The Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) has designated five buildings in the area known as Tin Pan Alley on 28th Street in Manhattan. The buildings are considered significant and the birthplace of popular music and was named to describe the audible racket of piano music that made 28th Street sound “like a tin pan alley”.
The buildings located at 47 West 28th Street, 49 West 28th Street, 51 West 28th Street, 53 West 28th Street and 55 West 28th Street was home to a significant amount of sheet music that was for the first time readily accessible to the American public during the turn of the century. It is considered the precursor to what popular music is today.
Sarah Carroll, Chair of the LPC states “I am thrilled the Commission voted to designate these culturally and historically significant buildings. Tin Pan Alley was the birthplace of American popular music, was defined by achievements of songwriters and publishers of color, and paved the way for what would become ‘the Great American Songbook.’ Together, these five buildings represent one of the most important and diverse contributions to popular culture.” The Press Release for the LPC goes on to say “The designation of this row of five buildings also represents the diverse history of Tin Pan Alley, acknowledging the harsh realities faced by African Americans at the turn of the 20th century, as well as their achievements. Tin Pan Alley’s music publishing brought ragtime to an international public, and Jewish and African-American artists and publishers were able to create new and unprecedented opportunities for themselves in mainstream American music. Many went on to gain acclaim and prominence, like Irving Berlin, Harold Arlen, Duke Ellington, George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Noble Sissle, J. Rosamond Johnson, and James Reese Europe, among others.”
Local politicians also chimed in with respect to the Tin Pan Alley buildings being designated by LPC. City CouncilSpeaker Corey Johnson said “Tin Pan Alley is the birthplace of American pop music and now we’re ensuring that it will be here for future generations. Like much of American history, the story of Tin Pan Alley is complex and controversial, but preventing its demolition will give future generations the opportunity to learn from it. I thank the Landmarks Preservation Commission and the many activists who made this possible. Saving Tin Pan Alley is preserving an important part of our City’s history.” Manhattan Borough President express her satisfaction with the designation stating “I am pleased that these buildings will receive landmark status. Tin Pan Alley forms an indelible part of not only our City’s history, but also national identity. This designation ensures that this special place will be preserved and celebrated for generations to come.”
Below are some interesting facts about the building per the Release:
47 West 28th Street was built in 1852. It was home to at least 10 musicians’ and publishers’ offices over the course of 11 years. It was also the office of the New York Clipper, the foremost music and entertainment magazines of its time, and one that Tin Pan Alley’s publishers relied on to advertise their latest hits.
49 West 28th Street was built in 1852 and was home to at least eight musicians’ and publishers’ offices over the course of 12 years.
51 West 28th Street was built in 1852. It was home to at least 26 musicians’ and publishers’ offices over 17 years. The release indicates that 49 and 51 West 28th Street were the offices of M. Witmark and Sons, who pioneered a number of Tin Pan Alley’s marketing strategies and printed some of its biggest hits.
53 West 28th Street was built in 1839. It was home to at least 19 musicians’ and publishers’ offices for 13 years.
55 West 28th Street was built in 1859. It was home to at least ten musicians and publishers over 10 years.
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