Letter to the editor

We note with interest that the University is planning to use a brownstone on 113th Street to accommodate increased undergraduate enrollment.
Alarmingly, at the same time Columbia intends to demolish three sturdy historic brownstones located at 408, 410, and 412 West 115th St.  These brownstones, constructed in 1898, are among the oldest residential buildings in Morningside Heights and have been designated by the New York State Historic Preservation Office as worthy of preservation.

Demolishing the brownstones on 115th Street would destroy forever the cityscape of a residential street which directly abuts historic Morningside Park. A much more sensible solution would be to preserve their distinctive character by restoring them for undergraduate residences. Restoring the brownstones would respect the wishes of nearby residents, many of whom are Columbia alumni and current or former Columbia faculty and staff. Preservation of the brownstones is strongly supported by our elected officials, including State Assembly member Daniel O’Donnell, State Senator Bill Perkins, City Council member Inez Dickens and Congressman Charles Rangel. The city’s major preservation groups—Landmark West!, The Committee to Protect the Upper West Side, the New York Landmarks Conservancy, and the Historic Districts Council—have also urged that these historic buildings be restored.

Members of the Columbia community who would like to find out more about the brownstones can contact harryschwartz2@juno.com.

Committee to Preserve the Morningside Brownstones