Is Your Building a Landmark? Let's Find Out!
So, you're curious about whether your building is a bonafide New York City landmark? Well, buckle up, buttercup, because we're about to embark on a thrilling journey through the bureaucratic labyrinth of landmark designation.
Why Does it Matter if Your Building is a Landmark?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of how to find out if your building is a landmark, let's talk about why it even matters. Well, for starters, landmark status comes with a whole lot of perks. You get to brag to your friends about living in a historic building, which is always a good conversation starter. Plus, it might increase your property value (fingers crossed). But let’s be real, the downside is that making changes to a landmark can be a real headache. Want to paint your apartment a bold color? Forget about it! Want to replace those old, drafty windows? Good luck with that!
How to Find Out if Your Building is a Landmark: The Easy Way
The quickest and easiest way to find out if your building is a landmark is to use the Department of Buildings (DOB) website. Just enter your building's address, and voila! If your building is a landmark, it will say so right there on the screen. It's like magic, but without the wand.
The Landmark Preservation Commission (LPC): Your Friendly Neighborhood Bureaucrats
If the DOB website doesn't give you a clear answer, you can always turn to the experts: the Landmark Preservation Commission (LPC). They're the folks who decide which buildings are worthy of landmark status. You can visit their website or give them a call. Just be prepared to hold on for a while. Government bureaucracy at its finest!
Other Resources: Apps and Online Tools
There are also a few apps and online tools that can help you determine if your building is a landmark. The New York Landmarks Conservancy app is a good option. It's like having a pocket-sized landmark expert right at your fingertips.
How to Handle Landmark Status
If you discover that your building is indeed a landmark, congratulations! You're living in a piece of history. But remember, with great landmark status comes great responsibility. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations. And if you ever plan on making any changes to your building, be prepared to jump through some hoops.
FAQs: Landmark Status Edition
- How to find out if my building is landmarked? The easiest way is to use the Department of Buildings website or the Landmark Preservation Commission's resources.
- How to get a building landmarked? If you think your building deserves landmark status, you can submit a nomination to the Landmark Preservation Commission.
- How to make changes to a landmarked building? You'll need to get approval from the Landmark Preservation Commission before making any changes to a landmarked building.
- How to remove landmark status from a building? Removing landmark status is difficult but not impossible. You would need to demonstrate that the building no longer meets the criteria for landmark designation.
- How to find out the history of a landmarked building? The Landmark Preservation Commission may have information about the building's history. You can also try searching online or visiting your local library.