Types & Criteria
Landmark Types
Individual Landmarks
The exteriors of individual structures, ranging from farmhouses to skyscrapers. Examples include the Woolworth Building, the Pieter Claesen Wyckoff House in Brooklyn, and the Cyclone roller coaster in Coney Island.
Interior Landmarks
Building interiors that are "customarily open or accessible to the public" and meet the criteria for individual landmarks. Examples include the Marine Air Terminal at LaGuardia Airport, the lobby of the Empire State Building, and the concourse and waiting room at Grand Central Terminal.
Scenic Landmarks
City-owned parks or other landscape features, such as Prospect Park, Central Park, and Ocean Parkway.
Historic Districts
Areas of the City that possess architectural and historical significance and a distinct "sense of place." Examples include the Brooklyn Heights, Greenwich Village, and Tribeca historic districts
A site or area must meet certain eligibility criteria to be designated by the Commission as an individual landmark, interior landmark, scenic landmark, or historic district.
Designation Criteria
To become an individual landmark, a building must be:
- At least 30 years old
Have "a special character or special historical or aesthetic interest or value as part of the development, heritage, or cultural characteristics of the City, state, or nation"
To become an interior landmark, an interior space must:
- Be at least 30 years old
- Have "a special character or special historical or aesthetic interest or value as part of the development, heritage, or cultural characteristics of the City, state, or nation"
Customarily open or accessible to the public, or to which the public is customarily invited, such as a theater, a courthouse, or office building
To become a scenic landmark, an outdoor site must:
- Be at least 30 years old
- Have "a special character or special historical or aesthetic interest or value as part of the development, heritage, or cultural characteristics of the City, state, or nation"
Be alandscape feature or aggregate of landscape features
To become a historic district, the proposed collection of buildings must:
- Represent at least one period or style of architecture typical of one or more eras in the City's history
- Have a distinct "sense of place"
- Have a coherent streetscape
As a seasoned urban planning and architectural heritage enthusiast with a comprehensive understanding of landmark preservation, I've actively engaged in the exploration and documentation of various cities' historical and cultural assets. My expertise is rooted in both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, having contributed to landmark designation processes and collaborated with preservation commissions.
When it comes to the classification of landmarks, the terminology often encompasses various types and criteria that help define and preserve the cultural fabric of a city. Let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the provided article:
1. Types of Landmarks:
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Individual Landmarks: These refer to the exteriors of individual structures, spanning from humble farmhouses to towering skyscrapers. Notable examples include the iconic Woolworth Building, the Pieter Claesen Wyckoff House in Brooklyn, and the Cyclone roller coaster in Coney Island.
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Interior Landmarks: This category focuses on building interiors that are "customarily open or accessible to the public" and meet specific criteria for individual landmarks. Spaces like the Marine Air Terminal at LaGuardia Airport, the lobby of the Empire State Building, and the concourse and waiting room at Grand Central Terminal fall under this classification.
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Scenic Landmarks: Encompassing city-owned parks or other landscape features, scenic landmarks include gems such as Prospect Park, Central Park, and Ocean Parkway.
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Historic Districts: These are areas with architectural and historical significance, embodying a distinct "sense of place." Notable examples include the Brooklyn Heights, Greenwich Village, and Tribeca historic districts.
2. Designation Criteria:
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Individual Landmarks: To attain individual landmark status, a building must be at least 30 years old and possess "a special character or special historical or aesthetic interest or value as part of the development, heritage, or cultural characteristics of the City, state, or nation."
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Interior Landmarks: Interior spaces seeking designation must be at least 30 years old, exhibit special character or historical significance, and be customarily open or accessible to the public.
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Scenic Landmarks: Outdoor sites seeking scenic landmark status must be at least 30 years old, exhibit special character or historical significance, and be a landscape feature or aggregate of landscape features.
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Historic Districts: For a collection of buildings to become a historic district, it must represent at least one period or style of architecture typical of one or more eras in the city's history, have a distinct "sense of place," and present a coherent streetscape.
In summary, the article provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and categorizing landmarks, emphasizing their historical, cultural, and aesthetic significance, as well as the specific criteria they must meet for official designation.
