In July, Learn the Art of Stonecutting

A Cut Above: The Stonecutter's Art 
in Architectural Ornament

A slide lecture by Michael Lynch

Tuesday, July 10 at 6 p.m. 

$15, $10 for LW! Members

Click here to RSVP or email landmarkwest@landmarkwest.org

Carved granite stoop at 24 West 71st Street.

Michael Lynch is a restoration architect and preservation engineer who specializes in the repair of historic buildings and structures. Growing up in the town of Marbletown in upstate New York, it was inevitable that Michael would develop a special interest in stone masonry and spend his career researching and documenting the work of the often anonymous stone cutters working in the 19th and early 20th centuries. His work on stone carving has been published in books and professional journals, and he lectures often on the subject.

Michael will explain how this work was executed and what to look for, as well as how to distinguish faux stone carving (that is, formed terra cotta or cast concrete) from 'the real thing.' The slide lecture will be illustrated with examples of work throughout New York, with an interactive "Where in your neighborhood?" quiz at the end.

For more information, please call 212-496-8110 or email landmarkwest@landmarkwest.org

TONIGHT, Community Meeting to Dicuss Threats to Landmarks; NEXT WEEK, Important Vote on West End Avenue

One week from today -- on Tuesday, June 26th -- the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) will convene to cast their first vote concerning historic district extensions proposed for the West End Avenue neighborhood. This public meeting is open to all; if your schedule allows, please attend and lend your "silent support" of this important community effort!

              WHAT:  Public meeting of the Landmarks Preservation Commission to
                           Vote on the proposed Riverside-West End Historic District Extension I
                           (W. 79th - 87th Sts. - click here for the proposed boundary map 

             WHEN:   Tuesday, June 26th, 2012 / Time To Be Determined 
                            The LPC usually issues its agenda with approximate times three
                            days in advance of the public meeting. Stay tuned for updates! 

            WHERE:  Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC)
                            1 Centre Street, 9th Floor -- Bring photo ID
                            (Click here for directions) 

                WHO:  You, your neighbors, all who support neighborhood preservation!                             Help us spread the word; let us know of others in your building or
                            on your block who are interested in learning more about this 
                            ongoing issue. Attending the public meeting is incredibly valuable,
                            but it is important to note that no public testimony will be taken.

Earlier this month, LW! looked back on the events -- starting as far back as 2010, though momentum for this issue has surely been growing since much earlier -- leading up to the first in a series of what will ultimately be three LPC votes. Click here to revisit that email. Can't make the June 26th public meeting? Write to the LPC and your local elected officials to re-enforce your support of the West End Avenue extensions and to thank them for their strong support to date.

** Before the Vote, Community Meeting to
 support the Landmarks Law**

As LW! and our colleagues in preservation have reported, landmarking -- not just on West End Avenue but throughout all five boroughs -- has recently been under attack. The Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) is at the helm of a coalition that would have New Yorkers believe that landmark designation is "over-reaching" and will effectively freeze the city in amber. This "look but don't touch" mentality could not be further from the truth: the number of landmark-protected buildings on the Upper West Side and beyond continues to grow because people want preservation. Individual Landmarks and buildings within historic districts offer substantial opportunities for economic development, the revitalization of neighborhoods, the stabilization of property values, and the enhancement of the tourism industry.

JOIN WITH US TONIGHT as we participate in a community meeting, hosted by the Historic Districts Council, to discuss this attack on landmarks and how each of us can lend our support.

TONIGHT (Tuesday, June 19th) at 6PM

General Society for Mechanics & Tradesmen*

20 West 44th Street

RSVP to hdc@hdc.org

Stay tuned for updates via email, and visit http://hdc.org/historic-district-15/help-save-the-landmarks-law to learn more.

*The General Society for Mechanics & Tradesmen (also known as the Mechanic's Institute) was the subject of an October 2011 guest blog by LW! graduate intern Kate Gilmore. Learn more about this fascinating organization and handsome Lamb & Rich-designed architecture.