The Queens
Historical Society is proud to present its third "Queensmark"
awards, this time to Hunters Point. This semi-annual program was created to
honor those structures and sites in Queens communities that deserve special
recognition because of outstanding architectural, cultural, or historical
significance. The first two communities so honored were
Richmond Hill and College
Point, in November 1996, and May 1997, respectively. From June through
October of this year, the Society's Preservation Committee did a survey of
Hunters Point, studying and examining its varied residential and commercial
structures. By driving, walking, taking photographs, and discussing, the
Committee finally narrowed its choices to those structures deserving of
Queensmarks. Special beautiful bronze plaques are being awarded to the owners
of the buildings.Queensmark is presented each Spring and Fall in a different Queens neighborhood. In each case, community groups and/or leaders are consulted. Queens Historical Society strongly feels that a Queensmark should maintain the high criteria that characterize a Landmark designation. To that end, the Preservation Committee includes an architect, an architectural historian,historical researchers, and a leader of a landmarked Historic District.  An ultimate goal of the
Society is to increase the awareness and sensitivity of Queens residents to the
Borough's heritage and history as expressed in its built environment, whether a
house, a factory, a park, or a store. These, and various other structures, all
present a story of the past, and, in their own ways, are as much a part of that
past as any will, deed, or old newspaper clipping.By developing an increased pride in our borough and its various communities, individually and collectively, can preserve our heritage, and secure it against unwelcome and unnecessary changes. |
