Michael Goldblum Appointed to New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission

Michael Goldblum, AIA, partner at Building Studio Architects, has been appointed as a Commissioner at the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission.  

The Landmarks Preservation Commission is composed of eleven Commissioners appointed by the Mayor, including at least one resident of each of the five boroughs. Playing a critical part in preserving New York’s history and neighborhoods, the Landmarks Preservation Commission  designates historically significant buildings and districts; it also reviews and approves modifications to landmarked buildings and new construction within landmarked districts.

Since its inception in 1965, the Commission has designated over 27,000 properties as Landmarks, either within Historic Districts or as individual buildings; The Bronx has over 800 landmarked buildings and ten Historic Districts.  As Bronx’s representative to the Commission, Michael hopes to play an important role in expanding landmark protection for the borough’s historically significant districts and structures, and in fostering pride in the borough’s history.

The role of the Commission, according to Chair Robert Tierney, “has never been more vital to New York City. Historic preservation plays an integral role in the City’s economy and quality of life; unique architectural and historical properties serve as invaluable reminders of New York City’s nearly four hundred years of urban growth.”  Like all of the Commissioners with the exception of the Chair, Michael will receive no salary for serving on the Commission.

Community service has long played a key role in Michael’s career.  Most recently he was participated in the Bronx Borough President’s Historic Preservation Task Force.  As a key board member he was involved in drafting a comprehensive review and advocacy paper for former Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion on historic preservation in the borough.  Michael also serves on the Executive Board of Legal Services of New York City – Bronx.

Building Studio Architects, an architecture firm founded in 1992, has been involved in numerous historic preservation projects across the city, several of which have been in the Riverdale and Fieldston Historic Districts in the Bronx. Led by Michael and partner John Field, the firm prides itself on both its diversity of project range, highest quality client service and refined, creative design.  Its portfolio features specialty areas in residential design [single and multi-family, interiors and new construction], commercial renovations and new construction, and institutional work [houses of worship, schools and hospitality]. The firm is also a leader in environmentally-conscious design, having designed New York City’s first LEED-certified single family house.

While Michael is very proud of this new appointment, and honored to be serving the city in such a significant way, he will remain an active partner in Building Studio Architects, and continue to work with clients old and new. In consultation with the NYC Conflict of Interest Board, John Field will represent the firm in all Landmarks-related efforts.