Preservation Call: Forest Hills Jewish Center, A Community Cornerstone!

 By Michael Perlman  

Forest Hills and Rego Park are home to a vast collection of historic buildings that bear architectural and cultural significance. Among them is the sanctuary building of Forest Hills Jewish Center at 106-06 Queens Boulevard, situated on Rabbi Ben Zion Bokser Square, named after the congregation’s prior and longtime rabbi, who was highly influential in Conservative Judaism in the U.S. It has an adjoining religious school, recreation center, and senior center. Collaboratively, it boosts the community’s quality of life. Each period of architecture offers distinctive buildings meriting preservation. Without education, history and architecture is sometimes misunderstood and undiscovered. 

Forest Hills Jewish Center was designed by Architect Joseph J. Furman, and represents a fusion of the International Style and earlier Art Moderne style. Today, the firm operates as Furman & Furman Architects. The convex front façade bears a relationship to the street. Limestone steps with modernistic brass railings lead to varnished carved wooden doors with brass handles. Etched in limestone above the entryway is “They Shall Build Unto Us A Sanctuary” and “That I May Dwell Among Them.” Limestone surrounds hold sleek stained glass windows that depict the Burning Bush on the front and side façades. The crab-orchard rock façade, quarried from Tennessee, is reminiscent of the stone pattern of the Western (Wailing) Wall in Jerusalem; the only surviving remnant of the destroyed Holy Temple. On December 6, 1949, the synagogue received an Honorable Mention award for its excellence in design and construction in the Queens Chamber of Commerce's public buildings category. 

“This new building, raising its hands to heaven, is more than a sacred structure. It is an example of the type of thinking that will bring universal peace and solution of the problem that faces all mankind” were the bold words of New York City Mayor William O’Dwyer to 5,000 attendees on the steps of the newly dedicated Forest Hills Jewish Center on September 18, 1949. He then stated, “Sacred institutions embodied the democratic ideal and principle.” 

For the synagogue, the prospectus read, “The heart and soul of the community. Beautiful and inspiring – soaring heavenward, lifting the aspirations of our congregation.” It also introduced a chapel, main auditorium, school, library, bridal chambers, social halls, club rooms, committee rooms, a kitchen, gymnasium, and lounge. 

Right to left: Rabbi Ben-Zion Bokser, Building Committee Chair Fred Katzner, Huntington Bache great grand-nephew of Benjamin Franklin in center, Mayor O’Dwyer, & Building Committee members Emanuel Roth, John Turk, & Harvey Pearls

Photo: Architect Joseph J Furman & Rabbi Ben-Zion Bokser overlook the 1947 FHJC cornerstone

The first synagogue was organized in 1931 in a frame house on Kessel Street, and then a 2-story synagogue was erected on site. Later on, the Queens Boulevard cornerstone was laid in 1947, and incorporated one stone from the Holy Land and another from a desecrated synagogue’s ruins in Frankfort on the Main, Germany. The cornerstone reads, “That The World May Be Perfected Under The Kingdom Of The Almighty (1947/ 5708).” The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Rabbi Ben-Zion Bokser, Chair of Building Committee Fred Katzner, Huntington Bache; great grand-nephew of Benjamin Franklin, Mayor O’Dwyer, and Building Committee members Emanuel Roth, John Turk, and Harvey Pearlstein. 

Stepping into the synagogue’s 1,400-seat sanctuary, the charming ambiance is embellished by stained glass windows and the Aron Kodesh (Holy Ark). The over 20-feet high elaborate golden ark depicts Judaic traditions and holidays, and was designed by the famed artist Arthur Szyk. This was his first 3D creation for a synagogue, and resembles the breastplate of a Torah scroll. It is considered unique how a Torah design element can serve as an inspiration for a larger than life model, which houses the Torah. Historians and critics consider the Ark to be one of the greatest works of 20th century Judaic art. Two of Szyk’s candelabras sit adjacent.

