This year marks the 40th Anniversary of the founding of Carnegie Hill Neighbors and this day, July 23, in 1974 saw the designation of the Carnegie Hill Historic District. That initial district consisted of two small, keyhole-shaped assortments of mid blocks. On December 21, 1993 the Landmarks Preservation Commission approved an extension to the district, significantly larger than the original district. For its 40th birthday, Carnegie Hill Neighbors is asking the Commission to continue its good work in this truly special neighborhood (Disclosure: I live there) by designating two additional districts: one expanding protection on Park Avenue and the other creating a Hellgate Hill Historic District. What better way to celebrate a 40th anniversary!
Historic rowhouses in Carnegie Hill. Image via Carnegie HIll Neighbors.
Created in 1970 in response to inappropriate development in this northwest corner of the Upper East Side of Manhattan, Carnegie Hill Neighbors has an impressive history of accomplishments. Its spring 2010 newsletter includes a chronology of such accomplishments ranging from successfully campaigning for the 1974 designations to starting the planting and maintenance of the Park Avenue Malls, achieving mid-block re-zoning in the 1980s, publishing and updating an architectural guide to the neighborhood, expanding the historic district, rezoning Madison Avenue, and on, and on—including recently helping dissuade the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia from the misguided notion of adding two stories to the acclaimed Baker Mansion.
The Neighbors should not only be congratulated for their accomplishments but for taking the time and devoting the energy to focus attention on their own history. What could be more empowering for an organization than to look back at such an impressive series of accomplishments and realize what they are capable of doing? If an organization could do all that, imagine what they can do in the future. History often reminds us that what seemed virtually impossible at the time, later looks inevitable. It can help us decide to take on the next seemingly undoable but compelling cause that confronts us.
The history of Carnegie Hill Neighbors also offers insights into broader historical narratives. The chronology in the newsletter reminds us that the first president of Carnegie Hill Neighbors was Fred Papert. Those who have followed citywide preservation issues over the last 30 plus years will recognize the name of Fred Papert from such important preservation campaigns as those to save Grand Central Terminal and to preserve Saint Bartholomew’s Church. Fred’s name is also closely associated with the Municipal Art Society, the Urban Center, and decades of efforts around the Theatre District and 42nd Street. For years a major preservation strategist and brilliant communicator, Fred is a prime example of a neighborhood preservation leader who became a major player on the citywide preservation stage.
Existing historic districts in Carnegie Hill. Carnegie Hill Neighbors is currently seeking the designation of two additional districts. Image via Carnegie Hill Neighbors.
Often neighborhoods seeking landmark protection don’t get all the protection they need first time out of the gate. This can result from political realities (too much political opposition), the prevailing preservation philosophy of the time (the approach to drawing boundaries for historic districts has evolved over the years) and the current attitude about history and architecture (tastes and knowledge also change over time). If a neighborhood organization doesn’t lose its advocacy abilities or its staying power, it can continue its efforts and outlast the obstacles in its way. Political realities can change, preservation philosophy can evolve, and new awareness and information can change tastes and preconceived notions.
Like many other neighborhood organizations, Carnegie Hill Neighbors didn’t stop after the first district. It has kept additional landmarks protection on its agenda (though its place on that agenda has fluctuated over time) and as a result over the decades it has achieved more and more landmark protection for its neighborhood. That Carnegie Hill Neighbors is in the midst of an active effort to expand historic district protection while in the midst of its 40th Anniversary seems fitting on many levels. It reminds us that preservationists must persevere; we must be in it for the long haul. It reminds us of the importance of the neighborhood preservation organization. If a neighborhood doesn’t take the lead in being its own preservation advocate, it is unlikely some external group will play that role for them. Preservation starts at home.
Happy Birthday Carnegie Hill Neighbors—and many happy returns!!
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