2006 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Voice Your Opinion! FRIENDS of the HISTORIC DISTRICTS (1982-1991) Halina Rosenthal, First President FRIENDS Landmarks Preservation of the UPPER EAST SIDE Anne L. Millard, President Commission Tony Rosenthal, Honorary Chairman Robert Tierney, Chair HISTORIC DISTRICTS Rita C. Chu, David I. Karabell Municipal Building Gretchen Siebel, Vice Presidents One Centre Street, 9th Floor, , NY 10007 Founded in 1982, FRIENDS is an O. Kelley Anderson, Jr.,Treasurer independent, not-for-profit membership [email protected] organization dedicated to preserving the Franny Eberhart, Secretary Upper East Side architectural legacy, livability, and sense of Kent L. Barwick, Judith Churchill, City Council Members place of the Upper East Side. In addition Christina R. Davis, Andrew S. Dolkart, to safeguarding the future of the Upper Hon. Jessica Lappin Lionel Goldfrank III, Erin Gray, 336 East 73rd Street, Suite C East Side’s six historic districts and 125 Huyler C. Held, Adam Holender, New York, NY 10021 individual landmarks, and as an advocate Thomas Jayne, E. William Judson, P: 212.788.7210, for sound preservation policies for the city, F: 212.788.7207 FRIENDS has also been a leader in Rev. John A. Kamas, Arie L. Kopelman, successful efforts to dramatically improve Henry Lambert, Mimi Levitt, Hon. Daniel Garodnick the zoning laws governing the area’s avenues Robert K. Lindgren, Hermes Mallea, 420 Lexington Avenue, Ste 1710 SUMMER 2006 and residential side streets. Norman Marcus, Joyce Matz, New York, NY 10017 For information please call 212.535.2526 Alice McGown, Bannon McHenry, garodnick @council.nyc.ny.us Frederic S. Papert, Li Chung Pei, P: 212.818.0580 or visit www.friends-ues.org. F: 212.818.0706 Judith Price, Robert C. Quinlan, FRIENDS chats with Genie Rice, Alexandra Schlesinger, Hon. Michael R. Bloomberg Annie Schulhof, Patricia B. Selch, Mayor New Upper East Side Elizabeth Shields, Andrew P. Steffan, City Hall, New York, NY 10007 P: 212.788.3000 Jeanne Sloane, Patricia F. Sullivan, Roger W. Tuckerman, Margot Wellington, Council Members Julia Widdowson, Caroline Zaleski FRIENDS welcomes new city council Miller. Ms. Lappin was appointed to replace DESIGN: REVOLUCION, LLC. members Jessica Lappin and Daniel Council member Simcha Felder as Chair of Seri Worden, Executive Director 22 W 23 ST 3FL NYC 10010 WWW.REVOLUCIONNYC.COM For information, please contact Amy Gomez at 212 229 0700 Garodnick. Council Member Garodnick the Landmarks, Public Siting & Maritime represents District 4. We were fortunate to Uses Subcommittee, which is the first stop on have Councilman Garodnick present an award the Council for deliberation over landmark at our Awards Ceremony last February and designations and legislation. We welcome Ms. we thank him for his kind words and Lappin to her new position and look forward FRIENDS receptiveness to preservation issues on the to working with her in the coming months. Upper East Side. Council Member Jessica To better get to know our new Council of the UPPER EAST SIDE Lappin represents District 5 in Manhattan, a Members and to understand the important HISTORIC DISTRICTS seat formerly held by Council Speaker Gifford role they play in the preservation of our Miller. A life-long New Yorker, Ms. Lappin neighborhoods, FRIENDS has asked Council 20 East 69th Street, 4B, NY, NY 10021 joined the City Council staff in 1998 as Senior Adviser and District Chief of Staff to Mr. Continued on Page 4 A True Manhattan Landmark Five years ago FRIENDS put together an exhibition entitled Modern Architecture on the Upper East Side: Landmarks of the Future. Prominent among the buildings included in the show was the 1950-1951 Manhattan House, which fills the block between Third and Second Avenues, 65th to 66th Streets. Trumpeted by Architectural Forum as “The biggest, whitest, and most interesting postwar mountain of cliff dwellings for New York’s well heeled natives,” the 20 story apartment house is a superblock within the metropolis. Continued on Page 6 Chat with Upper East Side Council Members (Continued from Page 1) Friends Annual Meeting Members Garodnick and Lappin a few pride in our communities and protects honor or challenge than representing the questions to find out what is on their minds the history and character of our city. district in which I grew up. & Awards Ceremony regarding preservation on the Upper East Side What influence do you think preservation advocacy Can you tell us some of your goals while on the Council? and for the city as a whole. groups have on the city council? I am very concerned about the RIENDS held its Twenty-Third Mr. Alan Wasserman, Mr. Mark Alamo and FRIENDS’ Honorary Council Members rely on their research transportation options available to East Annual Meeting and Awards Wasserman, Mr. Stanley Wasserman, Chairman, presented the award to the and expertise and, often, look to them Siders. I also consider affordable housing Ceremony on February 8, 2006, Philip Toscano, R.A., Mr. Frank Vacca, office of the Mayor, the for guidance. F a top priority