According to the Arthur Szyk Society, Szyk’s art was his means to promote ethnic and religious tolerance, human dignity, and social justice. Syzk worked in the tradition of 16th century miniaturist painters utilizing text and illustrations. The famed Szyk Haggadah was given to Forest Hills Jewish Center. It became a work of hope and courage during Hitler’s rise. It addressed the era’s politics paired with earlier oppression. Referring to WWII, Szyk told the New York Daily Mirror on April 10, 1941, “The Revolution America fought was an ideal that any artist could thrill to. Today art must be almost negatively directed against a force that destroys all ideals. But no true artist has the right to avoid using his strength to strike at the darkness." The Times of London referred to his work to be “among the most beautiful ever produced by the hand of man.” Szyk is considered by art critics to be the greatest illuminator of the past four centuries.

In the late 1940s, a synagogue building boom was underway, especially in the suburbs. Religious persecution and tragedies of the Holocaust were fresh in the consciousness of Americans, resulting in renewed interest in Judaism, and Forest Hills Jewish Center is a physical example of how they persevered with forward thinking and community-oriented faith. The year 1948 also coincided with the new state of Israel, tying into religious pride. The December 1948 issue of “Interiors & Industrial Design” referred to Forest Hills Jewish Center’s style as “a radical departure from the usual Moorish and Oriental style of synagogue architecture.”

Mitchell Grubler, president of Queens Preservation Council, called the synagogue a prime example of post-WWII modernist synagogue architecture. He explained, “After the Second World War, the design of synagogues moved away from traditional Old World influences and embraced a modernist aesthetic. The Forest Hills complex embodies the spirit, design and social philosophies of midcentury Judaism. The temple complex was intended to not only serve a growing suburban Jewish population after WWII, but also to benefit and be open to the wider community with recreational services.” 

Forest Hills Jewish Center is often a subject on Forest Hills history and Mid-Century Modern walking tours. Architectural historian and tour guide Frampton Tolbert also had much to express in the name of preservation. He founded an innovative website, “Queens Modern,” to largely chronicle the period of 1948 to 1970, when the Queens Chamber of Commerce recognized nearly 400 Queens buildings at its annual building awards program. He said, “Forest Hills Jewish Center is a jewel of the neighborhood. The restrained Modern design, including Crab-Orchard stone cladding across a convex facade, is highly visible from MacDonald Park. I have been pleased to include the building as a featured site on my annual tour of Forest Hills architecture.”

"Mayflower Maples" Taking Root To Preserve Trees, History, Community

By Michael Perlman

The Mayflower circa 1941

Mayflower Maples proudly pose at the Mayflower's new courtyard fountain, Photo by Michael Perlman

The Mayflower, a 155-unit Art Moderne apartment building at 69-10 Yellowstone Boulevard was a crowning Forest Hills achievement when it opened in 1941 at an estimated cost of $625,000. Mayflower Realty Corp. appointed architects Morris Rothstein & Son to design two-to-five-room apartments with novelties including terraces, a garage, and central and outer gardens in a developing community. Prior achievements were the 1936 IND subway and the 1939 World’s Fair, boosting demographics.

Fast-forward nearly 80 years, and the maple trees in the central garden are now six-stories high. “In August 2018, work began on a renovation project intended to restore our courtyard garden to its original well-manicured 1940s state, but shareholders and residents were unaware of the scope and timing of the plan,” said Elisabeth Grace, a 12-year resident. “I noticed that the trees were marked with red paint and asked our doorman why. I was told that the trees will be cut down in a matter of days!” Leading with her heart, she founded the “Mayflower Maples,” a group of shareholders and residents who successfully petitioned management through teamwork and neighborliness to preserve the trees.

