SAVE
The Power House Group

A Building Worthy of Landmarking…

If any building in New York City deserves to be landmarked, it is the IRT Powerhouse.  And yet a landmark designation remains elusive.  In 1979 and again in 1991, the Landmarks Preservation Commission held hearings and solicited testimony regarding the designation of the Powerhouse as a New York City Landmark. Both times, Con Edison fought vigorously against the designation, arguing that it would be impossible to generate steam inside the plant if it was landmarked.  Both times Con Edison prevailed.

On April 14, 2009, the Hudson River Powerhouse Group filed with the Landmarks Preservation Commission a third request to designate the IRT Powerhouse a New York City Landmark. See the proposal here.

  • +Proposal to Designate a Landmark (PDF - 3MB)

    • The Landmarks Commission held a hearing on the Powerhouse on July 14th, 2009. Dozens of elected officials, preservation, urban planning, and architectural organizations, and prominent New Yorkers came out to support the preservation of the Powerhouse.  A list of some of these supporters, as well as their letters in support, are listed here.

    As of today, the LPC has not issued a decision. Once again, the Powerhouse sits patiently waiting for the day when it is finally afforded the protection it deserves, the landmark designation that will ensure its next hundred years.

    And a Plan to Preserve the Landmark.

    In the spring of 2009, Columbia University's Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation hosted a studio focused on the preservation of the IRT Powerhouse. The studio was taught by HRPG board member Kate Wood. The preservation plan they produced is available here.

  • +Preserving the Former IRT Powerhouse: A Preservation Plan (PDF - 8MB)