Design
A Quest to Save New York City's Disappearing Diners
Preservationist Michael Perlman, who calls diners "cornerstones of Americana," has a unique niche.
Several years ago, within a span of eight months, preservationist Michael Perlman brokered deals to rescue the classic Moondance and Cheyenne diners in Manhattan. The New York Observer quickly dubbed Perlman "Diner Man," and he's tried lived up to this superhero status ever since — swooping into the scene whenever an old school eatery seems destined for demolition. It's a bird, it's a plane, it's … two eggs over easy with wheat toast and a side of eternity.
"I felt very, very enthusiastic about diner preservation, since they're cornerstones of Americana," says Perlman. "I think the last remaining diners in New York City deserve landmark status."