The Landmarks “Preservation” Commission is a city organization that now seems to largely exist for the purpose of withholding landmark designation from deserving properties. It had the audacity to dispute the factual information unearthed by Village Preservation concerning tthe storied history of 50 West 13th street. the last surviving 19th century row house on the block between Fifth and Sixth Avenues,
Yes, as I told you all in 2021, I made my theatrical debut here in 1969, when it was the 13th Street Theater. But, believe it or not, even that does not exhaust the building’s historical importance!
From VP:
“From 1858 to 1884, it was home to Jacob Day, one of New York’s most wealthy and successful 19th century African American businessmen and real estate owners, crusader for African American civil rights, and a prominent supporter of African American institutions.
” Sarah Smith Tompkins Garnet, a prominent leader in the movements for abolitionism, women’s suffrage, and advances in education,l ived in the building for close to a decade.”
For over three years, the LPC has been stonewalling attempts by VP and other preservation advocates to win landmark designation for this notable piece of NYC history. They are allowing the owner to neglect it to the point of no return. Every time I walk by it’s in worse shape–the windows now are broken.