Playtime in Central Park :: Wanna go for a ride?

Rachel H., you've been bested.  Little Lila and Isabella, while your lakeside hideaway is enviable, the cuteness factor here is just undeniable.

It's refreshing to know that even as technology advances and child's play looks more and more like a feat of engineering excellence, the simple joy of mounting a pony in Central Park and going for a trot is timeless.

Our thanks to Bruce S. for digging deep into his photo albums for this gem.  It's a nostalgia trifecta: vintage fashion (riding pants! sailor collars!), old-style accordion camera, a landmark (not then, but now!) backdrop of Central Park and Fifth Avenue beyond.

What are you waiting for?  Join with others, like Robert I. and Robin C., and send in your photo(s) of playtime in Central Park!  Our playground map can guide you to new adventures, just waiting to be captured on film.  Submitting is easy, so get out there and play!

Landmarks Commission Approves Substantial Expansion for West 83rd Street Row House and Rear Yard

UPDATE from the FIELD
As reported by Cristiana P.

Today at Public Meeting, the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) swiftly approved a modified proposal for the row house at 51 West 83rd Street.

As reported on the LW! blog yesterday and by the press, this overwhelming proposal for (simultaneously!) a rooftop addition, a rear yard addition, and the excavation of the entire rear yard to accommodate an indoor-outdoor pool was roundly opposed by both LW!, a coalition of neighbors who came together to voice their concerns, and citywide organizations alarmed by what this could mean for low-density neighborhoods in all five boroughs.  Too much, we proclaimed in unison!

First reviewed by the LPC at Public Hearing on July 26, 2011, the Commissioners noted areas in which they'd like to see further modification (ie: the height of the rear yard addition, the possibility of truncating the rear yard excavation to allow for planting, etc.). Two quick weeks later, the application was back before the LPC with slight modifications; enough to receive an approval from the Commission.  The changes:

Click on the image to view an enlarged "rough sketch" of the approved work.

(1) ORIGINAL PROPOSAL: Three-story rear yard addition, topped with a terrace accessible via the fourth story.
MODIFIED and APPROVED PROPOSAL: Third floor downsized; no longer a fourth story terrace, now a third story terrace.

Click on the image to view an enlarged "rough sketch" of the approved work.

(2) ORIGINAL PROPOSAL: Excavation of the entire rear yard. The easternmost side to accommodate the pool; the western portion to accommodate underground mechanicals.
MODIFIED and APPROVED PROPOSAL: No change to the pool side of the rear yard; excavation of eastern side of the rear yard reduced by 10 feet, to accommodate plantings.

Modest tweaks, these updates barely scratch the surface of the overall inappropriateness of the proposed additions.

This approval sets a clear, negative precedent for backyards not only on the Upper West Side but city-wide. The historic character of No. 51 will be irreversibly lost. The inappropriate, insensitive and contextually disconnected design approved to replace it may well become a benchmark against which the LPC evaluates other proposals in the future. A sort of "we've approved bigger, glassier before--at 51 West 83rd Street--so why not here?"

Landmark properties are dynamic resources and must respond to the city's evolving needs. But, as LW! testified before the Commission in July [link], change must be responsibly managed to preserve the character and livability of our historic neighborhoods. The community looks to the LPC to defend the best of New York, and it is unfortunate that the Commissioners did not realize the deep impact their discussion and approval will have on backyards going forward.

Preservation in the Press :: West 83rd Street project in print, on the air

The diminutive row house at 51 West 83rd Street is making a splash.  Or at least the owners would like for it to.

At a recent public hearing of the Landmarks Preservation Commission, a proposal was reviewed for substantial modifications to this understated row house: (1) a three story, full-width rear yard addition, (2) a rooftop addition, and (3) the excavation of the rear yard to accommodate an indoor/outdoor pool.

While the latter of the proposals elements--the pool--seems to be attracting the most press mentions, it is the cumulative impact of all these proposed interventions to a historic row house that is most concerning to LANDMARK WEST!  At the LPC public hearing on July 19th, we presented a statement that relates our position on excessive bulk, contemporary design in historic districts, the value of historic rear yards, and more.  For our full statement, click here.

Following a piece by the New York Post, the story has quickly been picked up by other news outlets:

And just this afternoon, LW!'s Director of Preservation, Cristiana Peña, met with a news team from Fox 5 News, along with oft-quoted neighbor of No. 51, Jonathan Stuart.  Photos of the taping are below. 

Tune in to Fox 5 News at approximately 6:15PM to watch the piece air.  Then, tell us what you think!  Use the "Comments" link below to weigh in on what responsible landmark stewardship means to you!

LW's Cristiana Peña, far right, speaks with Fox 5 News in front of 51 West 83rd Street.

Cristiana touches upon issues of overall bulk, design appropriateness and
the importance of protecting historic row house rear yards.

Jonathan Stuart speaks to the impact of the proposed modifications to neighbors.