throughout the City. at The New York School of Interior Mr. Charlie Vacca, Mr. Ed Wynne, Mr. Department of Parks and Recreation and Questions for Jessica Lappin What can advocacy groups do to be the most effective Additionally, we continue to be Design. FRIENDS’ president, Anne Steve Goldenberg, Ms. Stephanie Wallace, the New York City Department of Can you tell us a little about your background? with the City Council? challenged by a number of quality of life Millard, greeted the audience and thanked Mr. Bill Bendernagle, Ms. Joanne Jensen, Transportation. I was born and raised in New York City. Develop relationships with their local issues on the Upper East Side such as Inge Heckel, president of the New York and Mr. Richard Lebow were there to I went to Stuyvesant High School and City Council Members and educate them newspaper racks, graffiti, illegal street School of Interior Design for allowing receive the award. then studied government at Georgetown about endangered properties and vendors, and illegal bicycle practices. I us use of their marvelous school. The The Church of St. Vincent Ferrer, 869 University. After graduating, I moved preservation priorities for the area. also firmly believe that historic first order of business was to nominate Lexington Avenue also received a back to the city I love to pursue a career preservation adds to the character and two new members of the board; David RESTORATION AWARD for the outstanding in public service. I took a job in 1998 Do you think the city council should have more or less integrity of our neighborhoods and to W. Levinson and Annie MacRae. Next power (or the same) over the landmarking process? restoration of the church’s exterior. with Council Member our quality of life. was the awards ceremony. Each year Bannon McHenry presented the award and spent the next 7 years working in Right now, the Council serves as a check and balance on the Commission. We What is one of your favorite historic buildings FRIENDS recognizes fine restoration, to St Vincent Ferrer Church, Father my community, helping people, and or neighborhoods in your district? renovation, and advocacy work on the Kevin Robb, O. P., and Mr. Alfred solving local problems give the people a greater voice in the process and play an important and I am very proud to represent the Upper Upper East Side, both in and out of the Gallicchio. How did you come to seek a position on the East Side and Carnegie Hill Historic districts. Hermes Mallea, a FRIENDS’ appropriate role. A HATS OFF AWARD was presented by Hon. ? Districts. The Upper East Side Historic board member and architect, gave a lively While working for the City Council, I How would you characterize the relationship of the presentation of this year’s six awards Dan Garodnick to 850 Park Avenue for Districts contain excellent samples of the replacement of the building’s cornice. learned that an energetic elected official City Council to the Landmarks Preservation American architecture, and are a perfect covering diverse categories from churches The Seventy-Seventh Street Corporation, with fresh ideas can encourage new Commission? example of the evolution of urban to cornices. After the ceremony, honorees Walter B. Melvin Architects, LLC, West Friends’ President Anne Millard with Tony and solutions and ways of thinking about the There seems to be a sense of frustration architecture in the City. Carnegie Hill and guests headed to the school’s art Cynthia Rosenthal city’s most pressing issues. Running for with the length of time it takes to review is equally beautiful. With the gallery for a reception. New York Restoration of Connecticut, office seemed like a great opportunity and designate Historic Districts. I believe Boston Valley Terra Cotta, Essex Works construction of the Hotel Graham at the An EXTERIOR RESTORATION AWARD was to build upon my experience and to find that this is partly due to inadequate turn of the 20th Century and the further Limited, and Seal Reinforced Fiberglass, funding and staffing levels at the presented to Bohemian National Hall, Inc. were in attendance to receive the innovative ways to move our city forward. development of the area following the 321 East 73rd Street, for the impeccable Commission. As a result, I circulated a construction of the Carnegie Mansion, award. Can you tell us some of your goals while on the budget proposal with Council Member work restoring this historic cultural Council? the area has an immense array of center. Rev. John A. Kamas presented The TECHNOLOGY AWARD was presented Avella to increase the agency’s budget architectural styles which tell the story by Winthrop Aldrich to the New York To preserve affordable housing, improve next year by $500,000. the award to the Ministry of Foreign transportation options on the East Side, of development in this area. Affairs of the Czech Republic, Jan Hird State Historic Preservation Office for protect the historic fabric of our city, Additionally, I have always been moved Pokorny Associates, NABYTEK their website, which now makes infor- and provide funding for