April 2020 marks the 55th anniversary of the New York City Landmarks Law, and this year, our neighborhood has something extra special to celebrate as we honor this milestone year.

As of October, 2019, the City and Suburban First Avenue Estate has been saved from demolition, thanks to a years-long, hard-fought battle waged by the LPC, our elected officials, and concerned preservation organizations like FRIENDS. The First Avenue Estate, built in 1915, stands out as one of the first privately-financed attempts to improve workers’ housing in New York City, and is a unique example of early progressive housing reform. Catering to a large immigrant tenant community, The First Avenue Estate offered nearly-unheard-of luxuries like light and air, which marked a vast improvement over traditional tenements, and helped Yorkville’s diverse communities thrive.

We invite you to join us, several of our elected officials, and representatives of the LPC, for a community celebration, reception, and panel discussion, exploring the cultural and architectural history of these buildings, and considering the legacy of the fight to preserve them.

Moderator Lisa Ackerman will speak with panelists Andrew Dolkart, Will Cook and Anthony C. Wood regarding the cultural significance, architectural history, community advocacy, and legal significance of the First Avenue Estate, and the battle to protect it. Following our panel, over cake and refreshments, local officials and fellow advocates will offer remarks on what First Avenue Estate, and the fight to preserve it, means to the history – and future – of our community!