Gentrification Enters Preservation Debate Surrounding NYC's Strand Bookstore

The Renaissance Revival building that houses New York City's beloved Strand Bookstore is under consideration by the city's Landmarks Preservation Commission. The case has provoked debate between rival advocates.

2 minute read

July 19, 2019, 12:00 PM PDT

By Philip Rojc @PhilipRojc


Strand Bookstore

Martin Hearn / Flickr

"Since vacating 4th Avenue's legendary 'Book Row'—of which it is the only surviving store—in 1957, the Strand has blossomed into an adored cultural institution," Jack Denton writes. "Though colossal gentrification, the rise of Amazon, and various other bookseller-unfriendly forces have felled many other nearby stores, the Strand has remained."

Recently, a proposal from New York's Landmarks Preservation Commission to landmark the exterior of the Strand's building has provoked pushback. "Landmarking will limit the store's ability to make renovations, creating bureaucratic costs for the store's continued existence, the Strand and its supporters argue." 

"In some ways, the owner of a for-profit business—albeit a culturally beloved one—fighting the city's proposed regulations on its building is a dog-bites-man story. However, the Strand's story also reflects a growing anti-landmarking coalition that views preservation initiatives as potentially harmful to the historic and culturally significant neighborhoods and buildings they intend to preserve."

Denton goes on to discuss the many angles from which advocates approach the desirability of landmarking. YIMBYs, for instance, oppose what they view as an imposition to new construction. Some anti-gentrification advocates dislike the practice because it can lead to higher perceived neighborhood desirability. Others see it as a way to fight rampant redevelopment. "In New York, landmarking of neighborhoods tends to raise housing costs in the outer boroughs, but not in already dense and expensive Manhattan, where the effect of landmarking on housing prices is small," Denton writes. 

While some advocates suggest "pairing historic preservation initiatives with plans for adding affordable housing or easing zoning restrictions outside the landmarked district," to do so "would require the cooperation of multiple independent city agencies that may not be in communication—and which might have rival priorities."

Wednesday, July 3, 2019 in Pacific Standard

stack of books

Planetizen’s Top Planning Books of 2023

The world is changing, and planning with it.

November 24, 2023 - Planetizen Team

Close-up of 'Red Line Subway Entry' sign with Braille below and train logo above text in Chicago, Illinois.

Chicago Red Line Extension Could Transform the South Side

The city’s transit agency is undertaking its biggest expansion ever to finally bring rail to the South Side.

November 24, 2023 - The Architect's Newspaper

Aerial view of Eugene, Oregon at dusk with mountains in background.

Eugene Ends Parking Minimums

In a move that complies with a state law aimed at reducing transportation emissions, Eugene amended its parking rules to eliminate minimum requirements and set maximum parking lot sizes.

December 3, 2023 - NBC 16

Close-up of exposed pipe in trench with blurred utility workers and yellow truck in background.

EPA Calls for Eliminating Lead Water Pipes in 10 Years

The mandate doesn’t include additional funding, prompting backlash from utility companies.

21 minutes ago - Route Fifty

Outdoor public restrooms with two silver doors and icons for men, women, wheelchair accessibility, and baby changing above doors.

Baltimore Considers Public Restroom Project

The city is starting to develop a plan for adding more public restrooms downtown, where available bathrooms are scarce and historic buildings are being damaged by public urination.

1 hour ago - The Baltimore Banner

Facade of brick multistory apartment buildings in New York City with fire scapes.

Will New York’s Strict Short-Term Rental Rules Work?

Some owners are reluctant to put short-term rental units back on the long-term rental market, but the number of permitted units has dropped dramatically.

2 hours ago - Stateline

Senior Planner

City of Kissimmee - Development Services

Planner II

City of Kissimmee - Development Services

Senior Travel Demand Modeler

Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

"Rethinking Commuter Rail" podcast & Intercity Bus E-News

Chaddick Institute at DePaul University

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.