our schools, by the bold design and ingenuity of the EUROPA and Martin Holub, Architects mation on State and National Register listings available to the public online. parks, and cultural institutions. Questions for Daniel Garodnick Chrysler Building. I think the image is & Planners. an icon of New York City and I am proud What is one of your favorite historic buildings Andrew Dolkart presented a The REMEMBER THE ALAMO! AWARD was to have it in my district as well. presented to The Alamo Sculpture at or neighborhoods in your district? RESTORATION AWARD to City and The Renwick ruins on Roosevelt Island, Can you tell us a little about your background? Is there any building or area in your district that isn't Suburban’s York Avenue Estate for the Astor Place for its recent conservation. Board Member Rev. John Kamas presenting an award to the otherwise known as the Smallpox I was born and raised on the East Side protected that you would like to see designated? magnificent restoration of this building. Tony Rosenthal, the sculptor of the architects and owners of Bohemian National Hall Hospital. The ruins, which were of Manhattan in the Stuyvesant I have asked the Landmarks Preservation designated in 1970s, are beautiful, Town/Peter Cooper Village community, Commission to consider designating the mysterious, and full of promise. where I continue to live today. I am an Manhattan House at 200 East 66th Is there any building or area in your district that isn’t attorney with a background in civil Street and the Horn and Hardart protected that you would like to see designated? rights. I graduated from Dartmouth Automat at 106 West 57th Street as I would like to see the City and Suburban College with a B.A. in Government, and individual landmarks. I consider the Homes (First Avenue Estate) designated. from the University of Pennsylvania Law Manhattan House to be a significant The First Avenue buildings, which were School. After law school, I clerked for development in the architectural history part of the largest “model tenement” a federal judge before becoming a of New York City. It is the first white complex ever built, should never have litigator at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton brick apartment building and is one of been removed from the Landmarks & Garrison LLP. the City’s first examples of the International Modern Style (see front Preservation Commission’s original How did you come to seek a position on the New York designation. page article). The Automat on West City Council? 57th Street was designed by Ralph B. What do you think the impacts of historic preservation My background in civil rights and educa- Bencker and once functioned as an are on a community? tion advocacy propelled me toward a career important cultural and historical I think the impacts are incredibly in public service. When I learned that my meeting place for members of New positive. Landmarks define our predecessor, , was running York’s music, dance and art gallery neighborhoods and give us a sense of for higher office and leaving her Council district. place. Preserving these landmarks creates seat, I thought that there could be no greater Board Member Andrew Dolkart with the awardees for City and Suburban Homes York Avenue Estate Continued on Page 7 4 5 We made new “Friends”at PS 183 Landmark transverse road. A large curved roof Lexington LETTER from the (Continued from Page 1) spanning the existing courtyard was proposed to enclose the U-shaped Avenue PRESIDENT The combination of Skidmore Owings building and the open space below. and Merrill, with engineer and architect FRIENDS did not take issue with the Update Albert Mayer and his collaborator Julian addition of a modern structure to the This is the beginning Hill Whittlesey, produced an innovative stables, but felt that the proposed roof H plan, 20 stories of apartments, most was too high, overwhelming the intimate of the “Greening with Bauhaus-style balconies, set above a scale of the stables. FRIENDS and other of New York.” transparent lobby floor. Light and air community preservation organizations There are twinges, and then were guaranteed as the building, a narrow testified against the proposal at the LPC public hearing. The LPC considered the tickles, and then a full assault on the slab, occupies only 40 percent of the site. objections and in the end a compromise senses that have been buried deep in A common area on the rooftop was achieved to allow for a roof, but at a our souls over the winter of “graying.” contributes to the aura of indoor-outdoor much reduced height. Central Park is a wonderful barometer living exceptional in city dwellings. Deep setbacks from the crosstown streets create of the activity to come. It starts with a felicitous relationship between the the yellow daffodils nudging the dirt apartments and the urban context. A away after their long winter sleep. It passion to create conditions of humane reminds me of Rip Van Winkle. They living within the city, which Albert Mayer Be on the lookout this summer for our seem to reign alone for a few weeks