The Mayflower Maples continues to meet every 4 to 6 weeks, in the spirit of “creating a more caring and connected community,” according to Grace. The group offers recommendations to the co-op board, which has responded positively to various suggested improvements. For example, members recently coordinated the first Halloween party, where residents brought their children. Crafts and games were provided, with a small stipend from the board. 

Maple trees rescued by Mayflower Maples & new fountain, Photo by Michael Perlman

As for the courtyard renovation, it was over two years in the making. Phase One encompassed removing the prior fountain and dead trees. In summer 2019, Phase Two introduced a new fountain. Grace said, “It is lovely and resembles a mountain stream.” Phase Three is anticipated for this year, where the landscaper will present a design to accommodate the spared trees.

Grace explained the challenging preservation process. “I live in an apartment that looks directly into the tree branches of another part of the building. I would be devastated by its loss and could imagine how my courtyard neighbors would feel about losing ‘their’ trees too. But contracts were presumably signed, and the trees were slated to be gone in days. Who was I to think I could stop it? I was just one person!” She posted the dilemma on social media and felt inspired by the immediate support. “Friends urged me to ‘call the management company! Petition the board! Rally your neighbors!’ So I took a deep breath and called a neighbor on the co-op board. When I asked why the trees were being cut down, she said ‘nothing will grow there.’”

Grace recalled, “I laid out a case for the benefits of mature trees; beauty, shade, reducing A/C costs, flood prevention, a haven for birds and other animals, air purification, noise reduction, privacy, and increased property values. From the bottom of my heart, I said ‘If you cut down those trees without asking for input from shareholders, you will never be able to undo it, and people are going to be very upset.’”

The following day, Grace approached neighbors in her lobby, with its picture window view of red-splotched trees. She said, “It seemed from their reactions that many were surprised to have a neighbor speak to them after years of walking by without saying hello. When I asked if they knew the trees were being cut down, most were horrified.” She then compiled their contact details. “It was resolved that we should write a petition to the board to stop the planned ‘TreeAsco.’ As I was in full-blown community organizer mode, I received a text from my board member friend that plans to cut the trees were ‘put on hold for the moment.’”

Nevertheless, the consensus was to meet as a group to further discuss the issue. She explained, “We are a delightfully international group, and some of us have served on other co-op boards. Our action plan was to write and distribute a flyer to all residents, letting them know about the plans for the courtyard and raising concern about management’s failure to solicit input from shareholders and clearly communicate plans. We also included a list of ideas for the courtyard’s use and invited residents to brainstorm.” They launched a gmail account and invited everyone to join the Mayflower Maples discussions. In response, the board held a Town Hall meeting and created one shareholder committee to make recommendations on landscaping and another to compile ideas for the use of a new common room, attached to the state-of-the-art gym that they funded last year. “They scuttled the plan to destroy the trees, and my board member friend apologized to residents for not soliciting input,” said Grace. 

New fountain in the Mayflower's inner courtyard, Photo by Michael Perlman

The 1941 Mayflower prospectus reads, “This building will contain a well landscaped center garden, affording a beautiful view. The garden will be well kept, and insures an inspiration for serene living.” It also states, “The Mayflower is in the original Forest Hills, where all buildings are planned and designed to blend in harmoniously with the surroundings, and give ample light, air, and comforts of living.” Grace responded, “Years ago, when I first read the prospectus, it made me sad. The garden was in a state of disrepair when the building went co-op in the 1980s and remained an eyesore until last year. It will be beautifully restored this summer and that feels great!”

Board President Janice Goldhaar, a thirty-year shareholder said, “I am happy that the plan has been revised to incorporate some of the trees into our landscaping plan. Trees certainly symbolize life. The Board invited the Maples to meet so we could share ideas. We welcome the input of all shareholders and for them to be more engaged.”

Treasurer Carolyn Harrs explained, “Our approach was to create a similar fountain to the one in our building’s front. In our landscaper’s original thought process, the huge trees were a problem. We needed sunlight for plants to grow. Now the design will have to change, so the type of plants can be accommodating to shade.”

