19th Century Wood-Frame Upper East Side Home Gains Landmarks Designation

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — The city Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) granted landmarks designation Tuesday to a 19th-century, wood-framed house in the Yorkville section of the Upper East Side. The home, located at 412 E. 85th St., between 1st and York avenues, had been on the LPC's backlog for five decades.

The LPC first calendared 412 East for designation in 1966, according to the agency's file on the property. Former State Assemblyman Micah Kellner contacted the LPC in 2009 to push for a public hearing on the property as it was similar to three other wood-frame home in the neighborhood — 120 E. 92nd St., 122 E. 92nd St. and 160 E. 92nd St. — which have all been granted individual landmark status.

As of Tuesday the LPC has designated 27 sites from its backlog.

"I am thrilled that through this ambitious and unprecedented effort, we have granted full landmark protection to 27 outstanding properties, and cut through a 50-year backlog in a matter of 18 months," said Commission Chair Meenakshi Srinivasan. "We’re very proud that the designated properties are from all five boroughs and represent a diverse array of building typologies, including early residences, institutional buildings, churches, a theater—even an iconic sign. This is a great day for preservation in New York City!"

The home at 412 E. 85th St. was first constructed in 1861, making it one of the few Civil War-era wooden homes left in the city.

Now that the LPC has voted to extend landmarks designation to 412 E. 85th St. the LPC will send final reports for the designation to the City Council, City Planning Commission and City Clerk's Office. The City Planning Commission will have 60 days to provide the City Council a report detailing the effects that the landmark will have on zoning, city development plans and other relevant details, according to the LPC website.

The City Council will have 120 days following the LPC vote to modify or deny the landmarks designation, according to the LPC website. A majority vote in the council is required to modify or deny a designation and a council vote is not actually required to approve a designation, according to the LPC.

Photo courtesy of Landmarks Preservation Commission