shared with town planners Henry Wright web exhibit based on FRIENDS’ efforts before their friends and buddies join and Clarence Stein, led to the design of to expand the Upper East Side Historic them for their “coming up party.” this remarkable building. District on the National and State The cherry trees, the Frick magnolias, Manhattan House, a much in demand Registers of Historic Places. the tulips on Park Avenue, the Volunteers Franny Eberhart and Mary Kay Judy taught our three-session Young Our web site will include a historical Friends “mini-course” to some very enthusiastic 2nd graders. During the first session rental property since originally built by dogwood and that glorious wisteria of the course, students learn architectural vocabulary, which enables them to "read" New York Life Insurance Company, was narrative, the National Register on many brownstone blocks make a building's age, material, purpose, and nature of the neighborhood at the time of recently sold and will become a condo- Nomination, vintage photographs, and every street a sensual delight. What most importantly, a database of individual construction. Armed with their new knowledge, the students ventured out into their minium, in a wave of city-wide condo- 39 East 63rd Street fun to watch the boats on the Pond school’s neighborhood for the second class. In the field, the students have the minium conversions. Rent-stabilized Mott B. Schmidt, one of the most buildings within the extension, searchable by address, date of construction and in Central Park! I thought the opportunity to use their new vocabulary to survey the blocks, and to learn important tenants will move and Manhattan House prominent early 20th century architects great information. Manhattan Solstice was magical. information about their neighborhood's history. During the third session, the students will enter a new phase. This is the proper to work on the Upper East Side, designed have a chance to become architects, and design a building of their own, using collage houses for an impressive list of clients But to more serious matters! We materials. By stimulating an interest in architecture, the program strives to instill in moment to landmark an extraordinary ornament to the Upper East Side, and including the Astor, Vanderbilt, and must renew our vigilance in reviewing children a sense of community pride and an awareness of and sensitivity to their Morgan families. Often employing the surroundings. For more on this program, please contact us at 212-535-2526. an important document in the history of Landmark applications and checking Neo-Georgian style, Schmidt redesigned on the construction on rooftops and We also have FRIENDS in India. For the fourth year, FRIENDS donated educational “white buildings,” a design which has many townhouse facades, updating them in rear yards. Those blue tarps can literature to the Cultural Heritage Educational Initiative in Lucknow, India. We were been endlessly copied but never equaled. in a more fashionable style. happy to help spread the word on preservation! cover a multitude of sins! Please be In April, a proposal to alter 39 East 63rd our eyes and ears for what may lurk Street, Schmidt’s first commission in Manhattan came before the LPC. Erected beneath those behemoths! Save the Date in 1882 as one of a row of brownstones, And we continue our pursuit of Schmidt redesigned the façade in a the extension of the Upper East Side restrained Neo-Georgian style in 1917. Historic District on the National Curiously, the building is noted as “no Register. We will be meeting with those style” in the local designation report, FRIENDS’ to Honor Emily K. Rafferty making protection of the building more property owners who have concerns Tuesday, September 26, 2006. 6:30 p.m. The Colony Club challenging. The proposed alterations and hopefully resolve any unease. We included a redesign of the Schmidt façade, will be sure to keep you posted. as well as rear and rooftop additions. Join FRIENDS for an exciting evening honoring Emily K. Rafferty, President of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, at our Happy summer and enjoy all that our Third Annual “Ambassador” to the Upper East Side Award Dinner on Tuesday, September 26th at the Colony Club. FRIENDS testified that the alterations unique city has to offer. would destroy this exquisite building by Ms. Rafferty, a native New Yorker, has served on the staff of The Metropolitan Museum since 1976. A frequent speaker on topics related to non-profit management and fundraising, Ms. Rafferty has been affiliated with a number of arts and inter- an important architect and urged that the museum organizations. She has been a member since 1990 of ArtTable (Board of Directors 1991- 1994); a member of the building be restored. The LPC agreed Association of Fundraising Professionals and Women in Financial Development; and for ten years served on the development and did not approve the plans. The committee of the American Association of Museums. Ms. Rafferty is a member of the Board of Directors of the World Trade architect is currently working on a revised Center Memorial Foundation, the Steering Committee of the Association for a Better New York, and a member of the proposal with the LPC. To stay apprised Anne Millard Women’s Forum. With such an outstanding honoree, this is sure to be an evening to remember! of this application, visit the FRIENDS www.friends-ues.orgPresident website where current LPC items and decisions are posted on a regular basis.

