmentally. Property values have increased, historic architecture has been restored, and new buildings nearby have been designed better." They continued, "Preservation always costs less than building anew, is greener, supports your local businesses, and enables potential grants and tax credits for restoration."

"Preservation should extend beyond the Forest Hills Gardens," stated Dadras Architects. They proposed a historic preservation weekend in Forest Hills and Rego Park, consisting of tours and educational conferences as an initial step. 

Historian Jeff Gottlieb, President of Central Queens Historical Association, leads the Downtown Forest Hills Tour at the corner of Austin St & Continental Ave, September 2010

“There is minimal awareness of the rich history of Queens,” said Linda Fisher, a Forest Hills resident and a licensed NYC tour guide. She continued, “Neighborhood history can come alive through walking tours, lectures, and oral histories by residents.” Locally, she envisions numerous landmarking candidates including the Forest Hills Tennis Stadium, the Metropolitan Industrial Bank building (Bank of America), the Forest Hills Post Office, and the former Jamaica Savings Bank. 

Metropolitan Industrial Bank building, 99-01 Queens Blvd in 1952, Courtesy of Queens Chamber of Commerce

Metropolitan Industrial Bank building at 99-01 Queens Blvd in 2014, Photo by Michael Perlman

Former Jamaica Savings Bank at 89-01 Queens Boulevard, Elmhurst in 2009, Photo by Michael Perlman

 

A National Register of Historic Places site: Forest Hills Post Office, 106-28 Queens Blvd, Photo by Greg Godfrey  

Forest Hills Tennis Stadium, Photo by Michael Perlman

Anita Nelson, also from Forest Hills, cringes when she spots McMansions in place of landmark-worthy homes in the Cord Meyer section of Forest Hills, such as the Al Jolson house, and suggested Individual Landmarking to spare the remnants. Additionally, her wish list includes the Queens Medical Society building, Sterling National Bank, and Arbor Close and Forest Close. “With the advent of social media, it’s easier to bring these campaigns to the attention of local citizens who would like to become involved,” she said. 

Forest Close, Photo by Michael Perlman

Arbor Close, Photo by Michael Perlman

Medical Society of The County of Queens, 115-25 Queens Blvd, Photo by Michael Perlman

Sterling National Bank at 108-01 Queens Blvd in 1963, Originally Masonic Temple followed by Boulevard Bank

The Al Jolson house, a Tudor Gothic gem facing demolition in 2006

 

Astonished by the lack of local designations, Rego Park resident Lisa Stone said, “It is an outrage that more buildings receive landmark status in Manhattan than in Queens. I will research landmark-worthy buildings in Rego Park, Forest Hills, Kew Gardens, and Elmhurst, and lobby the LPC to assure that they swiftly earn the title they richly deserve, beginning with the Midway Theatre.”

Echoing her sentiment, architect and musician William Gati of Kew Gardens referred to the LPC’s Manhattan address. He said, “There are borough offices for City Planning, the Department of Buildings, and all major agencies, except the LPC. This lack of representation indicates a philosophy that the boroughs are not as important as Manhattan. I strongly believe Queens would be better served if we had our own LPC borough office to address specific requests.”


Edward Wendell, President of the Woodhaven Cultural & Historical Society, eyes Historic District status for a large section of Forest Park and the LaLance & Grojean Factory Clock Tower, and said, “I hope the 50th anniversary celebration will bring attention to the many extremely worthy locations around Queens. Each site we can secure with landmarking is one to be enjoyed for generations to come.” He questioned, “Why imagine what these places looked like or view them in old pictures?”

LaLance & Grojean Factory Clock Tower at the turn-of-the-century, Courtesy of Project Woodhaven

This feature also appears in the Forest Hills Times.