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
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
157 East 78th Street
A vernacular rowhouse with Italianate style influences built in 1861 and later altered. Application is to replace windows, alter the front facade, and construct a rear yard addition.
140 East 74th Street
An Italianate style rowhouse designed by John G. Prague and built in 1871-75. Application is to construct a rooftop bulkhead and install railings.
Central Park-Fifth Avenue and 103rd Street
An Italianate/Second Empire style rowhouse designed by John Sexton and built in 1869. Application is to reclad the facade.
54 East 66th Street
A neo-Grec style rowhouse designed by J. H. Valentine and built in 1877-78. Application is to construct rear yard and rooftop additions, reconstruct the top floor at the rear façade, and raise the roof.
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.
52 East 64th Street
A Classical style rowhouse built pre-1879 and altered by Frederick Sterner in 1916-17. Application is to modify the front façade, construct a rooftop addition, demolish a rear addition, and reconstruct and raise the rear facade.