FRIENDS is Happy to Announce a New Educational Program: Building Fun Basics!
Since 1995, the educational programs at FRIENDS have reached over 1,500 first through fifth grade children annually to teach them about New York City’s built environment. Building Fun has been one of FRIENDS’ Key Programs with the aim of introducing students to the idea that buildings can talk and tell us stories about their use, materials, age, and purpose through classroom lessons, a neighborhood walking tour, and hands-on activities.
Frick Update: New Architect Chosen for Expansion
In June 2014, The Frick Collection announced plans to expand the institution, which included the replacement of the prized Russell Page garden with a new, out-of-scale tower. FRIENDS, among many other groups like Unite to Save the Frick, opposed these inappropriate plans. After much criticism, the Frick withdrew its proposal the following year.
A Wonderful Evening at our 13th Annual Ambassador to the Upper East Side Award Dinner!
On Wednesday, September 28th, over 200 friends from around the city gathered to honor O. Kelley Anderson at our Thirteenth Annual Ambassador to the Upper East Side Award Dinner.
FRIENDS Summer 2016 Newsletter: Hot off the Press!
Stay updated on all of the latest FRIENDS news with our Summer 2016 Newsletter!
FRIENDS Announces our 2016 Ambassador to the Upper East Side!
FREINDS announces O. Kelley Anderson as 2016's Ambassador of the Upper East Side! Raised in a historic house on Beacon Hill, Kelley Anderson is both an erudite embodiment of the best qualities of the Upper East Side, and a tenacious street fighter for its landmarks and historic districts.
FRIENDS Testifies at City Council Hearing on POPS
On June 29th, the City Council’s Committee on Land Use held a hearing to discuss Intro. 1219-2016, a proposed bill that would require the Department of City Planning to report to the City Council about the status of Privately Owned Public Spaces, known as “POPS.”
Buildings Department Halts Work on 180 East 88th Street
Responding to pressure from civic groups including Carnegie Hill Neighbors and FRIENDS, in addition to our elected officials Council Member Ben Kallos and Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, and the power of the press, the New York City Buildings Department has ordered a stop to all construction on the luxury condominium tower at 180 East 88th Street.
East 88th Street Tower: Zoning for New Heights Sinks to a New Low
An article in Monday’s New York Times, “4-Foot-Wide Lot, Carved Out by Developers, Causes Big Stir in Manhattan,” highlights a development project of serious concern to FRIENDS and other neighborhood advocates.
A Celebration of all things Yorkville!
On Saturday, April 30th, FRIENDS and the Historic Districts Council hosted “Yorkville: A Celebration of Home” at the lovely Bohemian National Hall, an individual New York City landmark. Held in the Hall’s stunning Grand Ballroom, Majda Kallab Whitaker of the Bohemian Benevolent & Literary Association provided a fascinating overview of the Hall’s history and careful restoration.