Many improvements followed since the Mayflower Maples’ founding. Goldhaar said, “We discovered that many shareholders were looking for more communication, hearing about the process of running our co-op, and why we made certain decisions. The Board responded by forming committees, having monthly Town Hall meetings, establishing a gmail account for questions/comments to the Board. This is in addition to communication via Robo calls and paper notices that are sent to residents. We are also happy to have recently built the community room space.” It has accommodated meetings and activities such as CPR classes, the book club, and a knitting club.

Gathering on couches overlooking the courtyard, which would have been rare for residents in prior years, Mayflower Maples members had much to share. Twenty-four-year resident Iris Gretano said, “I love the feeling that our trees convey, which makes me feel refreshed. Communication brings people together and teamwork is very essential. This could not have been accomplished alone.”

Three-year resident Jenny Lugo lives in the Mayflower with her husband and baby. “When we were looking for an apartment, we first noticed the amazing courtyard and its trees, and the fact that you can see it from both lobbies is beautiful and a hidden jewel. When the Mayflower Maples was born, a new sense of community began growing with our trees. Now people are more mindful of one another and have a vested interest in the building, and hopefully we can think of more ways to harvest our Mayflower community.” She also shared her vision for the courtyard, drawing upon a point where some residents are retired. “Besides the community room activities, we are thinking about cost-effective ways of contributing to people’s well-being and happiness such as by developing a Mayflower community garden. Many of us are invested in nature, so why not provide an outlet for residents to do gardening, provide a healthy outlet, and beautify an area?”

“We can be seen as a microcosm for our interaction with life and the world, which starts at home,” said Lulu Brotherton, an 18-year resident. Citing warmth, understanding, and making new friends, she said, “Now my relationship to my building is very different from most of the time that I have been living here.” Revitalizing the courtyard further inspires her vision. “I am a big fan of public space. Everything would need to be agreed upon, but there may be ways to derive energy more efficiently such as with solar panels, a roof garden, and underground composting.”

“When my wife and I moved in 21 years ago, I was really disappointed to learn that the courtyard was off-limits,” said Phil Kalish. “Originally, the board did not release minutes and proceeded without building input, but the Mayflower Maples had an effect in encouraging the board to become more transparent. We did a survey to determine if residents would like to go outside and enjoy the courtyard, and the overwhelming response was yes. Our building has a landscaping committee, and by the time our courtyard is complete, it will be a real asset.”

The Mayflower has proven to be a quality address. Grace said, “I appreciate the warmth of our unique rose-colored marble lobby floors, decorative fireplaces, and other lovingly-restored details. Our apartments have high ceilings, arched doorways, built-in bookshelves, hardwood floors, large windows, and many closets. Rooms are generous in size.” She explained an especially meaningful perk. “Those residents who overlook the courtyard can sometimes spot Sam, our resident Cooper’s hawk, who often perches in one of the maples.”

Midway Theatre Merits Preservation - Not Endangerment

If you are concerned about the future of the historic Midway Theatre, an Art Deco gem, please email Rego-Forest Preservation Council at unlockthevault@hotmail.com   

Forest Hills’ Midway Theatre turned 70 on September 24, 2012, and theater aficionados truly had something to reminisce about while looking ahead in pride. Nearly a year later, The Real Deal reported that the theater at 108-22 Queens Boulevard, which is operated by United Artists and home to notable businesses such as Banter Irish Bar and Kitchen, Gloria Pizza, and Liberty Travel, was sold for $20.5 million. Now the community is questioning whether the historic theater and small businesses will be preserved, or undergo redevelopment for condos.

    The Midway Theatre was acquired by real estate investors, which include Eric Roth of Brick Realty Capital, Lloyd Goldman of BLDG Management, and Brian Ezratty of Eastern Consolidated. The theater is a 48,400 square-foot property which has development rights of 65,000 square feet.

