1000 Park Avenue Receives the FRIENDS 2025 Exterior Restoration Award!
Susan Tunick, artist and President of Friends of Terra Cotta, presented the FRIENDS Exterior Restoration Award to the team behind the restoration of the 1000 Park Avenue façade, completed in 2024. The three-year project involved extensive cleaning and the repair of deteriorated terra cotta elements on this Emery Roth-designed building.
FRIENDS Publication Award Celebrates “Rosario Candela and the New York Apartment 1927–1937”
At the Annual Awards Ceremony on April 17, 2025, Janet Ross presented the Publication Award to the authors of Rosario Candela and the New York Apartment 1927–1937.
Advocacy Alert: Write to state lawmakers about concerning provisions in Faith-Based bill
The misleadingly named “Faith-Based Affordable Housing Act” has once again moved to the forefront in Albany — and it poses a serious threat to historic preservation and the character of neighborhoods across New York City.
New Upper East Side Individual and Interior Landmark!
The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) unanimously voted to designate the (Former) Whitney Museum of American Art building at 945 Madison Avenue as both an Individual and Interior Landmark.
George M. Janes receives Ralph C. Menapace Award
Urban planner George M. Janes received the Ralph C. Menapace Award at the FRIENDS 2025 Annual Awards for his contributions to our advocacy work. FRIENDS rarely bestows the Menapace Award, named after Ralph Menapace, a seminal figure in New York City preservation. Click on the video above to listen to his acceptance remarks.
Ronda Wist on Colonial Dames
FRIENDS Board member Ronda Wist presented the FRIENDS Institutional Restoration Award to The National Society of Colonial Dames in the State of New York (NSCDNY) for the restoration of their headquarters. President Marguerite Morrison accepted the Award on behalf of NSCDNY
Opposition Mounts Against Proposed 5G Tower at 1150 Madison Avenue
FRIENDS expressed strong opposition to the installation of a Link 5G tower at 1150 Madison Avenue.
Watch It Again: 2025 Manhattan Borough President Candidates Forum
A recording is available of the Manhattan Borough President Candidates Forum that was held on April 16. This preservation-focused forum hosted BP candidates Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Keith Powers and focused on candidates' views on important preservation, planning, and development issues.
Watch It Again: 2025 Mayoral Candidates Forum with Preservation Organizations
A recording is now available of the 2025 Mayoral Candidates Forum focused on preservation issues. The forum was organized by FRIENDS of the Upper East Side and fellow preservation organizations across the city and featured candidates Michael Blake, Corrine Fisher, Brad Lander, Jessica Ramos, Scott Stringer, and Jim Walden.
FRIENDS Comments on Mayoral Charter Revision Commission
Mayor Adams has convened a new Charter Revision Commission (CRC) with the stated goal of addressing the city's housing crisis—but make no mistake: behind the headlines, this process could radically weaken public input and oversight over development in New York City. The NYC Charter is the foundational document that establishes the framework for city government and its processes, including how decisions about land use and development are made.