Ladies' Mile Historic District
The Ladies' Mile Historic District was a prime shopping district in Manhattan, New York City at the end of the 19th century, serving the well-to-do "carriage trade" of the city. It was designated in May 1989, by the New York City Landmark Preservation Commission to preserve an irregular district of 440 buildings on 28 blocks and parts of blocks, from roughly 15th Street to 24th Street and from Park Avenue South to west of the Avenue of the Americas. Community groups such as the Drive to Protect the Ladies' Mile District and the Historic Districts Council campaigned heavily for the status.
(right to left) Hugh O'Neill's, Adams and Ehrich Brothers dry goods emporia
(left to right) Cammeyer, Alexander, Siegel-Cooper Dry Goods and Price buildings
New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission
The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) is the New York City agency charged with administering the city's Landmarks Preservation Law. The LPC is responsible for protecting New York City's architecturally, historically, and culturally significant buildings and sites by granting them landmark or historic district status, and regulating them after designation. It is the largest municipal preservation agency in the nation. As of July 1, 2020, the LPC has designated more than 37,800 landmark properties in all five boroughs. Most of these are concentrated in historic districts, although there are over a thousand individual landmarks, as well as numerous interior and scenic landmarks.
The demolition of Pennsylvania Station was a key moment in the preservationist movement, which led to the creation of the LPC.
Example of a plaque placed on a Landmark designated building, this example in midtown Manhattan
Preservation Foundation plaque
Before the LPC was founded, buildings such as the Andrew Carnegie Mansion were preserved largely based on individual or group advocacy.
