Artspace, Inc. wins Historic Preservation Award
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) has announced that seven distinctive historic preservation projects received 2014 New York State Historic Preservation Awards.
Among them was Artspace, Inc., a national nonprofit organization in Northern Manhattan that creates living and work space for artists.
In partnership with El Barrio’s Operation Fight Back, an East Harlem community development organization, and the City of New York, Artspace, Inc. successfully completed the outstanding rehabilitation of former Public School 109 for affordable living and work housing for artists and their families, and a community arts space. Located at East 99th Street, the project combines private and public funding, including historic preservation tax credits, to bring the 1898 Collegiate Gothic style school back to life in the community.
The prominent New York City Board of Education architect Charles B. Snyder designed the project. The decaying landmark is reborn as an affordable housing complex and vibrant center for community engagement and creativity.
“Historic preservation helps encourage reinvestment and revitalization in the state’s most unique cities, towns and neighborhoods,” said State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey. “The historic preservation awards recognize the achievements of individuals, organizations and municipalities that make significant contributions to historic preservation and revitalization efforts across the state.”
Established in 1980, the state preservation awards are given by State Parks each year to honor excellence in the protection and rejuvenation of New York’s historic and cultural resources.
For more on Artspace, Inc., please visit www.artspace.org.
