FRIENDS of the HISTORIC DISTRICTS

Spring 2011 Upper East Side Landmark Threatened with Demolitio n!

In the coming weeks, FRIENDS will be confronted with one of our greatest preservation challenges to date. The owners of the individually designated City and Suburban Homes First Avenue Estate (the full-block complex from First to York Avenues between East 64th and East 65th Streets) have submitted an application for the demolition of 429 East 64th Street and 430 East 65th Street on the ground that they do not generate a sufficient economic return. As you may recall, the owner’s City and Suburban Homes First Avenue Estate, ca. 1919-1923 opposition to preservation began over seminal importance in the history exhausted. This application does not two decades ago. In August 1990, in of the development of affordable meet those criteria. one of its last moves before being housing. The owner sued to over- As stewards of the architectural legacy dissolved, the Board of Estimate turn the designation, and subsequently of the Upper East Side, we must do overturned the designation of 429 lost their final appeal in June of last everything in our power to fight East 64th Street and 430 East 65th year. Following their defeat in the this hardship application. And now, Street, two buildings in the complex. At courts, the owner submitted their we need your financial support to the urging of FRIENDS and Council application for demolition on the basis continue this endeavor. Please make Member Jessica Lappin, the Landmarks of an economic hardship. a contribution to protect the First Preservation Commission (LPC) began This is only the 18th hardship Avenue Estate, and the future of every the process of re-designating these two application that has been submitted to landmark building in . n properties in 2006. The owner then the LPC since the Landmarks Law defaced the subject buildings by was enacted in 1965. The LPC should Visit www.friends-ues.org stripping them of their architectural only be asked to grant the demo- to make a contribution details and resurfacing the exterior lition of a landmark under the most online, or send a check to: with garish red stucco. Despite these strenuous of circumstances, when the FRIENDS 20 East 69th Street, #4B disfiguring alterations, the LPC re- economic hardship is genuine and all New York, NY 10021 designated the buildings, citing their other possible solutions have been Restored: 720

