*This article was originally published by Milrose Consultants on March 3, 2014.

Is your building, space or neighborhood worthy of protection under landmark status? The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) has a process for evaluating properties and awarding that designation.

New York City created the LPC in 1965 to staunch the destruction of historically significant buildings. Most notably, Pennsylvania Station was demolished two years earlier to allow construction of Madison Square Garden and an underground commuter rail station—both of which still occupy the site.

While the process can be lengthy, the following steps provide an overview.

The first step involves submitting a request for evaluation (RFE) application to the LPC research department to start a review of the proposed building or place. The RFE is then evaluated for one or more of the required designation criteria.

• Individual Landmark. Any building of at least 30 years with historical, aesthetic, or other value to the city, state, or nation.
• Interior Landmark. An interior space of at least 30 years with historical, aesthetic, or other value to the city, state, or nation that is customarily open or accessible to the public.
• Scenic Landmark. An outdoor site of at least 30 years with historical, aesthetic, or other value to the city, state, or nation.
• Historic District. A collection of buildings that represent one period or style of architecture typical to an era in the city’s history with a coherent streetscape and a “sense of place.”

If the LPC committee reviews the RFE favorably, the location is then “calendared” for a review.  At that time, the LPC votes on sending the proposal to a public hearing. The relevant points derived from the public hearing, combined with a detailed historic report prepared by the LPC’s research department, are reviewed by the commission prior to a vote, which requires a majority vote of six commissioners.

Once approved, the LPC prepares a final report for the city planning commission and city council. The planning commission then submits a report detailing the impacts of the designation. The council and the mayor have the final say in the ruling.

View the LPC's new interactive map of all landmarked buildings throughout the five boroughs.

If you have questions regarding a landmark building project, Milrose is here to help! Contact our New York City office or comment below for assistance.