Past Achievements

Historic Preservation — Landmark Designations

From its inception, the Association has been dedicated to obtaining landmark designation from the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission for over 20 historically and architecturally important buildings in our neighborhood. We have researched the architectural history of every building on West 56th, West 55th, and West 54th Streets and submitted testimony and documentation to the Landmarks Preservation Commission for evaluation.

We have successfully achieved landmark status for five buildings.

Creation of 6½ Avenue

The West 50s Neighborhood Association was instrumental in the creation of 6½ Avenue — a celebrated pedestrian pathway connecting 51st to 57th Streets through a series of Privately Owned Public Spaces (POPS). In 2007, we worked with architect Brian Nesin and Community Board 5 to propose that the Department of Transportation study and redesign these spaces.

The result: a series of small, accessible urban gems with benches, gardens, art installations, crosswalks, and stop signs — making crossing the street easier, faster, and safer, while providing peaceful respite from the bustle of Midtown Manhattan.

Street signs designating 6½ Avenue with stop signs were installed at every intersection.

Scaling Down the MoMA Tower

When the 1,250-foot Tower Verre was proposed at 53 West 53rd Street, the association joined neighbors and preservation advocates in urging the City Planning Commission to rein it in. The tower was approved only after 200 feet were cut from its height, and MoMA hosted the community discussions in its own auditorium.