VICTORY: Rose Reading Room landmarked at last!

We did it! After months of intense advocacy, we have finally secured interior landmark designation for the Rose Reading Room and Bill Blass Catalog Room! Today the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission voted unanimously to formally designate both spaces. Going forward, any major changes to interior components and fixtures including but not limited to decorative plasterwork, metalwork and woodwork, built-in bookcases, balconies and railings, doors and frames, windows and frames, light fixtures, attached furnishings and decorative elements will require public review.

We’ve long argued that these cherished rooms convey a sense of civic grandeur befitting one of the city’s greatest public monuments. They belong to every New Yorker and now will be protected for future generations to come.

We’d like to thank everyone who signed our petition, sent letters to the Commission, and spread the word on social media. We couldn’t have done it without your support. We are especially grateful to State Senators Liz Krueger and Brad Hoylman for aiding our efforts.

Of course, we will continue to push for the designation of the remaining eligible interiors and the rehabilitation of the historic book stacks below the reading room.  But for now, please join us in celebrating this momentous and hard-fought victory.