Fate of East 13th Street Stable Still Hangs in the Balance
This past summer, GVSHP brought the immediate danger to 128 East 13th Street to the attention of the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC), and asked them to intervene to save the building. 128 East 13th Street is the only surviving horse and carriage auction mart building in New York City; it later became a training center for women for assembly line work during World War II and then the studio of artist Frank Stella. The LPC acted swiftly, holding hearings on the building (the necessary first step before landmark designation) and entering into a legal agreement with the owner to prevent them from demolishing or altering the building before the Commission made any decisions on its fate. At the hearing in early September, the turnout was overwhelmingly in support of landmark designation, though the owner opposed designation and threatened to seek a hardship ruling to overturn designation if the building was landmarked.
As we reach year end, no further formal action has been taken by the Commission, though the building continues to appear to be safe, for now. GVSHP has been in touch with the Commission to continue to press for landmark designation as soon as possible to secure the building’s fate, and has worked closely with Councilmember Rosie Mendez to advocate for this. Borough President Stringer, State Senator Duane, Assemblymember Glick, and many community and preservation groups strongly support landmarking this building.
How to Help:
Write to the Landmarks Preservation Commission now to thank them for taking initial action to protect this building, but to urge them to move forward and landmark this endangered building now to ensure its preservation. Click here for a sample letter you can use.
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