Philip Johnson's postmodern AT&T Building has been awarded landmark status, halting Snøhetta's controversial renovation plans for the Midtown Manhattan skyscraper.
New York's Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) announced yesterday, 31 July 2018, that it has granted landmark status to the tower, also known as 550 Madison.
The designation protects the exterior of the reddish-toned stone building, preventing the Oslo and New York-based architecture firm's controversial proposal to replace part of its base with glass. Snøhetta is now revising its scheme to update the vacant building's public, retail and office spaces, and any changes intended for the exterior will require an LPC review and an LPC permit.
The postmodern AT&T Building has been awarded landmark status in recognition of its architectural significance "The team has stepped away from the design in renderings that were made public in October 2017," said a statement sent to Dezeen on behalf of the firm.
"In anticipation of the landmark designation for the exterior, the team has been preparing plans for the building that strike a balance, respecting 550 Madison's importance, while addressing the challenges to making it a multi-tenant office building with high quality public space."
AT&T landmarking is "an astonishing and marvellous victory"
The move to landmark the building commenced last year, shortly after Snøhetta revealed its controversial scheme and triggered ...