6 3 the Lewis Spencer and Emily Coster threatened with inappropriate alterations (Continued from Page 4) Morris house, located at 116-118 East this past February. 166 East 73rd Street FRIENDS “Lunching” Tours WhatChat do you think the impacts of historic preservation In Review 80th Street. This elegant town house, was designed by renowned architect are on a community? built in 1922-1923 by the famed Richard Morris Hunt in 1884, and is one The Upper East Side—my community— architecture firm Cross & Cross, is one of eleven individually designated carriage needs to stand firm in defense of historic of four individually designated houses on preservation. Preserving New York’s houses on East 73rd Street between history reminds us of who we are, where the block, all modeled on 18th century Lexington and Third Avenues. The we come from, and allows us to maintain London residences. Such a remarkable proposed addition included a two-story the character of our neighborhoods. ensemble of graceful homes contributes rooftop addition and the removal of the I also believe that all new developments significantly to the outstanding character existing stucco façade to expose the in our area should respect the history of this Upper East Side neighborhood. underlying brick. and the buildings that tell the story of the City. Preservation also has a The proposed addition would have been significant economic impact on a historic highly visible from the street, neighborhood—providing benefits overwhelming the carriage house’s through tourism, arts, and culture. intimate scale and elegant architecture. Such a large addition would greatly detract What influence do you think preservation advocacy from the low-scale character that makes groups have on the city council? While we are always eager to learn more currently being considered by The Preservation advocacy groups play an Seventh Regiment Armory this streetscape so unique. FRIENDS about our own backyard, FRIENDS Landmarks Preservation Commission as integral role in the decision-making of Update strongly opposed the addition and the headed downtown this Spring for two a designated interior landmark. the Council. Historic preservation is The Seventh Regiment Armory LPC denied the application. The fascinating tours. In April, FRIENDS’ Our second tour took FRIENDS on a something that requires a very specific Conservancy has rapidly expanded its architects revised their design to a one- board members and our “Best Friends” ferry trip just a few hundred yards off the knowledge and advocacy groups provide operations this spring, setting up offices story addition that will be significantly members attended a very special tour and southern tip of Manhattan to visit the expertise needed to help us make at the Armory and growing from 2 less visible. Refinements are continuing luncheon at 195 Broadway, the old AT&T Governors Island. Claire Kelly of the informed decisions regarding a headquarters. We were invited to take employees to 10 plus two interns since to be made on the proposed addition to Governors Island Preservation and designation of or a modification to an achieve even less visibility. part in a private viewing of this spectacular Education Corporation (GIPEC), led us existing landmark. February. They have quickly launched a While the roof top addition initially building by our new board member, community outreach effort making And there is more good news. Removal on a fascinating walk around the island What can advocacy groups do to be the most effective proposed was a tasteful design, it was David L. Levinson, whose company, L & to visit the island’s two fortifications – presentations to local co-op boards, highly visible from many locations both of the stucco façade could have been a L Holding, bought the building last year. with the City Council? interested residents, and City and State Fort Jay and Castle Williams, erected The most effective way to influence the on the street and from neighboring risky procedure. Often the underlying Mr. Levinson took us on a tour of the between 1796 and 1811. The forts sit officials, offering tours, establishing an brick is in poor condition or the stucco magnificent lobby of massive 40 foot- City Council is to make thoughtful, well- buildings. Such a noticeable addition is within a larger National Historic considered arguments in favor of “Armory Neighbors” advisory committee, inappropriate for an individual landmark cannot be removed. After careful testing high Doric columns, ornate marble Landmark District of military housing and attending meetings of the it was determined that the stucco can friezes and bronze