Midtown's rezoning plan progresses, designating five structures in the Garment District as historical landmarks.
Midtown South Mixed-Use (MSMX) Plan Approved, Balancing Housing and Historical Preservation
In a significant move, the New York City Council approved the Midtown South Mixed-Use (MSMX) Plan on August 14, 2025, marking a transformation for the 42-block area including the Garment District [1][3][5]. This rezoning permits the creation of over 9,500 new housing units, with more than 2,800 permanently affordable units mandated through the city's Mandatory Inclusionary Housing program [1][3][4].
Alongside housing, the plan includes $488 million in community infrastructure investments. These funds will be used for improvements such as the establishment of a car-free busway on 34th Street and targeted financial support to protect and preserve the Garment District’s fashion industry and its workers [2][3][5].
The recent landmark designation of five buildings in the Garment District is part of a broader effort to protect the neighborhood's historic character amid the rezoning. The designated buildings - the Barbey Building, Fashion Tower, Furcraft Building, 29th Street Towers, and the Lefcourt Clothing Center - were designed by notable architects, specifically purpose-built for the Garment District [2][3][5].
Each of these buildings was an epicenter of New York’s commercial fashion and clothing industries, hosting manufacturing plants throughout the early 20th century. LPC Chair Sarah Carroll said the five buildings capture the Garment District's history [2][3][5]. The designation does not require City Council approval, but the Council has 120 days to modify or reject it.
The Garment District is considered a story of New York's global reputation for creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation. Andrea Goldwyn, the public policy director of the New York Landmarks Conservancy, testified that the buildings harken to New York's history of being a leader in garment design and manufacturing [2][3][5].
The MSMX plan is the largest residential rezoning in Manhattan in 20 years and represents a major shift toward introducing housing where it was previously restricted. The plan aims to address the citywide housing crisis by enabling families to live near transit and jobs in Midtown South [1][4].
DCP Director Dan Garodnick stated that the LPC’s designation shows how New York City can grow and change while preserving its historical roots. He emphasized that smart planning and preservation go hand-in-hand, and are being utilized to help Midtown South adapt and grow while protecting the neighborhood's vibrant history [2][3][5].
Manhattan Councilmember Erik Bottcher supports the MSMX plan and believes the landmark designation will protect crucial parts of New York's history. He, along with the Landmark Preservation Commission (LPC), collaborated with the Department of City Planning (DCP) to identify and preserve these buildings [2][3][5]. The LPC's decision came less than one week after a City Council committee advanced a proposal to rezone Midtown South.
In summary, this rezoning marks a significant transformation by balancing the introduction of much-needed housing with protections to sustain the Garment District’s historic economic and cultural identity [1][2][3][4][5]. The designated buildings, with their architectural gems, will enliven the neighborhood for current and future residents, serving as a reminder of the continuous adaptation across historical eras in Midtown Manhattan.
Read also:
- Long-Term Prescription Drug Impact on Brain Function
- Benefits, sources, and supplements for Vitamin D and its role in addressing osteoporosis
- Diabetes Management during Pregnancy: Keeping Tabs on Blood Sugar Levels and Lifestyle Adjustments
- Life Expectancy with Interstitial Cystitis: Exploration of Research, Treatment Methods, and Additional Information
