Honoring 60 Years of the NYC Landmarks Law

On April 19, 1965, New York City made history when Mayor Robert F. Wagner signed the Landmarks Law—legislation born from the loss of the original Pennsylvania Station and a growing public call to protect the city’s architectural and cultural identity. Sixty years later, that law has grown into one of the most robust municipal preservation programs in the country.

New York Mayor Wagner signing the Landmarks Law on April 19,1965. — Photo: The New York Preservation Archive Project

The Landmarks Law created the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC), a small but powerful city agency charged with identifying and protecting sites of historic, cultural, and architectural significance across the five boroughs. As of early 2024, the Commission oversees more than 38,000 designated sites, including 1,459 individual landmarks, 121 interior landmarks, 11 scenic landmarks, and 156 historic districts.

Preservation has evolved dramatically since 1965. While early efforts focused largely on iconic buildings and architectural gems, today’s preservation movement embraces a broader, more inclusive understanding of history. Places like the Stonewall Inn—designated in 2015 for its significance to LGBTQ+ history—and the Sullivan-Thompson Historic District—recognized for its working-class and immigrant heritage—demonstrate this shift.

Organizations like Village Preservation and the Murray Hill Neighborhood Association have helped lead this transformation. Their grassroots advocacy has ensured that preservation is not just about the grand or famous, but also about communities, stories, and everyday lives.

To mark the 60th anniversary, the NYC Landmarks60 Alliance is organizing citywide programs to promote public engagement and spark dialogue around preservation’s future. From walking tours and lectures to arts initiatives and community storytelling, the Alliance is asking New Yorkers to reflect on the role preservation plays in civic life—and to imagine how it can serve a more equitable and representative vision moving forward.

The law’s legacy is also one of legal resilience. Its constitutionality was upheld in a landmark 1978 Supreme Court decision involving Grand Central Terminal, reaffirming the power of local communities to shape their urban environment.

As we celebrate this milestone, the message is clear: preservation is about more than buildings. It’s about memory, identity, and the right to see our shared past reflected in the places we live, work, and gather. 🀰

About Landmarks60

Murray Hill’s 60th Anniversary Events

Village Preservation’s Reflections 

»Honoring 60 Years of the NYC Landmarks Law«