In 2004, the Gramercy Park Block Association raised concerns about the National Arts Club’s historic façade and building condition. A letter to members from Arlene Harrison and Historic Preservation Committee Chair Jack Taylor described architectural and engineering research behind the campaign.

The Block Association nominated the building for the Preservation League of New York State’s Seven to Save program and the National Trust’s America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places list. The surviving correspondence includes a January 26 letter from Historic Districts Council Executive Director Simeon Bankoff supporting the National Trust nomination.

The letters show how neighborhood advocacy can connect detailed attention to a building with wider preservation organizations.

An archival view along Gramercy Park South including the National Arts Club, with scaffolding visible, about 1977.
National Arts Club and Gramercy Park South, about 1977. Edmund Vincent Gillon, 2013.3.2.266. Museum of the City of New York.
Sources

Correspondence from 2004, including the August 24 Block Association letter and January nomination letters.