    In an interview, Roth would not reveal the specifics of their future plans, but cited “investment purposes” as their vision. He told The Real Deal, “We were quite fortunate to have been presented with an off-market opportunity to acquire a trophy asset of this kind. While it generates ample cash flow, there is a tremendous opportunity for future growth as the longer term leases expire.”

    With the onset of DVDs, Movies On Demand, and soaring real estate values, nearby historic theaters faced closures and insensitive alterations in just beyond a decade. That included the Trylon Theater, the Forest Hills Theatre, the Drake, and the Elmwood. Other than the Midway, remaining theaters are the 5-screen Cinemart on Metropolitan Avenue and the twin Brandon Cinemas (The Continental) on Austin Street. Further multiplexed in 1998, the Midway holds the distinction of offering 9 screens, 1,933 seats, first-run features, and state-of-the-art digital projection systems. This prime entertainment venue is on a major thoroughfare in the heart of Forest Hills.   

    Opened in 1942, the Midway Theatre is far from the cliché of brick and mortar. It plays a pivotal role in Forest Hills’ cultural and cinematic history. The Midway was dedicated to the courageous Americans in the Pacific Islands’ outpost, Midway Island, and named after WWII’s “Battle of Midway.” First dates, couples, families, and friends typically make a day of catching a movie and shopping or dining blocks away.

   The Midway Theatre bears architectural significance. Scotland-native Thomas White Lamb (1871-1942) is often accredited as “America’s foremost theater architect.” He designed over 300 U.S. theaters including the RKO Keith’s Flushing Theatre, Ridgewood Theatre, and some European theaters. Forest Hills is fortunate to have Lamb’s last theater creation, which is one of his few in the Art Moderne style.

   The stone façade features a curved corner with a streamlined band conveying harmony. A curtain-like accordion exists above the marquee, with an accentuated vertical beacon reading “Midway” in neon lights, which adds a Jazz Age touch.

    The grand foyer is oval and features a 30-ft ceiling with domes and a South Beach color scheme. A whimsical winding staircase leads to the mezzanine promenade with its defining picture window which enables an abundance of natural light. One may visualize how movie-going was fashionable in the 1940s, and how a woman’s dress would conform to the sweeping staircase.

    Tom A. Lamb, great-grandson of Architect Thomas W. Lamb, said the Midway’s history grants the community a feeling of permanence and belonging. “My great-grandfather understood that while he was creating a fantasy for the masses, the buildings and the people that used them were very real, and they had to operate within the modern context,” said Lamb. He then explained, “In order to ensure that the community grows along with the times, we must make sure that developers provide the financial impetus that ensures a vital and lively community, but we must also provide reasonable limits on what can be done within our communities.

    Karen Noonan, immediate past president of the Theatre Historical Society explained, “Thomas Lamb created some of America's most notable theaters. For generations, this theater has not only been a community gathering place for entertainment, but for news and group support during the war years. This classic should be zealously protected and preserved.”

   The Midway Theatre hosts community functions. At the 70^th anniversary celebration, 170 patrons saw Alfred Hitchcock’s “Rear Window” (1954). Steve Melnick, Treasurer of the Forest Hills Chamber of Commerce worked with Regal Entertainment, and nearly $2,000 was raised for the Alzheimer’s Association (NYC Chapter). He plans to co-sponsor more classic movie fundraisers.

    “The Midway attracts moviegoers from all over Queens, and supports hundreds of local businesses. Many restaurants even run dinner and movie promotions,” said Melnick. When asked about redevelopment, he responded, “Keep the screens and incorporate space for a multi-purpose performance center with dance, music, and school events that supports our community. A void would have severe economic ramifications.”

   Neighborhood resident Anne Duterme echoed similar sentiment. “Forest Hills has a lot of character. Rather than destroying the Midway Theatre and building more uninspired condos, thinking outside of the box and multi-purposing this property for independent film festivals and plays is an opportunity to enrich our community.”

