April 29 "Unsung Heroes of the Upper West Side"

...and there are awards! Congratulations and thanks to everyone who made our April 29 "Unsung Heroes of the Upper West Side" Preservation Awards celebration such a resounding success...

What a fiesta it was!

Little did we know when we started planning last night's heartfelt, homegrown tribute to people who have made an honest-to-goodness difference for our city and our neighborhood that it would turn into such a hot ticket. (If you RSVP'd after we'd already sold out, your support and enthusiasm registered nonetheless!) The extraordinary turn-out speaks volumes about the accomplishments and contributions of our awardees (listed below, together with those who gamely presented the awards)...not to mention the lure of Rosa Mexicano's heavenly pomegranate margaritas, guacamole and other delicious fare (all donated, http://www.rosamexicano.com/) and the ideal historic setting in the former ballroom of the Hotel des Artistes, now LA PALESTRA, Center for Preventative Medicine (also donated, http://www.lapalestra.com/).

Last night was truly the highest of the high, an all-too-rare chance to revel in the good that comes of people working together; fighting the battles that need to be fought; recognizing, preserving and taking pleasure in the beauty right here in our midst.

Here's toour wonderful awardees...and to all of you. Start sending in your awards nominations for next year!

P.S. 87, 160 West 78th Street – Future Generations Award presented by Alexis Penzell, NYC Department of Education superintendent and former P.S. 87 parent

Whitney North Seymour, Jr. – Preservation Citizen Award presented by Judge Jed S. Rakoff of the United States District Court (SDNY)

Pomander Walk, 260-266 West 95th Street – Building Rehabilitation Award presented by Wint Aldrich, New York State Deputy Commissioner for Historic Preservation

Michael Laub, G&L Realty, 175 West 72nd Street & 170 West 73rd Street – “Domino Effect” Award presented by Fernando Ferrer, former Bronx Borough President

The Evanston, 610 West End Avenue at 90th Street – Architectural Detail Restoration Award presented by Andrew S. Dolkart, the James Marston Fitch Associate Professor of Historic Preservation at Columbia University

Cliff Dwelling Apartments, 243 Riverside Drive at 96th Street – Building Stewardship Award presented by Susan Tunick, President of the Friends of Terra Cotta

For more information about the awards celebration, please visit http://www.landmarkwest.org/.