There are always ghosts

The headlines focused attention on the owners of The Post, who, having been thwarted in their proposed demolition of the block-wide development, were looking to sell.

Wondering why buyers stayed away from the Kalikow deal for City and Suburban, my friend JH thought perhaps the property was haunted.

I said “there are always ghosts, my dear.”

Ghosts, however, do not deter developers. The plaque designating the entire property from nose to tail a landmark did.

In our case, history compelled a higher authority than the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (NYPAP) to confer it the status. City and Suburban is in the National Register of Historic Places.

National Historic Landmark status is an honor (and a burden to owners) that has extended to some 2600 sites. It forbids anyone from making substantive changes to buildings under its umbrella.

New York City’s federally landmarked properties include many you would think of off the top of your head. It also encompasses some that might surprise.

Macy’s and Cooper Union are on the list. I am wondering how the designation has affected Tiffany’s plans for expansion. Since I haven’t walked this route for a while so I don’t know what has become of the Soho Cast Iron District. I can’t believe the area hasn’t circumvented the intent of landmark selection.