Take a walk west on 59th Street, toward the Hudson River, and you will end up face to face with one of the most important buildings in New York City’s history. Situated between Eleventh and Twelfth avenues and occupying an entire city block, the legendary Interborough Rapid Transit (IRT) Powerhouse sits majestically amid a mix of glass high rises and vacant plots, next door to John Jay College.

Earlier this year, the Preservation League of New York State added the Powerhouse to its annual Seven to Save list of the state’s most threatened historic resources, to draw attention to a building that has been up for landmark status three times since 1979, with multiple attempts falling through due to opposition from its present owner, Consolidated Edison (Con Ed). In the past, a Seven to Save designation has helped to protect several buildings, including the Montauk Manor on Long Island.