The Barkin, Levin & Company office pavilion in Queens, NYC was landmarked December 19, 2023 by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission. Designed by Ulrich Franzen shortly after he left the office of I. M. Pei to start his own firm, the Long Island City building was completed in 1958 and was originally part of a large factory complex that produced women’s coats. The ultramodern design features ceiling vaults that resemble upturned umbrellas supported on nine steel pillars and extending beyond the perimeter of the pavilion’s walls. Ulrich Franzen went on to serve as a Landmarks Preservation Commissioner between 1992 and 1994. 

Although the building was restored and modified in 2009, it retains most of its original features. The current owner restored the pavilion as part of a redevelopment of the full site to include 5- to 9-story residential and mixed used buildings and supported the pavilion’s designation. DOCOMOMO US/New York Tri-State testified in favor as well. Read the testimony letter.

“LPC Designates Two Modern Buildings as Individual Landmarks,” NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission, December 19, 2023