In this edition of Landmark News, we’re highlighting the ways the Commission is helping advance housing creation citywide while protecting the historic character that makes New York City so unique.
Mayor Mamdani and LPC Launch New Tools to Support Housing Creation
ADU Resources The new tools include LPC’s new searchable map showing where homeowners can create ADUs in historic districts, a new ADU fact sheet and a dedicated LPC team to help property owners navigate the approval process.
TDR Resources Recent zoning changes have made it easier and less expensive for landmark buildings to sell their unused development rights to neighboring sites, including in lower-density areas, making it easier for landmarked properties to generate revenue for maintenance and preservation while enabling new housing nearby. To help landmark property owners understand the zoning changes and LPC application process, LPC also launched a new TDR fact sheet and detailed guidance on landmark TDRs.
Want to learn more? Head to LPC’s website to check out our expanded ADU resources and TDR resources pages
Notable Commission Approvals
(L-R): 277 Canal Street, image courtesy Morris Adjmi Architects/Bloomimages; St. Mark's Church-in-the-Bowery; 182-188 Duffield Street, image courtesy Acheson Doyle Partners Architects and Hill West Architects; 26 Bleeker Street, image courtesy BKSK Architects LLP
On August 4th, Commissioners approved an addition to 277 Canal Street in the SoHo-Cast Iron Historic District Extension as part of a project that will add a residential tower, including affordable housing, to the commercial 1920s-era theater, store, and loft building. The project will also bring accessibility upgrades to the nearby Canal Street subway station – helping create more housing while improving access to transit.
On July 21st, LPC approved an application that supports the Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) for St. Mark's Church-in-the-Bowery, which will fund ongoing maintenance work at the individual landmark church complex over the next decade. The approval is the first for a faith-based organization under new zoning changes. By making it easier for landmarks like St. Mark's Church-in-the-Bowery to transfer development rights to nearby sites, the City is helping property owners, including religious institutions, fund essential maintenance while supporting new residential development nearby.
LPC Commissioners Visit the Flatiron Building Office-to-Residential Conversion
The Flatiron Building’s much-anticipated office-to-residential conversion approved by LPC two years ago is now nearly complete. On August 19th, LPC Chair Lisa Kersavage, Vice Chair Angie Master, LPC Commissioners Wellington Chen, Stephen Chu, Michael Goldblum, Mark Ginsberg, Erasmus Ikpemgbe, Everardo Jefferson, Frank Mahan, Stephen Wilder, and LPC staff joined the Brodsky Organization and Beyer Blinder Belle Architects & Planners for a visit to view progress at the landmark site.
In 2024, LPC reviewed and approved plans to support the conversion of the iconic office building to housing, including facade restoration and window replacement. Throughout the project, LPC has worked closely with the building’s owners to help advance this important work while preserving the iconic Flatiron Building’s historic character.
LPC in the Community
L-R Council Member Justin E. Sanchez; Dr. Lucretia Jones, Bronx CB2; NYLPF Chair Tom Krizmanic; Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson; LPC Chair Lisa Kersavage; Rev. Theodora Brooks, St. Margaret's Episcopal Church
While housing creation may have been the headliner this summer, the agency was also out in the community with a full slate of events and activities.
Unveiling New Historic District Markers in the Bronx
LPC Joins Brooklyn's 84th Precinct for National Night Out 2026
LPC Chair Lisa Kersavage and Captain Erek Powers, Commanding Officer of the NYPD's 84th Precinct
On August 4th, Chair Kersavage joined Captain Erek Powers of the NYPD’s 84th Precinct and members of the local community at Brooklyn Bridge Park to celebrate National Night Out, an annual event that brings communities and law enforcement together to strengthen relationships and build connections across neighborhoods.
As part of the evening’s celebration, Chair Kersavage presented a Mayoral Proclamation from Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani recognizing the dedicated service of the NYPD and its role in keeping New Yorkers safe.
