Friends of the Upper East Side
Historic Districts

Following our great success in expanding the Upper East Side Historic District, FRIENDS is launching a historic resource survey of Yorkville. We are beginning broadly, studying a wide swath of the Upper East Side from 59th-96th Streets, Lexington Avenue to the East River. This massive undertaking requires a major group effort, so we are enlisting volunteers to help with the campaign. Surveyors will first come to the office for a quick introduction and then hit the streets equipped with clipboards, cameras and a discerning eye. You can join us for just one block or all 150!

Volunteers record basic building information, such as address, block and lot, number of stories, window type, building material and style. Surveyors will also take digital photos of each building. An interest or experience in historic preservation, architectural history or related field is desirable.

Contact Tara Kelly at 212-535-2526 or tkelly@friends-ues.org if you would like to help!

FRIENDS will be giving testimony on the following LPC Agenda items on Tuesday, July 27, 2010:

58 East 66th Street – APPROVED

Upper East Side Historic District

A Beaux-Arts style residence designed by Buchman & Fox and built in 1908-09.  Application is to construct a rear yard addition and replace windows.

x

229 East 62nd Street – APPROVED

Treadwell Farm Historic District

A rowhouse constructed in 1874-75 and remodeled in Georgian style in the mid 20th century. Application is to alter the façade and construct a rooftop addition.

x

768-770 Fifth Avenue – LAID OVER

Plaza Hotel, Individual and Interior Landmark

A French Renaissance style hotel designed by Henry J. Hardenberg and built in 1905-07, with an addition designed by Warren and Wetmore and built in 1921. Application is to alter the rooftop addition.

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Public hearings are held in the Conference Room at the Municipal Building, 1 Centre Street, 9th Floor, Borough of Manhattan. Any person requiring reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the hearing or attend the meeting should call or write to the Landmarks Commission no later than five business days before the hearing or meeting. Hearing times are announced on the LPC website, the Friday prior to a hearing.

FRIENDS will be giving testimony on the following LPC Agenda items on Tuesday, July 13, 2010:

x

58 East 66th Street – LAID OVER

Upper East Side Historic District

A Beaux-Arts style residence designed by Buchman & Fox and built in 1908-09.  Application is to construct a rear yard addition and replace windows.

x

66 East 93rd Street – PRESENTING 7/20

Carnegie Hill Historic District Extension

A Queen Anne style flats building designed by A.B. Ogden & Son and built in 1890-91. Application is to alter the front and rear facades.

x

x

Public hearings are held in the Conference Room at the Municipal Building, 1 Centre Street, 9th Floor, Borough of Manhattan. Any person requiring reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the hearing or attend the meeting should call or write to the Landmarks Commission no later than five business days before the hearing or meeting. Hearing times are announced on the LPC website, the Friday prior to a hearing.

PS 108 students examine the facade of the Museum of the City of New York

Yesterday marked the last day of New York City Public School and the end of another fantastic school year for our youth education programs. FRIENDS would like to thank all of our participating schools, teachers, and parents as we wrap up another great school year.  Most of all, thanks to our wonderful 1st through 5th grade students for their enthusiasm, creativity, and curiosity.  Make use of your detective eyes during your summer travels in and out of the city by searching for lintels, pediments, cornices, gargoyles and more.  FRIENDS’ architectural education programs reached 800 students this year at fourteen different schools, five of which were new to the program! In September, we kicked off the school year with brand new activity books as well as updated lesson plans and photographs. Throughout the school year, whether participating in Building Fun, our introduction to architecture program, or our new program, Yorkville Immigration, we worked with students who were eager to learn more about their city’s architecture and history.

The buildings in 2008, with many alterations underway. Photo courtesy of the New York Times

FRIENDS is pleased that the long awaited decision on the owner’s appeal to revoke Landmark Status for City and Suburban First Avenue Estates has come out in favor of the City.  Read the findings of this significant June 24th decision, including a detailed history of the legal proceedings.  In the face of blatant disfigurement to the façade by the owner, FRIENDS has been a strong and leading voice for the integrity of this Landmark. Gratitude also goes to Councilmember Jessica Lappin, who has been forceful and unyielding in her support.  Click to read  the New York Times article about the decision and Councilmember Lappin’s support.