Dear Members of GANYC:  I received the notice below from the Municipal Arts Society (MAS) tonight regarding the fate of  The United Palace Theater in Washington Heights. 

GANYC had a monthly meeting and a FAM tour at the Palace in 2015,  so I know that many of you are familiar with it. 

(From Municipal Arts Society email blast)

We need your help to save a treasure of Washington Heights!

Last month, the Loew’s 175th Street Theatre—the last of New York’s five gilded age Wonder Theaters—received approval from the Landmarks Preservation Commission, putting it one step closer to landmark designation after more than 45 years in limbo.   But we have just learned from our colleagues at the Historic Districts Council that the local Council Member for the 10th district, Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez, plans to rescind his support for designating the theater. Without his vote, the designation will almost surely fail to pass the City Council.   Please call Council Member Rodriguez this week and tell him that the Loew’s 175th Street Theatre must be protected as a New York City landmark.   MAS supported the designation of the Loew’s 175th Street Theatre when the Landmarks Preservation Commission first reviewed it in 1970, and again in 2015. A “delirious masterpiece” in words of the New York Times, the theater’s exuberant, eclectic style incorporates both Hindu and Islamic design in a free interpretation iconic to this period of theater design.

Call Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez  Ask him to support the designation of the Loew’s 175th Street Theatre! Legislative Office: 1-212-788-7053 District Office: 1-917-521-2616

Spread the Word Use social media, email, and good old conversation to tell your neighbors, friends, family, and colleagues that this is happening. It’s not too late to have our voices heard.