This section contains the nature of the case and procedural background.

P is a religious, educational, and charitable organization founded in 1877 for the purpose of uniting interested persons to further the goal of nonsectarian moral improvement. Two buildings were constructed and the one known as the Meeting House is involved in the instant controversy. D deemed it worthy of landmark status due to its exemplification as the first building facade of the art nouveau style pioneered in this country by the noted architect Robert D. Kohn, who was also a president of P. D rightfully concluded that the Meeting House is 'a tangible symbol of the Society's permanent social contribution and a rich architectural element of the fabric of our City.' P opposed the designation. P eventually filed an action for declaratory judgment, and after a nonjury trial, the trial court agreed with the P's contention that there was insufficient evidence that the Meeting House was of historical or architectural significance, and declared that the designation was unreasonable, confiscatory, and therefore unconstitutional. The Appellate Division reversed. P appealed.

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