October 28, 2015
Meenakshi Srinivasan, Chair
NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission
1 Centre Street, 9th Floor North
New York, NY 10007
re: Landmark Designation of 138 Second Avenue
Dear Chair Srinivasan:
I am writing to strongly support the designation of 138 Second Avenue in Manhattan’s East Village / Lower East Side as an Individual Landmark.
In 1832, when this grand residential building was constructed, 138 Second Avenue was one of many such homes that once lined this part of Second Avenue. The building retains most of its Federal characteristics. The simple yet elegant design – including Flemish bond brickwork, and most notably its Gibbsian entrance surround – clearly show the building’s origins in this early period of the East Village’s development.
The 4th story addition, built in the late 19th century over the original 3-1/2 story design, physically embodies the neighborhood’s transition from exclusive, wealthy enclave to German immigrant community. Significant to the history of both the building and the neighborhood, in 1874 the building was converted to The Association for Befriending Children and Young Girls, and then in 1916 became the headquarters for the League of Foreign-Born Citizens. During this period the entire Lower East Side – including Kleindeutschland – became the most important center for immigration in the country.
We respectfully ask that the Landmarks Preservation Commission vote to designate 138 Second Avenue as soon as possible. Without landmark protection this important building will almost certainly fall prey to the neighborhood’s intense development pressures. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Richard D. Moses
President
cc: Hon. Rosie Mendez, NY City Council
Community Board 3 Manhattan
