We have been deeply concerned about the condition of 50 West 13th Street, the 1846 rowhouse which formerly housed the 13th Street Repertory Theatre and an array of pioneering 19th century Black civil rights leaders. After a four year campaign, we were finally able to get the building landmarked in 2024, but not before the owner allowed the building to deteriorate badly and ripped out distinctive 19th century ironwork surrounding the doorway which was likely original to the building. In the two years since designation, the owner has only let the fragile 180 year old structure deteriorate further. We have been regularly in touch with the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) urging them to ensure the building is preserved and restored. 

We have some reasons for hope, as well as continuing concern. According to the LPC, permits have been approved for important and necessary repairs to the interior and exterior of the building, with further restorative work being discussed. 

This is welcome news, particularly that the distinctive 19th century ironwork doorway surround, the loss of which we highly criticized, is supposed to be restored. However, though the permits were issued four and a half months ago, little work appears to have been undertaken so far, and the condition of the building remains poor. We have seen similar situations where owners, under scrutiny from LPC, have applied for and received permits for repair work, failed to undertake the work, and the landmarked building has suffered further damage or even destruction while the LPC waited for work to begin. We have urged the Commission to not simply assume that permitted work will be done, and to closely monitor the building and take action as needed to ensure necessary repairs are made. 

TO HELP: