Introduction to Landmark Designation
The Landmark Preservation Commission (LPC) designated five buildings in the Garment District as individual landmarks on Tuesday. The designation protects the exterior features and structure for the historic buildings — the Barbey Building, Fashion Tower, Furcraft Building, 29th Street Towers and the Lefcourt Clothing Center — all of which LPC said represent the commercial and cultural history of the Garment District.
Clockwise from top left: Barbey Building; Fashion Tower; Lefcourt Clothing Center; 29th Street Towers; Furcraft Building, all of which have been declared landmarks.
Photos courtesy of The Landmark Preservation Commission
Historical Significance of the Buildings
LPC Chair Sarah Carroll said the five buildings capture the Garment District’s history. “Designed by many of the city’s leading architects of the time, the buildings designated today are some of the Garment District’s most impressive examples of early 20th-century commercial architecture, which tell the full story of the Garment District’s historic development, the people who worked here, the labor history that grew here and spread nationally, and the industry that has been one of New York City’s most important economic and cultural engines,” Carroll said in a statement.
Midtown Rezoning Plan
The designation does not require City Council approval, but the Council has 120 days to modify or reject it. LPC collaborated with the Department of City Planning (DCP) to identify and preserve these buildings as the Midtown South Mixed-Use (MSMX) plan was advanced, according to a press release. The MSMX plan would redesignate 42 blocks between West 23rd and 40th Streets and Fifth and Eighth Avenues for housing development, allowing the city to repurpose office spaces. The final plan also included a $122 million fund to support Garment District businesses, after many local workers argued the rezoning would harm their businesses.
Reaction to the Designation
Manhattan Councilmember Erik Bottcher, who represents part of the Garment District and supports the MSMX plan, said the landmark designation will protect crucial parts of the city’s history. “The Garment District is not just a collection of buildings — it’s the story of the people who built New York’s global reputation for creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation,” Bottcher said in a statement. “By preserving these remarkable structures while making way for new housing, we’re honoring our city’s rich history and ensuring a vibrant, mixed-use future for Midtown South.” Each of the buildings were epicenters of New York’s commercial fashion and clothing industries, including hosting manufacturing plants throughout the early 20th century.
Preservation of Historical Roots
LPC considered the buildings’ landmark status at a May hearing, where Andrea Goldwyn, the public policy director of the New York Landmarks Conservancy, testified that the buildings harken to New York’s history of being a leader in garment design and manufacturing. “The architecture represents the era well,” Goldwyn said at the hearing. “All are masonry clad towers, with distinct and delightful ornament, that occasionally makes a direct connection to the Garment trade. Designed by notable architects, they were purpose-built, with loft spaces for showrooms, studios, manufacturing and office use.” DCP Director Dan Garodnick said LPC’s designation shows how New York City can grow and change while preserving its historical roots. “Smart planning and preservation go hand-in-hand, and we’re utilizing all the tools at the City’s disposal to help Midtown South adapt and grow while protecting the neighborhood’s vibrant history,” Garodnick said in a statement.
Conclusion
The landmark designation of the five Garment District buildings is a significant step in preserving the history and cultural heritage of the area. The buildings represent a vital part of New York City’s commercial and cultural past, and their preservation will ensure that future generations can appreciate and learn from the city’s rich history. As the city continues to grow and evolve, it is essential to balance development with preservation, and the LPC’s designation is a positive step in this direction.
FAQs
Q: What are the five buildings designated as landmarks by the LPC?
A: The five buildings are the Barbey Building, Fashion Tower, Furcraft Building, 29th Street Towers, and the Lefcourt Clothing Center.
Q: What is the significance of the landmark designation?
A: The landmark designation protects the exterior features and structure of the historic buildings and preserves their cultural and commercial history.
Q: How does the landmark designation relate to the Midtown rezoning plan?
A: The landmark designation is part of the Midtown South Mixed-Use (MSMX) plan, which aims to redesignate 42 blocks for housing development and repurpose office spaces.
Q: What is the reaction to the landmark designation from local officials and preservation groups?
A: Local officials and preservation groups have welcomed the landmark designation, seeing it as a positive step in preserving the city’s history and cultural heritage.
Q: What is the next step in the process?
A: The City Council has 120 days to modify or reject the landmark designation.
