The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission announced on June 17 that it had conferred landmark status on the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. It is believed to be the first time that the commission has nominated an unfinished structure and the designation came only after lengthy negotiation with the cathedral chapter.

Robert B. Tierney, chairman of the commission told The New York Times that the announcement culminated a “37-year quest” to preserve the “unique place in the architectural, social and cultural history of the city and the nation.” Mr. Tierney also said that the designation would not compel the cathedral to follow the existing French Gothic plans designed by Ralph Adams Cram if funds became available to restart construction.

By law only the exterior of religious structures can receive landmark status which typically limits the amount and type of renovation that can be done. Until now cathedral trustees opposed landmark status, but last year they agreed to cooperate with a designation that recognized its uncompleted state and also preserve additional development potential at the north end and southeast corner of the cathedral campus.