Jonathan Stuart shows the Fox 5 News team the rear yard environment
of the West 83rd/West 84th Street yards.

Playtime in Central Park :: Splish, splash at Levin Playground

What's a toddler to do when the temperature hits triple digits?  Cool off in one of Central Park's playground fountains!  West Sider Robert I. captured this tot doing just that.

"I took this in the summer of 2007 in the playground to the north of the sail boat pond along 5th Avenue." ~~ Robert I.

The whimsical Sophie Loeb Fountain is the perfect backdrop for a bit of fun in Central Park.  Dedicated "In the Memory of Sophie Irene Loeb, Lover of Children--A Home for Every Child", the fountain features carvings of characters from the classic story "Alice in Wonderland".  A New York Times article covering the ribbon-cutting in 1936 described the fountain: "the King, the Queen, the Duchess, the Mad Hatter, Father William, the Pig Baby and the Frog Butler, and, of course, Alice, gaze down upon spouting water flowing from the mouths of minor 'Alice' characters into the large bowl."

Discover the Loeb Fountain for yourself!  The fountain, in the Levin Playground, is located at East 77th Street.  While you're out, use our playgrounds map to explore more of Central Park's play destinations.  And don't forget to snap a photo while you're there and send it in!

Playtime in Central Park :: Simple pleasures in the Sheep Meadow

Blogger and Upper West Sider Robin C., for her response to our call for submissions, features one of the Park's most popular destinations for recreation: the Sheep Meadow!  And to think, this used to be a common site!

"These three photos capture the simplicity of fun on a beautiful Easter day afternoon ..."   ~~ Robin C.

And in an act of shameless self-promotion may we add a final note from Robin C.:

"As a new resident of the Upper West Side, I so enjoy following Landmark West!"

Aw, we're blushing ...  Don't forget to check out photos from Rachel H. and Howard S. (not to mention Lila and Isabella!), too.  Then, it's your turn!  Forward your photos to lwlargefiles@gmail.com.  Be sure to include:

• Your name
• Location where the photo was taken
• Year of the photo, if known
• A brief caption of the memory the photo captures

Playtime in Central Park :: Photos submissions begin to arrive!

First there was Rachel H., now Howard S. and his granddaughters are getting in on the Central Park photo fun!

"This is a picture of my then-8-year-old grandchildren, Lila and Isabella, taking a break from rowing, enjoying the small beach tucked away in a corner of Central Park's Lake."
~~ Howard S.

THANK YOU, Lila, Isabella and Howard!  Seeing your photo gives us the urge to drop what we're doing and scurry to the Lake, too!  Building sandcastles on a Thursday afternoon?  Why not?!

What are you waiting for?  Send in your photos for the "Playtime in Central Park" blog series today!  Here's how ...

Call for Submissions :: Share your favorite Central Park playtime photos!

LANDMARK WEST! invites YOU to show us the play spaces in Central Park that you love!  This photo-sharing project was born from the excited responses we received earlier this month to our email guide of the park's many playgrounds.  Not long after, we received a "vintage" photo from native New Yorker/current New Jersey denizen Rachel H., below.

So great!  We loved the idea so much--encouraging our friends and readers to share their photos of playtime in Central Park--that we've invited everyone to follow Rachel's lead, too!  Just forward your photo(s) to lwlargefiles@gmail.com with the following information:

• Your name
• Location where the photo was taken
• Year of the photo, if known
• A brief caption of the memory the photo captures

We can't wait to see YOUR photo!

Ribbon Cutting Celebrates New Media Room at Amsterdam Houses

This past Tuesday morning, LW! President Arlene Simon and summer intern Ingrid joined with our local Council member Gale Brewer, leadership from Older Adults Technology Services (OATS), leaders from the New York City Housing Authority (or NYCHA), the Macquarie Group, and a host of residents and friends to celebrate a new media room at Amsterdam Houses.

Cutting the ribbon to the Amsterdam Houses media room!
For a full listing of those pictured, scroll to bottom of post.

Amsterdam Houses, a New York City Housing Authority (or NYCHA) development and LW! designation "Wish List" item, is a diverse community located between West End and Amsterdam Avenues, between West 61st and 64th Streets. 

Since 2007, Residents Association President  Margarita Curet (a 2011 LW! "Unsung Hero" award winner!), has advocated for the residents of Amsterdam Houses.  On the goal of technology access for her fellow tenants, Margarita's efforts were matched by those of local Council member Gale Brewer.  As former chair of the City Council's Committee on Technology, improved access to technology for constituents of all ages is one of Council member Brewer's core objectives.

Victor Gonzalez (center, standing) speaks to Amsterdam Houses residents eager
to learn about the features of the new media room.

The Amsterdam Houses media room is a wonderful example of public-private partnership: NYCHA donated the building space, outfitted with computers from the Macquarie Group, and OATS will provide instructional classes for residents from throughout the NYCHA developments, with priority for seniors from the local Amsterdam Houses and Amsterdam Addition.

