Resources for Property Owners and Businesses…and Anyone Interested in Landmarks!

LW! is here to answer any questions you have about your building, your business, or your neighborhood. Do not hesitate to call (212-496-8110) or email us. We are here during normal business hours (and quite often beyond!) to respond to your questions as quickly and effectively as possible.

Some of the answers at our fingertips include (click on the questions for more information):

Is my building an individual landmark or located in a historic district?
LW! has created a map of Upper West Side landmarks and historic districts. If a building or area you love is not already a protected landmark or historic district, you can nominate it! Click here to learn more about LW’s Landmark Wish List and the process of getting a building or district landmarked.

Who designed my building? When was it built?
LW! maintains an online, publicly accessible building database making this kind of information and much more available 24/7. For tips on doing your own research, click here for Andrew Dolkart's "Hints on Researching New York City Buildings.

I want to do work on a building that is a landmark or in a historic district. What kind of permits do I need?
Click here for information about performing work on a Landmark building. Also read about the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) below.

What is LW’s role in the process of reviewing changes to Landmark buildings?
Read more about LW's Certificate of Appropriateness Committee.

How do I report possible illegal work on a landmark?
Please call LW! at 212-496-8110 or email us. Click here for more information about reporting violations (i.e., work performed without proper permits from the Landmarks Preservation Commission).

Think you or someone you know has done a great job on a preservation project?
Don’t keep it to yourself—let us know! LW! gives awards for excellent stewardship. So, please email us your nominations.

Useful Links:

The NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) is the agency that is responsible for identifying and designating the City's landmarks and the buildings in the City's historic districts. The LPC also regulates changes to designated buildings. On the LPC's website you will find information about:

• Applying for permits to perform work on landmark properties
• Rules and guidelines for work on landmark properties
• The kinds of projects that require a public hearing

The LPC maintains a glossary of commonly used architectural terms.

The NYC Department of City Planning (DCP) is the agency responsible for zoning and special permits related to building bulk, use and density. DCP maintains a glossary of commonly used planning terms that relate to historic preservation issues.

Community boards have an important advisory role in dealing with community issues including preservation and development. Find out what community board you are in by clicking here.

For data on zoning, land use, and property in the Upper West Side and beyond click here for NYC Oasis Community Map.

The New York Landmarks Conservancy maintains an online directory of preservation professionals as well as technical guides.

For information about financial assistance and incentives , see the New York Landmarks Conservancy's Financial & Technical Assistance webpage, the Preservation League of New York State's Grant Program, the New York State Historic Preservation Office's Sources of Preservation Assistance and the Historic Districts Council's brochure on Financial Incentives for Historic Buildings.

Although LW! is primarily dedicated to New York’s Upper West Side, we are always engaged in preservation activities across the entire city, state, country, and even world. Through collaboration with colleagues who share our mission to preserve the historic places that matter most we become even more effective at preserving those in our own backyard. Below are links to preservation projects, issues, programs and people that are shaping the Upper West Side today.