Webster Hall Gets It’s Call

The city’s Landmarks Preservation Commission approved landmark status for this 19th-century entertainment emporium in the East Village. Since 1886, Webster Hall (known in the 1980's as The Ritz) has been well known for it’s society balls, political rallies, decadent bohemian bacchanals, speakeasy liquor, live entertainment, recording performances and since 1990, a nightclub and concert hall. The building's owners plan to fight the new landmark designation because it limits their real estate options and lowers their sales price (should they decide to sell). While I sympathize with their objections, this building and it’s rich history are too special to risk losing to some future real estate developer’s wrecking ball.