The Rizzoli Bookstore building is an icon of New York City architecture and one of the most beautiful commercial spaces in America. It is an impressive example of adaptive reuse of a former piano showroom into a retail space and one of the few remaining examples of architecturally significant bookstores in an era where bookstores are increasingly threatened.

Recently, Vornado and Le Frak Realty have announced plans to demolish the building in order to build a new high-rise. (International Business Times article)

The Landmarks Preservation Commission, whose mission is “to be responsible for protecting New York City’s architecturally, historically, and culturally significant buildings,” has declined to grant landmark status to the building on the grounds that the property “lacks the architectural significance necessary to meet the criteria for designation,” despite the Community Board voting unanimously in favor of designating 31 W 57TH Street a landmark in 2007 (Link to Community Board Resolution)

Peg Breen, President of NY Landmarks Conservancy, said “it’s unlikely at this point that the “three little gems” will be saved unless a public backlash is strong enough to convince city officials otherwise.”(Quoted in IBS article above)

Tell the Landmark Preservation Commission that 31 W 57th Street is architecturally significant and deserves landmark status!

For more news, visit our webpage: www.saverizzoli.org