idiosyncratic design allowed several collection of photographs in the opportunities for moisture infiltration, building’s cellar. During initial con- causing corrosion of the ferrous steel struction, the building was photo- in the building’s skeleton. For the last graphed on a weekly basis, capturing the eighty years, much of this structural steel frame and masonry skin in various steel framing had only been protected states of completion. The photographs by a single layer of paint. Where the also show original configurations of paint failed, the expansive forces of rust decorative masonry which have since began to displace brickwork, limestone been altered, possibly by Candela ashlars, and even entire parapets. Walter B. Melvin Architects (WBMA) was retained by 720 Park Avenue to address these issues throughout the building. Repairs were initially performed on a triage basis but as more and more deterioration was discovered, WBMA soon recommended a full- scale restoration. This work eventually included reconstruction of parapets and building corners, masonry re- pointing, crack repairs, and cleaning. The decorative limestone – which 720 Park Avenue soon after completion exhibits a rich variety of preserved marine life remains – was salvaged, Located at the northwest corner of repaired and reinstalled. Work also Detail of setbacks overlooking Park Avenue Park Avenue and East 70th Street, in included replacement of skylights, the the heart of the Upper East Side repair of original iron drain pipes, and himself after the building was Historic District, 720 Park Avenue replacement of roofing and quarry tile completed. This collection of photo- was designed by eminent architect at terraces. graphs also helped establish the in conjunction with The restoration of 720 Park Avenue age of later additions, such as a the firm Cross & Cross. Completed was aided by the discovery of a terrace greenhouse. Project-related in September 1929, a month before demolition work also revealed the stock market crash, this luxury interesting historic artifacts such apartment building epitomizes the as steel hoisting clamps and cables architectural exuberance of the late that had not been removed post- 1920s and is a prime example of the construction, period newspapers within development of Park Avenue in the walls and traces of the original blue- early twentieth century. It was during green mortar. this period that Park Avenue was Despite the intrusive nature of the transformed into an elegant boulevard, restoration, the building has not been its apartment buildings creating the radically changed, a testament to the uniform street wall that is characteristic careful and thoughtful work that of the avenue today. WBMA accomplished. The integrity of Above the 12th floor, the prim brick- the building has been restored, with- and-limestone base of 720 Park Avenue out any detriment to its remarkable devolves into a cacophony of set- appearance. Both the building owners backs, bay windows, chimneys, parapets and Walter B. Melvin Architects should and buttresses, evoking a Tudor-style be applauded for their investment in manor house that has developed the future of 720 Park Avenue. n over centuries. Unfortunately, this 720 Park Ave under construction page 2 Twenty-Eighth Annual Awards Young Friends Each year FRIENDS recognizes fine restoration, renovation, and advocacy work As summer approaches, we are wrap- on the Upper East Side, both in and out of the historic districts. FRIENDS held ping up our busiest school year to date, its Twenty-Eighth Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony on March 15, 2011 at on target to reach a record number of The New York School of Interior Design. Hermes Mallea, a board member at students and school s! From lintels, FRIENDS, gave a dynamic presentation of this year’s awards. After the ceremony, gargoyles and stained glass to brownstone, honorees and guests headed to the adjacent art gallery for a spirited reception. limestone and brick, the buildings of the Upper East Side and East Harlem have functioned as an outdoor classroom for over 950 first and second graders this school yea r! Some of our success can be attributed to the expansion of our partnership with the Museum of the City of New York. Schools participating in our three visit program have the opportunity to follow up with a bonus session at the museum Emily Rafferty Council Member Daniel Garodnick (Advocacy Award Judith Berdy (Renaissance Award Presenter) Recipient) and Landmarks Preservation Commission (Restoration Award Recipient) to as part of their “Grid” program. This Chairman Robert Tierney (Advocacy Award Presenter) optional course reinforces architectural • The RENAISSANCE AWARD was presented by Emily Rafferty to the Central concepts and explores how city plan- Park Conservancy for the Ancient Playground & the Osborn Gates. ning helps ensure that communities serve the needs of their residents. Students • The ARCHI-TEACHER AWARD was presented by Andrew Dolkart to learn the various zones of the city and Jane Cowan. con-struct a model neighborhood based • The SUSTAINABILITY AWARD was presented by Lisa Kersavage to Regis on community needs conforming to High School for their Green Roof. ’s grid system. Many of our • The ADVOCACY AWARD was presented by Landmarks Preservation schools have enjoyed this new offering and the feedback from teachers and Commission Chair Robert Tierney to Council Member Daniel Garodnick. parents has been outstanding. • The RESTORATION AWARD was presented by Jane Swanson, on behalf of We love returning to our neighbor- Council Member Jessica Lappin, to the Roosevelt Island Historical Society hood schools each year, as we have for the Roosevelt Island Visitor Center Kiosk. become an integral part of their study • The TECHNOLOGY AWARD was presented by Christopher Gray to the of New York City. This year, we have

Museum of the City of New York for their online Collections Portal. n encountered many new classrooms and hope they, too, will become old friends in yacht circles Roosevelt Island, enjoy the the years to come. n An East River View sunset, socialize, and listen as the city’s history comes alive over cocktails, hors Join FRIENDS for an exclusive tour d’oeuvres, and a buffet dinner. of the Upper East Side from the waters n of the East River aboard the aptly- named Lexington . With gleaming wooden handrails, teak decks and mahogany interiors, you could not ask for a more stylish or unique perspective of the Upper East Side. Francis Morrone, renowned architectural historian, will lead this special tour of the landmarks Tuesday, June 14th, 5:30pm Boarding, that line the river’s shore, including 6:00pm Departure, 9:00pm Return rarely seen views of the United Nations, Boat departs and returns to the NY Skyport Sutton Place, Rockefeller University, Marina, East 23rd Street & FDR Drive New York Hospital, the Queensboro $150 members, $175 non-members Bridge, and Gracie Mansion. As the page 3 Save the Dat e! Thursday, September 15, 2011

