The decision is finally in, and the beloved Clock Tower in Long Island City is not going anywhere.
On Tuesday the city’s Landmarks Preservation Commission voted unanimously to landmark the 11-story tower in Queens Plaza, formerly the Bank of the Manhattan Company building.
“For nearly a century, the Queens Clock Tower building has been one of Long Island City’s most recognizable structures, greeting hundreds of thousands of commuters as they enter the borough,” said Landmarks Preservation Commission Chair Meenakshi Srinivasan. “The commission is proud to recognize this iconic building, which represents a significant period of development in Long Island City.”
Designed by Queens-born architect Morrell Smith, the tower, located at 29-27 Queens Plaza North, was built in 1927 and at the time was described as “the first skyscraper in Queens.”
According to the LPC, in 1927 the building’s design received first prize from the Queens Chamber of Commerce as the borough’s best business building.
The decision to landmark the site comes as residents have been speaking out and calling for the LPC to make the decision that would keep the tower in the community. A petition was also started on change.org and signed by 1,606 supporters.
“This is a tremendous victory for New York City preservationists and local residents who contacted my office to convey their overwhelming support to retain the character of this great neighborhood,” Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer said. “I was proud to help give this community coordinated grassroots campaign the additional pressure it needed to ensure the Clock Tower Building stands for another 90 years.”
The building, which is now owned by Property Markets Group, will be surrounded by a 70-story 930-apartment building at 29-37 41st Ave. – expected to be the tallest building in Queens.
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