NYC Industrial Buildings Receive Landmark Status

A number of buildings throughout New York City have already been preserved as landmarks within the state, but the rich history of the area means that there are still several more buildings that are still worthy of preservation and recognition. To that end, several new buildings have recently been granted landmark status in New York City. These include industrial buildings that played a significant role in the city’s history while also showcasing special architectural styles and art. Here are just a couple of the buildings that were recently granted landmark status in New York City.

Beaux Arts IRT Powerhouse Named NYC Landmark

A massive structure originally built in 1904 to power the city’s Interborough Rapid Transit (IRT) subway system has recently been declared a New York City landmark. Taking up an entire city block between Twelfth and Eleventh Avenues and West 58^th and 59^th Streets, the 113-year-old active powerhouse was responsible for powering the city’s pioneering transit system in the early 20^th century.

Designed by Stanford White of McKim, Mead & White, the building is considered to be both a feat of engineering and an architectural achievement. At the time it was constructed, the building was capable of producing 100,000 horsepower while also holding more than 30 million pounds of coal. Some of the building’s most impressive features include the Roman terra cotta and Milford granite used in its design.

Currently owned by Con Edison, who purchased the structure in 1959, some concerns were expressed about future modernization efforts being impeded by the landmark status. The Landmarks Commission was, however, able to come to an agreement with Con Ed regarding how to manage changes in the future.

Empire State Dairy Complex Declared an NYC Landmark

A dairy complex built in the early part of the 20^th century has become one of the city’s newest landmarks. Located along Atlantic Avenue and Schenck Avenue, the Empire State Dairy Company Buildings were designed in two phases. The first structure, which was designed by architect Theobold Engelhardt, was built between 1906 and 1907. The second set of buildings, which was designed by architect Otto Strack, was built between 1914 and 1915.

The three buildings built in the second phase are the most iconic within the complex. With fronts on Atlantic Avenue, the buildings feature ceramic tile panels depicting Swiss pastoral folk scenes. Created by the American Encaustic Tile Company, the buildings are the largest of the company’s surviving decorative tile installations in the country.

The complex itself was used for processing milk and making ice cream for several decades. It was shut down in the mid-20^th century, however, and has not been used since.  The current owners were opposed to giving the complex the landmark designation due to the fact that one of the buildings needs significant environmental remediation, but the Commission moved forward with its decision so it could closely monitor the changes made to the buildings.  As such, there are likely to be some upcoming changes seen in the buildings, but they will be monitored to ensure that which makes the buildings so special is properly preserved.