Christodora House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Christodora House
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 Christodora House
Location in Manhattan
Christodora House
Location in New York
Christodora House
Location in the United States
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| Location | 143 Avenue B, New York, New York |
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| Built | 1928 |
| Architect | Henry C. Pelton |
| NRHP reference No. | 86000486 |
| Added to NRHP | March 20, 1986 |
Christodora House is a historic building in New York City. It is located at 143 Avenue B in the East Village neighborhood of Manhattan. The building was designed by architect Henry C. Pelton and finished in 1928.
It was first built as a "settlement house." This meant it offered help to people with low incomes and immigrants. It provided food, shelter, education, and health services to those who needed them.
Contents
What is Inside Christodora House?
When it was first built, Christodora House was very modern and large. It had 16 floors and cost over $1 million to build. Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Curtiss James paid for its construction.
Original Facilities
The first five floors were open to the public and members of the settlement. These floors included many useful spaces:
- A gym
- A swimming pool
- A music school
- A theater
- A library
- Clubhouses
- Workshops
- Offices
- Two kitchens
One floor was for the people who worked at the settlement house. The top nine floors were rented out as homes. The money from these rentals helped pay for the settlement's work.
Why the Building Was Special
The building's height and style were meant to be inspiring. It looked modern, clean, and safe from fire. It showed the best qualities of the neighborhood.
Christodora House Today
Today, Christodora House is home to many different people and groups. Some organizations that help the community, like The East Village Community Coalition, have offices there.
Sadly, the swimming pool and gym can no longer be used. This is because of rules about making sure everyone, including people with disabilities, can access these facilities.
History of Christodora House
Running a community center and renting out homes in the same building was difficult. Because of money problems and new public housing options, the building was sold. In 1948, the City of New York bought it for $1.6 million.
Changes Over Time
The city planned to use the building to house young people who needed support. However, for reasons that are not clear, the building stayed empty or was not fully used until 1956.
In the mid-1960s, some community activities happened in the lower floors without official permission. This led to a police visit and the building being closed in 1969. Even so, people seemed to keep using the space.
The city sold the property again in 1975 for $62,500.
Becoming Condominiums
By 1986, the building had been sold many times. It then started to be changed into condominiums, which are apartments that people own. For many people living in the area, this was a sign of gentrification. This means when a neighborhood becomes more expensive and changes its character.
On March 20, 1986, Christodora House was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized as an important historical site.
Tompkins Square Park Riot
On August 7, 1988, a large protest called the Tompkins Square Park Riot happened nearby. This riot was partly caused by the gentrification of the area. Protesters came to Christodora House, breaking the front doors and damaging the lobby.
See also
In Spanish: Christodora House para niños
