Two early 20th-century Nomad buildings are now NYC landmarks

Two early 20th century Nomad buildings became New York City’s newest landmarks on Tuesday morning. The city’s Landmarks Preservation Commission unanimously voted to designate Hotel Seville, now known as the James NoMad Hotel, and the Emmet Building, located across from it.

The designation followed just a few weeks after the Commission held a public hearing to solicit public feedback on the proposed designation. All those present at the meeting on February 20 spoke in favor of landmarking the structures, including the present owners of both buildings.

Nomad residents have been calling for the expansion of the Madison Square North Historic District for quite some time now, and while they haven’t got that yet, they can certainly celebrate the designation of two historic buildings in the neighborhood, which the LPC calendared in December last year.

The Beaux Arts Hotel Seville is a notable hotel building from the early 20th century and the Emmet Building is a Neo-Renaissance skyscraper that was built for the pioneering surgeon Thomas Addis Emmet, who maintained an apartment at the top of the commercial building.

“These elegant buildings are not only distinctive and exemplary on their own, but together they represent an era of change and development in the area north of Madison Square during the early 20^th century,” said LPC Chair Meenakshi Srinivasan, in a statement. “Their location across the street from each other reinforces this intersection as a reminder of the architectural exuberance of their historic period.”

• Nomad buildings in line for landmarking get unanimous public backing [Curbed]
• Madison Square North historic district could be expanded if preservationists have their way [Curbed]
• Landmarks will consider designating 4 NYC buildings, Harlem historic district [Curbed]