Friends of the Upper East Side

Friends of the Upper East Side, founded in 1982, is an independent, not-for-profit membership organization dedicated to preserving and celebrating the architectural legacy, livability, and sense of place of the Upper East Side.

Preservation in Action

Our mission goes beyond traditional historic preservation. We are also the leading voice for common-sense development on the Upper East Side.

FRIENDS has played – and continues to play – an important role in maintaining and improving the zoning laws which govern development on the area’s avenues and residential side streets.

explore UES history button
programs recordings button
challenging overdevelopment button
positions & testimony buttons

Subscribe to get the latest news from FRIENDS straight to your inbox.

Latest Updates

Support FRIENDS' work on the Upper East Side with a donation.

Events

  • 16 May, 26
    Upcoming

    On/Off Park

    Saturday, 12:00 pm

    Join FRIENDS and architectural historian Matt Postal for a stroll up Park Avenue. Learn how electrification of the New York Central Railroad in…

    Read more
  • 06 Jun, 26
    Upcoming

    Yorkville: Northeast Exposure

    Saturday, 12:00 pm

    This new walking tour with FRIENDS and architectural historian Matt Postal examines the far East 80s and 90s.  Heading east from Second Avenue,…

    Read more
  • 17 Jun, 26
    Upcoming

    Central Park—What’s Up North?

    Wednesday, 6:00 pm

    Join FRIENDS and tour guide Ginny Poleman for a walking tour of the less-populated northern end of Central Park—a quiet, peaceful respite from…

    Read more
  • 24 Jun, 26
    Upcoming

    Exploring the Gilded Age Mansions Off Fifth Avenue

    Wednesday, 6:00 pm

    Often overlooked, the Gilded Age mansions off Fifth Avenue that still stand today now serve as private clubs, consulates, art galleries, and one…

    Read more
FRIENDS of the Upper East Side 2020