It has been a busy few days since Docomomo US announced this past Monday the imminent demolition threats to Kevin Roche’s UN Plaza Ambassador Grill and Hotel Lobby. Considered by many to be Roche’s most important interiors and among the best modern public spaces in New York City, we have received numerous letters and emails of support to designate the spaces as an Interior Landmark.
In just three days we have seen articles written by The Architect’s Newspaper, not one but two articles by architectural critic Alexandra Lange for Curbed and support from Vanity Fair Contributing Editor, Paul Goldberger. Late yesterday, architect Robert A. M. Stern lent his support to our effort stating, “Time is of the essence as these still intact spaces are imminently threatened with demolition.”
As additional supporters lend their voices, Docomomo US would like to urge the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission to schedule an expedited Interior Landmarks hearing and request the NYC Department of Buildings halt any requests for demolition or alteration until the spaces have their proper day before the Commission.
Thank you to colleagues near and far for your support and sharing this advocacy campaign.
Featured Articles
Kevin Roche’s UN Plaza Ambassador Grill and Lobby Closed, Pending Demolition - Docomomo US
Imminent Demolition Feared for United Nations Plaza Hotel's Iconic Postmodern Interior - Alexandra Lange, Curbed
Architect Kevin Roche Talks Threatened Postmodern Designs & Power of Mirrored Interiors - Curbed Staff
Kevin Roche's Late Modern Interiors at the Ambassador Grill May be Demolished - Audrey Wachs, Architect's Newspaper
UN Hotel's 'Disco Era' Interior Should be Landmarked, Preservationists Say - Noah Hurowitz, DNAinfo
Iconic UN Hotel Restaurant At Risk of Demolition, Activists Say - Serena Dai, Eater
Kaleidoscopic Interior by Pritzker Prize–Winning Architect Faces Demolition in NYC - Allison Meier, Hyperallergic