Building A Dream
After World War II, ‘urban renewal’ was seen as a way to rehouse the urban poor in New York. Progress was being made in Harlem by tearing down dilapidated structures and replacing them with modern geometrically arranged apartment buildings in addition to community facilities.
Below is the proposed plan for Stephen Foster Houses (approximately 1949) from the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA). Notice that there are trees lining Lenox Avenue all the way to Central Park and the difference in the playground/basketball court at the center of the complex.
Below is the proposed plan for Stephen Foster Houses (approximately 1949) from the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA). Notice that there are trees lining Lenox Avenue all the way to Central Park and the difference in the playground/basketball court at the center of the complex.
View of the eastern side of proposed area (115th Street to Fifth Avenue to 112th Street) as it looked in August 1940.
A close-up of the buildings that would soon be demolished (to be replaced by 1350 Fifth Avenue).
Corner of 112th Street and Fifth Avenue (photo taken on August 8, 1940)
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View from 114th Street to 115th Street on Fifth Avenue (photo taken on March 30, 1948)
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Building
A Dream
Demolition (and construction) began mid 1950.
1951
1951
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As old buildings were taken down, new structures rose. (photo taken January 11, 1952)
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As reported by the Daily News newspaper, on December 27, 1951, a cornerstone ceremony was held at 70 West 115th Street. The building was still under construction, at the time. In addition to five-year old Rochelle Highsmith, attending were Herman T. Stichman (Commissioner of the State Division of Housing), Phillip J. Cruise (Chairman of NYCHA), Arthur Ford (consulting engineer).
New York Daily News, December 12, 1951, pg. 209
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Attending the cornerstone ceremony.
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Cornerstone in place outside of Management Office (90 Lenox Avenue). Photo taken: October 2017
70 West 115th Street, still under construction.
After the first buildings were completed, applications were accepted (February 1952).
The first tenants to move into Foster Houses arrived on May 8, 1952 at 40 West 115th Street.
The first tenants to move into Foster Houses arrived on May 8, 1952 at 40 West 115th Street.
Moving truck delivers belongs of some of the first occupants of Stephen Foster Houses to building 40 West 115th Street. Photo taken on May 8, 1952.
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Moving men take tenant's belongings from the rear of their truck into 40 West 115th Street, as a tenant looks on. Photo taken on May 8, 1952.
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All ten buildings were finally completed and available for occupancy on Oct. 31, 1954. Each apartment was clean, well- heated and had one or two large windows in every room.
What all new families also found was a three-square block community filled with manicured areas of grass, numerous playgrounds and countless trees, which could quickly shade their tired bodies on a hot summer's day. How could the tenants not be excited about the opportunity to live in a brand-new chance for the future.
Coming soon: The look of Foster Houses from the 50s through the 90s.
"Growing up in the projects was a wonderful experience."
Join the author on his quest to understand life, love and the demons that persistently haunt him in this coming of age fictionalized autobiography of the first twenty-three years of his life.
Join the author on his quest to understand life, love and the demons that persistently haunt him in this coming of age fictionalized autobiography of the first twenty-three years of his life.
1 COMMENT
WALTER K SMITH
6/20/2021 04:41:43 pmThis is well done. I went to the same schools. I grew up in 1370 Fifth Ave. Keep up the good work. FOSTER FOREVER.
WALTER K SMITH
6/20/2021 04:41:43 pmThis is well done. I went to the same schools. I grew up in 1370 Fifth Ave. Keep up the good work. FOSTER FOREVER.