Join FRIENDS for an exciting the region’s transportation infrastruc- In 2008, at the request of Governor evening as we proudly honor Richard ture. In 1988, he was the Chairman of Paterson, Mr. Ravitch chaired a com- Ravitch at our Eighth Annual Am- the Charter Revision Commission of mission that designed a plan to finance bassador to the Upper East Side Award the City of New York. the MTA. Most recently, Mr. Ravitch Dinner on Thursday, September 15th. In 1999, Congress created the served as Lieutenant Governor of the Richard Ravitch, long-time resident Millennial Housing Commission to State of New York. of the Upper East Side, has been examine the federal government’s role With such outstanding company, this engaged in both private and public in meeting the nation’s growing is sure to be an evening to remembe r! business for more than 40 years. In affordable housing challenges. Mr. For inquiries please call 212-535-2526

1975, at the request of Governor Hugh Ravitch was appointed to serve as or email [email protected]. n Carey of the State of New York, Mr. Co-Chair of the Commission which led Ravitch assumed the Chairmanship of a diverse group of 22 housing experts the near-bankrupt New York State in an intensive 17-month process to Urban Development Corporation, rethink America’s affordable housing successfully keeping the corporation policy. In May 2002, the Commis- solvent and completing construction of sion presented its report to Congress, 30,000 low-income housing units. He recommending a series of initiatives served as Chairman of the Metropolitan to create new housing tools, reform Transportation Authority for five years, several current programs and stream- reorganizing the MTA and improving line existing programs. Richard Ravitch, 2011 Ambassador to the Upper East Side

remind us of our past achievements and A Little Help serve as a source of identity and pride." for New York City College of Technology, a unit of the City University of New York, FRIENDS is located in Brooklyn. City Tech, as it is commonly known, serves 15,368 full Last fall, thirteen students from the and part-time students; with approx- Department of Architectural Tech- imately 900 students in the department nology, New York City College of of Architectural Technology. The over- Technology participated in the FRIENDS all student population reflects the survey of Yorkville. Working in pairs, the immigrant experience of New York City: Professor Barbara Mishara and her CUNY students preparing students were responsible for surveying to embark upon the Yorkville survey 41.7 % were born outside of the United and photographing all the buildings on States; 60.8% report a language other an assigned block. The experience also encouraged close than English spoken at home. Thirty- The students were enthusiastic about observation of the built environment, an four per cent of the students are Black, their assignment. In the words of one, important skill for architects in training. 31.7% Hispanic, 18.5% Asian and 11% this "was the first time when I actually Students learn more by doing than by White. Fifty-two percent of the students stood in front of a building trying to merely reading. One student summar- report household incomes of less than figure out the style, structure, materials, ized, "In the beautiful skylines of our New $30,000; 63.9% of continuing students components, and conditions of a York City, we can appreciate the contrast receive need based aid. structure. It made me realize that I live in in style and age of buildings, and is a sight The project was a resounding success a city full of architectural history and that that enables us to go back and forth in and I hope to find more eye-opening time, a view that tells us where we have I knew so little about it. For me the survey experiences for my next class of students. n was a great experience for the simple been and where we are at the moment. reason of actually realizing the beauty of And that is why it is important to preserve by Barbara Mishara each building." historic landmarks, structures that Assistant Professor, New York City College of Technology page 4 A New FRIENDS of the Arts Walk with FRIENDS This winter FRIENDS hosted a group their film installation entitled How Long of students from Columbia University’s Are You Going to Be Here? Their plan is to School of the Arts who are currently edit many filmed interactions that take developing multi-disciplinary arts place on the steps of the Metropolitan projects focusing on Museum Mile. Museum of Art, highlighting intimate The class, entitled Multi-Arts Incubator , is stories and the improvised community working alongside the French Institute life of the venerable institution. Alliance Français (fi:af) to create four Prugh credits the visit to FRIENDS unique artistic responses to the area as “extremely helpful to have early and its history, architecture and in our creative process…Ms. Kelly gave culture. Under the guidance of pro- us an overview of the history of fessor Gideon Lester, the goal of the the district and helped provide a class is to develop work collaboratively, distinctive lens to view both architecture

