Save 1800/1808 Grand Concourse from future demolition, and transform the structure into the Mount Hope Center of the Arts

1800/1808 Grand Concourse opened its doors to the public on September 18, 1910.  The architects who created the design were Francis L.V. Hoppin and Terrence A. Koen.  The architectual design is Georgian (or Colonial Revival), which does not resemble anything within the area.  The two gentlemen designed many historic properties within New York City as well as in other areas of the state.  Moreover, Hoppin & Koen designed historic properties that have been landmarked in other states within the northeast.  Examples of NYC landmarked structures created by Hoppin & Koen include Manhattan’s former New York City Police Headquarters (240 Centre Street), the Manhattan terminal of the Brooklyn Bridge, and multiple firehouses.  In addition, Hoppin & Koen won a contest for their design of the Albany Courthouse in our state’s capital, which opened in 1914. Their contributitons to the history of NYC are extremely significant, which provide additional reasoning as to why 1800/1808 Grand Concourse should be landmarked, as well. There is a piece of Hoppin & Koen’s legacy on the Grand Concourse, which should be valued; not destroyed.

The property stands on the notoriously, historic thoroughfare known as the Grand Concourse and E175 Street, in the Bronx. The structure was originally built as a church; however, the property was also utilized as a community center for local residents.  In addition, lectures were given at this location by well-known artists, such as Fannie Hurst.  Hurst was a novelist, whose works spanned from 1916 to 1937; some of her novels became motion pictures.  However, over time the property has been subjected to deplorable neglect by the property owner.  There are open NYC Department of Buildings as well as Environmental Control Board violations against the building, which date back to 1993 (this information is available on the NYC Department of Buildings website). Open ECB violations equate to nearly $70,000, alone – these fines & violations do not inlcude the tens of thousands of dollars of open DOB violations.  The sidewalk shed was issued in 2008, and expired in 2009.  The necessary construction was never executed, and it is illegal to remove the sidewalk shed until such work is complete and passes inspection.  Members of the church have stated that the property is beyond repair; however, the church members are not licensed DOB inspectors, and do not have the credentials to make such a claim.  Moreover, a tax lien had been issued against the property owner in the past (that has since been resolved, by means of a banking institution), which exemplifies the property owner’s inability and/or lack of willingness to bring the structure up to legal code as well as requiring financial assistance in order to pay required taxes.

There are people – mostly developers whose intentions are making money; not preserving a piece of history that cannot be re-created – who support demolishing this magnificent property.  However, many people – especially local constituents – are adamently against seeing this glorious gem be erased from their community, from the history of the the Grand Concourse and essentially from the history of New York City. Recently, it has been confirmed that the property is in contract with a homeless shelter organization, and that 1800/1808 Grand Concourse will be demolished in order to construct the shelter.  Bronx Community Board 5 currently houses thirteen properties designated to high needs citizens/assisted living, and will be the future home of a girl’s detention center (which makes 14 properties designated to high needs citizens).  However, Bronx Community Board 5 is one of two Bronx community boards out of twelve that does not possess a cultural venue of its own.  The Lowes Paradise Theater served as a cultural venue for the community; however, in recent years it has been taken over by a church group.  Moreover, Bronx Community Board 5 is the poorest district within the state of New York.  Therefore, a homeless shelter would contribute to the feeling of hopelessness that is already shared by many community members.  The community is in dire need of a venue that would provide a cultural outlet, be an inspirational tool for all ages as well as an atmosphere that encourages artistic expression.  Neither a market value apartment building, nor a homeless shelter, would contribute to such cultural needs.  In addition, neither 1800, nor 1808 Grand Concourse, are zoned for residential usage, and both properties are listed on the NYC DOB as Special Preservation District: C – Grand Concourse.  These facts contribute to this property being an ideal community space; not being destroyed for any type of a contemporary, residential property.

I am a member of the Bronx District 5 Community Board as well as the Chair of the Cultural Affairs Committee within the Board.  Recently, I have proposed 1800/1808 Grand Concourse become a landmarked property as well as a capital project for NYC in order to transform the structure into the Mount Hope Center of the Arts.  The Mount Hope Center of the Arts would ideally encompass an array of artistic expression including (but not limited to) performing and visual arts.

Please, feel free to view the attached YouTube clip, which provides documentation of the building’s interior and exterior as well as witnessing others that have put forth voluntary endeavors in order to save 1800/1808 Grand Concourse.   Redemption of 1800 Grand Concourse

By signing this petition, you will contribute to simultaneously preserving a uniqe piece of New York City’s history, while creating a much needed cultural venue for Bronx Community Board 5.

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