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New York Tin Pan Alley 'at risk' New York Tin Pan Alley 'at risk'
(about 23 hours later)
New York's Tin Pan Alley - a group of houses widely considered the birthplace of American song-writing - is at risk, a group of conservationists has warned.New York's Tin Pan Alley - a group of houses widely considered the birthplace of American song-writing - is at risk, a group of conservationists has warned.
They are fighting for protected status for the block on Manhattan's West 28th Street, where Irving Berlin, Fats Waller and Scott Joplin were published.They are fighting for protected status for the block on Manhattan's West 28th Street, where Irving Berlin, Fats Waller and Scott Joplin were published.
Their warning comes after initial plans to replace the block, on sale for $44m (£28m), with a high-rise fell through.Their warning comes after initial plans to replace the block, on sale for $44m (£28m), with a high-rise fell through.
Many songwriters' careers began there from the mid-50s to the late 1980s.Many songwriters' careers began there from the mid-50s to the late 1980s.
The four-storey, 19th-Century buildings were home to the publishers of such famous tunes as God Bless America, Take Me Out to the Ballgame and Give My Regards to Broadway. They helped launch the careers of songwriters and musicians who are still popular today Simeon Bankoff Historic Districts CouncilThe four-storey, 19th-Century buildings were home to the publishers of such famous tunes as God Bless America, Take Me Out to the Ballgame and Give My Regards to Broadway. They helped launch the careers of songwriters and musicians who are still popular today Simeon Bankoff Historic Districts Council
Although the construction plan fell through amid widespread financial turmoil in the US, conservationists say they are worried another developer may come along.Although the construction plan fell through amid widespread financial turmoil in the US, conservationists say they are worried another developer may come along.
They are seeking city landmark status for the buildings, which would prevent them being demolished.They are seeking city landmark status for the buildings, which would prevent them being demolished.
"It's a very, very disturbing prospect," said Simeon Bankoff, executive director of New York's Historic Districts Council."It's a very, very disturbing prospect," said Simeon Bankoff, executive director of New York's Historic Districts Council.
"These buildings are incredibly significant to the development of New York City. They helped launch the careers of songwriters and musicians who are still popular today. "These buildings are incredibly significant to the development of New York City. They helped launch the careers of songwriters and musicians who are still popular today.Conservationists warn a part of New York's history could be lost
"The notion of Tin Pan Alley entered into our idea of New York and our idea of America. The buildings deserve to be protected.""The notion of Tin Pan Alley entered into our idea of New York and our idea of America. The buildings deserve to be protected."
Lisi de Bourbon, of New York's Landmarks Preservation Commission, said it was researching the history of the buildings and reviewing whether they would be eligible for city landmark designation.Lisi de Bourbon, of New York's Landmarks Preservation Commission, said it was researching the history of the buildings and reviewing whether they would be eligible for city landmark designation.
No date has yet been set for a decision as to whether they merit protected status.No date has yet been set for a decision as to whether they merit protected status.