presenting these projects at fi:a f’s annual and community.” n fall festival: Crossing The Line . by Jimmy Maize Working at an early stage to formulate Columbia University, their artistic angle, executive director MFA Theater ‘12 Tara Kelly gave a thorough history of the neighborhood to thirteen members To learn more about fi:af visit Last fall, the National Trust for of the class. Caroline Prugh, an artist www.fiaf.org, and to read about last Historic Preservation announced that with a background in playwriting, is year’s Crossing The Line Festival , visit Friends of the Upper East Side Historic collaborating with three fellow students www.fiaf.org/crossingtheline. Districts was awarded a grant from the from differing disciplines to realize Elizabeth and Robert Jeffe Preservation Fund for New York City. This generous grant will help us redesign and print LETTER from the PRESIDENT Walk with Friends , our architectural and cultural guide to the Upper East Side. With the pending hardship application at the City and Suburban First Since it was originally produced, Avenue Estate, FRIENDS continues to be at the forefront of preservation Walk with Friends has reached thousands, concerns on the Upper East Side. This is a critical issue that threatens the introducing visitors and reacquainting very existence of each one of our beloved landmark buildings. Rest assured long time residents to the cultural and that we will be as vigilant as ever in this fight. architectural gems of our neigh- borhood. It features detailed maps of On a happier note, I am delighted to report that we had a very successful each of the Upper East Side’s historic Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony. Our vast array of presenters and districts, descriptions of all 126 in- awardees made for a truly extraordinary evening in celebration of the Upper dividual landmarks, and bits of East Side’s significant preservation accomplishments over the last year. fascinating history. However, with the I am also pleased to announce that we have a new addition to our team. 2010 expansion of the Upper East Side Our Education Director Sarah O’Keefe Greig gave birth to a beautiful baby Historic District, Walk with Friends is now girl on March 23rd. Born on the anniversary of the designation of the Upper out of date. To celebrate this mon- East Side Historic District Expansion, it is obvious that we have a tiny umental accomplishment, we have preservationist on our hand s! begun to redesign and update our map As you depart for your summer travels, don’t forget to mark your calendar and guide. for this year’s Annual Ambassador Award dinner. We are thrilled to be Thanks to the National Trust for honoring Richard Ravitch on September 15th and we hope to see you there! Historic Preservation and the Elizabeth Sincerely, and Robert Jeffe Preservation Fund for New York City, our new version of Walk with Friends will reach your mailboxes this fal l! n page 5 2011 Board of Directors In Gratitude FRIEN DS First President (1982-1991) of the UPPEREASTSIDE Halina Rosenthal FRIENDS of the Upper East Side HISTORICDISTRICTS Anne L. Millard, President Historic Districts wishes to acknowl- Rita C. Chu, David I. Karabell, edge the generous support of: Joan K. Davidson ( J. M. Kaplan Fun d), Friends of the Upper East Side Annie MacRae, Gretchen Siebel The Gilbert & Ildiko Butler Family Historic Districts , founded in 1982, Vice Presidents Foundation, The National Trust for is an independent, not-for-profit O. Kelley Anderson, Treasurer membership organization dedicated to Historic Preservation’s Elizabeth and Franny Eberhart, Secretary preserving the architectural legacy, Robert Jeffe Preservation Fund Kent L. Barwick, Christina R. Davis, for New York City, The New York livability, and sense of place of the Upper East Side. We safeguard the Andrew S. Dolkart, Lionel Goldfrank City Department of Cultural Affairs, III, Erin Gray, Huyler C. Held, Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, future of the Upper East Side’s six Thomas Jayne, E. William Judson, State Senator Liz Krueger, Council historic districts and 126 individual Rev. John A. Kamas, Christian K. Member Daniel Garodnick and Council landmarks, acting as an advocate Keesee, David L. Levinson, Member Jessica Lappin through the for sound preservation policies for the city. FRIENDS has also been a Mimi Levitt, Hermes Mallea, Department of Cultural Affairs. n leader in successful efforts to improve Joyce Matz, Alice McGown, dramatically the zoning laws govern- Frederic S. Papert, Judith Price, ing the area’s avenues and residential Robert C. Quinlan, Genie Rice, side streets. Alexandra Schlesinger, Patricia B. Selch , Andrew P. Steffan, Patricia F. Sullivan, Margot Wellington Tara Kelly, Executive Director

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage FRIENDS PAID of the New York, NY UPPER EAST SIDE Permit No. 1347 HISTORIC DISTRICTS

20 East 69th Street, 4B, NY, NY 10021