   

   Duterme referenced two large residential projects under construction. “With our schools experiencing overcrowding, a third residential project will only exacerbate things, and is not going to contribute to our community’s needs,” she said.

   The newcomer restaurant, Banter Irish Bar and Kitchen, at the Midway was an instant attraction. This authentic family-operated restaurant offers specialties such as beef and Guinness pie, traditional Irish stew, and Craft Beer. On September 14^th, Banter commemorated 6 months with a customer appreciation party featuring a live band. “We haven’t met our new landlords, but presume they will be amenable to us,” said owner Michael Mansfield.

  “The Midway is a Queens cornerstone, and we hope the new owners continue its operation,” said Seth Bornstein, Executive Director of the Queens Economic Development Corporation. Lamb added, “I pray the new owners have a love for community and history that informs their actions, and that residents value their history enough to make their voices heard.”

This is Michael Perlman's column in the Forest Hills Times/Queens Ledger: http://www.queensledger.com/view/full_story/23684487/article-Sale-of-Midway-raises-concerns-for-future 

Midway Theatre photos on flickr: http://bit.ly/MidwayTheatre 

A lighting spectacular on Queens Boulevard, accomplished by the the streamlined vertical beacon and the accordion Art Moderne facade

Just beyond the sweeping 40s era staircase, a definitive picture window provides natural light into the Art Moderne lobby

The whimsical curves of the Art Moderne lobby

The Midway Theatre is often the subject of the Downtown Forest Hills Tour, led by Historian Jeff Gottlieb, President of Central Queens Historical Association

Happy Hanukkah! Our Landmarks Elicit Light, Soul, & Miracles

THEN: Rego Park Jewish Center at 97-30 Queens Blvd had its cornerstone laid in 1948. RPJC was designed by Frank Grad & Sons in a Bauhaus variation of the Art Moderne style, by the same firm which designed the Essex House on Manhattan's Central Park South. This photo is from 1950.

NOW: Rego Park Jewish Center proudly stands today, & has been honored by placement on the State & National Register of Historic Places in October 2009.

Happy Hanukkah! Let's celebrate in the name of miracles, and believe in the miracles of achieving preservation success stories to inspire us all. Too much beauty and historic significance is often sacrificed in the name of progress, but it is the gifted creations of mankind and the creations of nature that should withstand the test of time in a physical sense, rather than only existing in our minds or in the history texts. 

This is the Rego Park Jewish Center flickr photoset, and we are thankful that it has been placed on the State & National Register of Historic Places in October 2009 due to our research collaboration and advocacy: http://www.flickr.com/photos/8095451@N08/sets/72157605758107073 

Given this distinctive status, Rego Park Jewish Center is now commemorated statewide & nationally, and the RPJC board has the option of for grants through the NYS Historic Preservation Office, as well as applying for funding through the NY Landmarks Conservancy non-profit's Sacred Sites Program.

Queens Borough President Helen Marshall's "Queens Synagogues National Register of Historic Places Reception," Dec 15, 2009 - Rego Park Jewish Center staff with BP Helen Marshall & Michael Perlman of Rego-Forest Preservation Council

We are thankful to our members of Rego-Forest Preservation Council, and our colleagues and friends who volunteer and support us as a community preservation organization.

Rego Park Jewish Center's mosaic mural adorns the Queens Blvd main sanctuary facade, & depicts scenes from the Old Testament. This mural was designed by Hungarian-born artist, A. Raymond Katz, a prominent figure in 20th century Judaic art in America.

  
Let's continue taking the steps towards preserving Rego Park, Forest Hills, and the great legacy of our neighboring communities.  

RPJC's sanctuary has 2 walls of stained glass windows which span the height of the sanctuary, & were also designed by the famed A. Raymond Katz.

Celebrate the "Festival of Lights," and seek and embrace miracles year-round. May there always be light!