Expansionism at The Frick Collection: the historic cycle of build, destroy, rebuild

This thesis contends that if landscape architecture is not accorded status equal to that of architecture, then it becomes difficult, if not impossible, to convey significance and secure protective preservation measures. The sensibilities and protections of historic landscape preservation designations, particularly with respect to urban landmarked sites, played a critical role in the recent debate surrounding The Frick Collection in New York City. In June 2014, The Frick Collection announced plans to expand its footprint on the Upper East Side. Controversy set in almost immediately, presenting the opportunity to discuss in this thesis the evolution of an historic institution’s growth in which a cycle of build, destroy and rebuild had emerged. The thesis discusses the evolving status of landscape preservation within urban centers, citing the Frick Collection example of historic landscape in direct opposition to architectural construction. Archival and scholarly materials, media reports, landmark decisions, and advocacy statements illustrate the immediacy and applicability of historic persons, architecture, decisions and designations to the present day. Understanding this historic significance of place before initiating change provides a more informed pathway to the future. The thesis concludes that historic landscape preservation can, and should, warrant the equality of stewardship and significance as held by its architectural counterpart.M.A.Includes bibliographical referencesby Jacquelyn M. Wals