Unsure if anything like this already exists but wanted to highlight what is one of my pet peeves, which I had mentioned in a different thread.
The goal here is to document and bring awareness to all the missing cornices around the city (and other, mostly Northeastern/Midwestern, cities).
I dream of some sort of tax abatement program or some government action to incentivize owners to rebuild their cornices. These gorgeous buildings look stunted without them.
Good one!
I hate that most modern buildings don’t have them.
Cornices not only look great but also provide provide a function of keeping walls cleaner, without too many water stains
This is caused by two related issues: cost and liability. Cornices must be maintained, which costs money, or they’ll crumble and hurt someone below, which is a huge liability for the building owner. Clearly, most landlords have decided that cornices are not worth the cost/risk. They want to avoid being financially liable for something like this:
This old NYT article explicitly states that a law designed to prevent injury from falling debris was resulting in the widespread removal of cornices and other ornamentation. This quote sums it up:
‘‘Issues of esthetics, the long-range value of a well-maintained building and the quality of the street are not foremost considerations for an owner seeking short-term returns on an investment.’’
That is great insight, thank you for sharing. I always imagined they were removed as they deteriorated, not as a preemptive measure for liability reasons.
Not the same exactly, but a similar issue regarding removal of Architectural ornament for ‘practical/safety’ reasons.
This would be: Where is my architectural symmetry, where is my ornamentation?
The occupant of the apartment would reply: Where is my sunlight, where is my view - with that silly sliver of a WINDOW. With that sentiment I agree; as I am a strict ‘functionalist’ regarding Architectural Design.
I think the occupant, who I do not know, well deserves the right to having thier early morning sunlight rising from the EAST - but this may have been a violation of the Landmarks Preservation Laws.
Here is a bedroom window from the inside; it is the same small 'slit" window as shown in the photo. These narrow windows seem to show up in every type room: bathroom, bedroom, living room, and stair wells.
Most of these windows look great from the OUTSIDE: but do not ‘function’ well for those who live on the INSIDE. Thus, the ugly bashing out the original window opening to make larger for better light & views.
The Architectural firm was Mckim, Mead & White. All beautiful classical architectural design.
