Petition Opposing Cooper Union's Proposed Demolition of the Abram S. Hewitt Memorial Building at Taras Shevchenko Place

TO:
Community Board 3
The City Planning Commission
The Landmarks Commission
The Manhattan Borough President
The New York City Council

Cooper Union has proposed to demolish the 2-story Abram S. Hewitt Memorial Building which is located between E. 6th and 7th Sts. on Taras Shevchenko Place. The building, constructed in 1912, stands on New York City land and is leased to Cooper Union under a renewed 99-year lease for $100 a year. It is situated directly across from the St. George complex which includes St. George Ukrainian Church (built in the traditional Byzantine architectural style - stained-glass windows, mosaics, and Byzantine dome), St. George School/Academy, and other related structures. This Ukrainian parish has been a prominent member of the Community for almost 100 years. Cooper Union proposes to demolish the Hewitt Building and replace it with a 9-story academic building (equal in height to a 16-story residential building) that will include ground level retail space. It will place the church and school in its shadow, as well as obstruct the new Ukrainian Museum on E. 6th St. The proposed construction is not sensitive to the historic significance of the Ukrainian Community and dishonors the legacy of former New York Mayor Abram S. Hewitt.

We urge you to:

1. determine the Hewitt Building's eligibility for
   1. State Register of Historic Places,
   2. listing in the State and National Registers of Historic Places, and
   3. NYC Landmark Designation,
2. deny Cooper Union's request to demolish the Abram S. Hewitt Memorial Bldg.

Shevchenko Preservation Committee
c/o Ukrainian National Home
140-142 Second Ave.
New York, NY 10003
SPC@brama.com
www.ShevchenkoPlace.org