James Baldwin's UWS House Gains National, Local Landmark Status

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — The Upper West Side home where author and civil rights icon James Baldwin lived for two decades until his death has been named a city landmark and was nominated for the National Register of Historic Places in the span of a week.

The city Landmarks Preservation Commission voted Tuesday to award the home on West 71st Street between Columbus Avenue and Broadway an individual landmarks designation, meaning any future alterations to the property will have to be approved by the city body. Baldwin lived in the home from 1966 until his death in 1987.

Baldwin's home is one of six sites tied to New York City's LGBT history that were awarded landmarks designation on Tuesday.

"The James Baldwin Residence at 137 West 71st Street, which has been a distinguished part of our community for decades, will now receive the care and recognition it so rightfully deserves through a designation bestowed just as we begin World Pride NYC celebrations this week. Although the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community have been challenged throughout history and even today, it is through actions such as this that we can show our continued support and help to make NYC a safe, welcoming environment for all," local City Councilmember Helen Rosenthal said in a statement.

State officials nominated the building for placement on both the state and national registers of historic places last week, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced. Placement on the register can aid building owners in restoration work by allowing them to qualify for preservation grants and tax credits.

The row house was built in 1890 and was altered by H. Russell Kenyon in 1961 into a Modern-style apartment house. The home was Baldwin's permanent residence while he lived in the United States. Baldwin split his time between New York City and Paris, according to city landmarks researchers.

While living on the Upper West Side, Baldwin worked on books including the recently-adapted "If Beale Street Could Talk," according to landmarks researchers. He also used the home to meet with other prominent writers and civil rights activists.

During his life, Baldiwn did not self-identify as gay but often featured LGBT characters in his books such as the influential 1956 novel "Giovanni's Room." Baldwin also spoke openly about same-sex relationships and LGBT issues, including an 1984 Village Voice interview in which he spoke about life as a black, gay writer in the United States.