LPC Consider Calendaring The Hotel Cecil And Minton’s, Dizzy’s Home, And More

On Tuesday, April 4, 2023, the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) will vote to calendar three buildings for consideration as individual landmarks.

The Hotel Cecil & Minton’s Playhouse Building, 206 West 118th Street in Harlem was home to the legendary Minton’s Playhouse, famous for three decades of presenting important house bands, star headliners, and informal jam sessions, and where the pivotal jazz style known as bebop took shape in the 1940s, transforming the history of American music.

The Dizzy Gillespie Residence, 105-19 37th Avenue in Corona in Queens was home to the legendary jazz trumpeter from 1953 until c. 1965, at the height of his influential career. It is located around the corner from the designated home of Louis Armstrong, who moved there in 1943. At the time the two luminaries lived in close proximity, Corona was home to many African American residents, including other notable musicians.

The 935 St. Nicholas Avenue Building in Harlem is a Gothic Revival-style brick and limestone apartment building designed by Gronenberg & Leuchtag in 1915 in Hamilton Heights. Along with its significant architectural character, the building is culturally significant as the longtime residence of Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington and Noble Lee Sissle, two pioneers of jazz music who were among the most prolific composers, musicians, and bandleaders in American history.

Calendaring is the first formal step in the designation process – the event starts at  9:30 AM EST.

Once calendared, LPC will hold a public hearing on the proposed designation at a future date, followed by a public meeting during which the Commission will vote on the designation.

Landmarks Preservation Commission YouTube Channel

Find more Harlem history here.