Saving the Short-Sighted from Themselves
We knew a hotly-contested decision on landmarking the 250-odd houses that make up the Bronx enclave of Fieldston was imminent, so it was with some relief that we read this past weekend that cooler heads had prevailed and that the City Council had in fact ratified the designation back on April 26. Now we’ll confess…
We knew a hotly-contested decision on landmarking the 250-odd houses that make up the Bronx enclave of Fieldston was imminent, so it was with some relief that we read this past weekend that cooler heads had prevailed and that the City Council had in fact ratified the designation back on April 26. Now we’ll confess that Norman Revival isn’t necessarily our favorite period (heck, we didn’t even know it was a period), but the area has a unique historic character that deserved to be saved from the encroaching pressures of development. Most of the houses, which were built in the 1920s and 1930s are either Tudor, medieval, Norman or Mediterranean; the area is also notable for the rocky terrain on which the houses are built. As for the dopes who fought the landmarking, they’ll be thanking their neighbors as their property values rise; and if they really miss being able to build some oversized monstrosity, they can cash in and move.
Leafy, Scenic Enclave Now a Landmark [NY Times]
I totally agree with you, 11:48. New York City has all kinds of different architecture, which makes it so interesting. Just as people are surprised that the houses of Victorian Flatbush exist within our borders, so do these wonderful Tudors and other fantasy houses. Thank goodness smarter heads prevailed, and the area will be landmarked. There is still room for other development without tearing these down. They are an historical, finite resource, like brownstones.
I am so happy this area has been landmarked–I was freaked by some of the non-contextual development planned/going on, because this is a unique and magical neighborhood within New York City. These odd little developments are valuable for the diversity of housing they offer in a city most people imagine as all-high-rises or faceless row houses. Totally agree re: move elsewhere to build grotesque characterless monstrosities!
Reminds me of Forest Hills Gardens in Queens. Very nice
Norman Revival Rocks!!! I love Tudor architecture, and always wished that our beloved Brooklyn had a neighborhood from the 20’s-30’s that specialized in these type of homes. There are a few odd ones here and there (gracious sprawling tudor situated on a double lot on Avenue H near Ocean Ave. comes to mind, as well as that spectacular thatched roof number out in Bay Ridge).
I grew up close to this area- it is so beautiful up there. I am so glad it received landmark status. I always loved the architectural styles (Tudor is a favorite), and it’s almost storybook-like. Why would anyone have protested getting landmark status?