For her third contribution to the blog (here's her second!), LW! intern Ingrid reports back on the wonderful sense of accomplishment and excitement to learn new media skills at the ribbon cutting ceremony:

Everybody at the event was so thrilled. As the President of the Amsterdam Houses Residents Association, nothing has stopped Margarita Curet from achieving the goal of getting computers set up in the Amsterdam Houses community room, so that seniors can not only learn to use them but also move forward and learn new technology.

But she couldn’t do it by herself, so Margarita got in contact with other people. After working for several months with NYCHA and local elected officials like Gale Brewer, who I met for the first time, their hard work has paid off.  Amsterdam Houses now has a computer lab, but they’re not stopping there. I hope more equipment will come for the great people at Amsterdam Houses. 

I got to meet some of the seniors that will be learning to use computers, and I think that the whole project is a great way to bring the community closer together.  After all, everybody should have a chance to connect with other people on the internet.

LW! congratulates the collaborative efforts of all who supported this project and helped it to become a reality!  And we look forward to continuing our close relationship with Margarita Curet and her Amsterdam Houses "family".  Next on the calendar: the annual Family Day celebration, on Sunday, August 3rd.  Come by and discover this spirited community and this landmark-worthy architecture for yourself (details to follow via email)!

PHOTO (from left to right): Council member Gale Brewer; Melanie Schmidt, Lincoln Square Neighborhood Center; Thomas Kamber, OATS; a representative from the Macquarie Group; Victor Gonzalez, Resident Association President of Wise Towers and NYCHA's first Resident Board Member; Doris McDonald, Vice-President of Amsterdam Houses Resident Association; Margarita Curet, President of Amsterdam Houses Resident Association.  Back row, between Doris McDonald and Margarita Curet: Clarence Gordon, Amsterdam Houses Resident Manager.

Photo credit: Office of Council member Gale Brewer.

Inspiring Dreamers :: Youth education all year 'round!

Over the past few weeks, LW! has been working with the "I Have a Dream" Foundation (IHDF) at the De Hostos-Wise Community Center on West 93rd Street through Keeping the Past for the Future, our youth education program.

Through IHDF, the De Hostos-Wise Dreamers (14 and 15 year olds) all receive long-term support such as tutoring, extracurricular activities, summer programs, and tuition assistance for their college education. This summer, the teens have partnered with LW! to examine the immediate neighborhood around where they live and go to school. Embodying the roles of preservation architects and urban planners, the Dreamers started with a thorough survey of buildings on 93rd and 92nd Streets, looking at each building’s function, condition, materials, windows, alterations, etc.

With a new sense of the spaces and structures that they pass by every day, the students began to question, “What makes a great neighborhood?” They considered the places that they particularly love in their community--from the corner deli to the basketball courts--and wondered what else they need. What could they add to the neighborhood that would truly enhance it for its residents? Working in groups of three, the students created “idea boards” for their designs.

The first group created an inspired 3-D model of a multi-level shopping complex,
with brand-name stores, an adjoining hotel, and a public green space with sitting area.

The next group designed a community recreation center, with an indoor pool,
multiple basketball courts, and a food court on the main level.

The final group envisioned a “green” movie theatre, surrounded
by a park, with a café, and a community green roof.

Finally, to see architecture and urban planning in action, the Dreamers were invited to visit Perkins Eastman Architects near Union Square. Associate Tracy Maher introduced us to the work of the firm and gave us a great tour of the offices, including a peek into the model-making workshop! Architect Ayo Yusuf talked to us about how one would enter the field, and his experiences as an architect. Michael Imranyi showed us a 3-D computer rendering of a project in the Middle East and a physical model of a shopping complex in Long Island.  Proof positive that architect and urban planning knows no geographic boundaries!

Thanks so much to Marvin Cabrera at "I Have a Dream" Foundation for his help in coordinating this summer program as well as to Fran Rosenfeld, a member of the LW! Education Committee, for her support with the program and for coordinating our visit to Perkins Eastman.

Keeping the Past for the Future is supported, in part, by public funds from New York City Council Member Gale Brewer via the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs and the NYC Department of Education.

New York Mag's Grub Street blog highlights Landmark Feast!

Last week, New York Magazine's daily food blog, Grub Street, included Landmark Feast in its Neighborhood Watch report!  Click here to read our mention!

Our thanks to Grub Street for highlighting the participation and support of Upper West Side chefs Bill Telepan of Telepan Restaurant, John Fraser of Dovetail Restaurant, and Jonathan Benno of Lincoln Restaurant.  Learn more about these chefs (and all the West Side chefs who'll be preparing locally-sourced seasonal dishes at the Feast!) on the Meet the Chefs page.

Tickets are selling fast--200 friends, new and old, have already reserved their seats at the table for this extraordinary dining experience!  Buy your tickets online today!