THEN

The Sokol, built in 1896 by Julius Franke the 100+ year institution served the Czech community in Yorkville. The building is on a lot that was unusual size compared to the rest of the lots around it; 145 feet long compared to the rest of 100 feet lots. This was to support the ongoing growing Czech immigrant community. The Sokol, had become one of the centerpieces for the community, teaching children gymnastics some even going all the way to the Olympics. As time went on the sokol slowly started to deteriorate, opening the space to organizations that are outside the Czech community. The velvet underground used the gymnasium as a concert hall. Keeping everything intact and having acts such as Andy Warhol and Lou Reed to perform around the parallel bars and mats. These days the Sokol offers classes to both adults and children for gymnastics and ballet and its façade still slightly intact.