sculptures. We designating buildings and districts. Using on one of the most historically and and other historic structures, all with history and reason to support Community Board 8 Armory architecturally significant blocks on the successfully be removed and the original continued our tour to the top floors of fantastic views of the harbor and New Subcommittee. In March, CB-8 held a preservation is most compelling—and Upper East Side. Thanks to the efforts brickwork will be restored. the building to walk through the old York City skyline. Today, city, state and captures the attention of preservation- meeting for public commentary where of FRIENDS, other neighborhood AT&T offices and to enjoy the expansive federal agencies are in the planning stages minded Council Members. Friends of the Upper East Side Historic view of lower Manhattan. Next, we headed constituents and the LPC commissioners, 86th Street Police Precinct of converting this former military Districts, the New York Landmarks to the basement for a sneak peak at the Do you think the city council should have more or less installation into new public parkland and power (or the same) over the landmarking process? Conservancy, the Municipal Art Society, a compromise was reached in which the building’s vault of architectural artifacts rooftop addition was reduced in scale to a spectacular destination in New York CIVITAS, the Central Park Conservancy, and AT&T memorabilia. Our tour ended Harbor. Keep on the lookout for other The current role of the Council to make Lenox Hill Neighborhood House, greatly minimize its visibility. This case with a lovely lunch among the columns exciting and unique tours sponsored by final decisions on designations is is an excellent representation of how and grandeur of the lobby. The lobby is appropriate. The process allows public Assemblyman Jonathan Bing’s office, art FRIENDS. testimony before the Landmarks and antique show organizers and nine historic preservation does not seek to discourage change, but rather to Preservation Commission, which neighborhood residents all spoke or considers that testimony in its evaluation submitted letters in support of the encourage sensitive design while PRESERVATION COMMITTEE of a building or development. However, Conservancy’s plans at the Armory. protecting historic resources. Call when the item comes to the Council, This summer the Conservancy will be broader policy considerations are taken working on some immediate 166 East 73rd Street into consideration. This allows for an evaluation of these issues from both a improvements to the building as well as for Each month FRIENDS’ Preservation Committee historical and a contemporary planting beds and putting together an reviews Certificates of Appropriateness perspective. exhibit on the first floor about the applications for individual landmarks and Armory’s history and decoration to open Entries buildings within the six Historic Districts on the How would you characterize the relationship of the City The 86th Street Central Park stables Upper East Side. A representative of FRIENDS Council to the Landmarks Preservation Commission? in the fall. The Conservancy is happy to designed by Calvert Vaux and Jacob Wrey Each year, Friends of the Upper East Side attends the Landmarks Committee of It appears to me that the Landmarks give tours throughout the summer (be Mould were being considered for reuse Historic Districts awards outstanding warned, it gets hot in there in summer as a police precinct this past January. The Community Board 8 and testifies at the LPC’s Preservation Commission and the City achievements in preservation, architecture hearings. The monthly agenda is posted on our Council have a reasonable working with no air conditioning), call Kirsten proposed plans included restoring the and advocacy on the Upper East Side. Reoch, Project Director, at 212-616- web site (friends-ues.org/currentLPC. htm) along relationship, with the Council now dilapidated buildings to their original Nominations are sought for our 2007 overturning only three designations in 3937, for more information. with photos, FRIENDS’ testimony and the beauty. It would also have resulted in an Annual Awards. If you know of a restora- Commission’s decision. the past fourteen years. I do, however, addition that FRIENDS felt would destroy tion or renovation project, or even a new believe that the Commission needs more 116-118 East 80th Street the relationship that the stables have with building that fits with its historic neigh- funds in order to accomplish its mission In January a proposal came before the the park’s landscape. bors, let us know! Projects must be com- Visit us at FRIENDS-UES.ORG of researching and designating historic Landmarks Preservation Commission to Another individual landmark on a very The stables are nestled into Central Park pleted between October 1, 2005 and buildings. build a one-story rooftop addition on special block on the Upper East Side was below grade near the 86th Street October 1, 2006.

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