Preserve the Merz House at 48 Willow Place

For over fifty years, the three modernist homes designed by Joseph and Mary Merz on Willow Place have stood as nationally recognized examples of how contemporary architecture can honor historic neighborhoods.

Now one of these architectural treasures faces a visible rooftop addition that would fundamentally alter its carefully composed design—the very quality that earned these homes AIA awards and made them required study for architecture students nationwide.

Why a Rooftop Addition Matters

"It's just a rooftop structure—what's the big deal?" It's a fair question, but here's what's at stake: These buildings aren't beautiful by accident. Every line, every proportion was intentional. The Merzes designed these homes as complete sculptural compositions, where the roofline is as essential to the design as the facade. A visible addition doesn't just change the top of the building—it undermines the entire architectural statement.

These homes have educated generations of architects precisely because they demonstrate how modernist design can speak respectfully with historic neighbors through careful proportion and restraint. When you alter the roofline—the silhouette that defines the building's relationship to the street and its neighbors—you're not making a minor modification. You're changing the fundamental design that made these homes architecturally significant.

A Pivotal Moment in Architecture

In 1963, the Merz's purchased vacant, demolished lots on Willow Place. Rather than imitate the Greek Revival surroundings, they created something notable: modern homes that gave new life to the street while respecting the scale and character of their older neighbors.

For decades, architecture students from Columbia, Pratt, and programs across the country have visited these homes—often monthly—to study them as examples of how innovation and preservation coexist. These aren't museum pieces. They're working examples of thoughtful urban design.

The Precedent

Twenty years ago, when another owner of 40 Willow Place sought a similar rooftop addition, the Landmarks Preservation Commission ruled it must not be visible from the street, recognizing that "the unique sculptural design of these buildings would be severely compromised." That decision acknowledged an important principle: the architectural integrity of these buildings depends on their completeness.

The Larger Picture

The new owners have every right to personalize their home. But landmark designation means stewardship of something larger than private ownership. The Merzes themselves were passionate preservationists who fought for Brooklyn Heights and its historic character. To allow their own work—their contribution to that preservation legacy—to be altered in ways they specifically designed against creates a troubling contradiction.

What We're Asking

We're asking the Landmarks Preservation Commission to uphold their precedent at the November 25, 2025 hearing: that rooftop additions to these architecturally significant homes must not be visible from the street.

These buildings have educated generations about how cities can grow while honoring their past. Your signature demonstrates that landmark designation has meaning—that architectural significance matters, that precedent should be upheld, and that the standards we set today will shape preservation decisions for years to come.

Beyond signing this petition, you can submit direct comments to the Landmarks Preservation Commission. Written testimony carries significant weight. Submit your comments here: https://www.nyc.gov/site/lpc/about/submit-public-hearing-meeting-comments.page

The LPC hearing is November 25, 2025. Please sign by Wednesday, November 19 at 11:59 PM EST so we can present a strong showing of support.