Preservation Call For 3 of Forest Hills’ Earliest Residential Buildings - Save "The Village!"

By Michael Perlman

Forest Hills was named in 1906 by Cord Meyer Development Company, and in the heart of the neighborhood, north of the Forest Hills Gardens, stands a large quantity of buildings designed during its first few decades in the Tudor, Georgian Colonial, Colonial, and Art Deco styles. This collection of architecturally and historically significant buildings, mostly situated between Continental Avenue to Ascan Avenue and Austin Street to Ascan Avenue, comprised what was nicknamed by local residents as “The Village,” which relates to its traditional Old English ambiance, low-rise buildings, and mom and pop shops. They continue to offer much character, but as redevelopment pressures increase for condos and chain stores, sites that are worthy of preservation based on their architectural style, history, and age have become endangered. 

Three of the earliest apartment houses in “The Village” are The Alberta, Harding Court, and the One Continental Avenue Building, which are often overlooked, but remain in a good state of preservation. They were designed by architect Rudolf C.P. Boehler, who was known for his projects in Manhattan from the 1920s to the 1950s, but resorted to Forest Hills which was a desirable community. Selling points included the Long Island Railroad, Forest Park, and recreational facilities for golf and the West Side Tennis Club. 

Alberta Apartments, Photo by Michael Perlman

In an April 1928 ad, the four-story Alberta Apartments, a Tudor standout at 2 Roman Avenue, which has been renumbered 108-22 72nd Avenue, was marketed for being two blocks from the LIRR station, and offered two rooms, a kitchenette, foyer, and bath for rent at $65, three rooms, a foyer, and bath from $75 to $80, and four rooms, a foyer and bath for $105. Since Forest Hills was largely undeveloped, The Alberta was advertised for its view of Kew Gardens to its east and Elmhurst to the west, with an abundance of sunshine, to the benefit of 29 families. Another attraction was every modern convenience including General Electric refrigerators and spacious rooms with high ceilings and several large closets.     

The Alberta was erected by John S. Myers and named after his mother Alberta, which continues to bear homage with an inscription above the arched stone entryway. Other distinctive façade features include a pitched flagstone roof, multi-colored bricks, a half-timber effect accomplished by brick and stucco, ornamental balconies and fire escapes, wooden doors, and a dormer. The foyer area consists of two-tone marble walls and a moulded ceiling, followed by a marble stairway which leads to apartment units. The Alberta was ready for occupancy on October 15, 1923. If a lease was signed prior to its development, Myers offered to prioritize on a color scheme that suited the tenants’ styles. 

Harding Court Apartments in a mid-1920s postcard, Courtesy of Michael Perlman

Nearby, Boehler designed the six-story Tudor-style residence, Harding Court Apartments at 15 Portsmouth Place, which was later renumbered 109-01 72nd Road. This development was underway in September 1923 and bears homage to Warren G. Harding, the 29th U.S. President, whose term began in 1921, but passed away while in office in 1923. Designed by architect Rudolf C.P. Boehler, constructed by the Kholef Construction Company, and built by the Stanhold Company, it would become one of the earliest multi-story “elevator apartment houses” in Forest Hills, with 2 elevators and 44 apartments containing two to seven rooms across from the LIRR. It was ready for occupancy in March 1924, and an ad read “The last word in apartment construction.” Three rooms were rented from $45, whereas 5 rooms were available from $75. A June 1925 ad read “June brides complete your happiness – Live at Harding Court Apartments” and called it the “finest elevator apartments.” In May 1929, its appeal influenced the development of the Forest Hills Library, which became a tenant, attracting 500 subscribers in its first couple of weeks.

Harding Court’s façade also featured half timbers, brick and stucco, and a gabled slate roof, in addition to decorative stone lintels, Old English storefronts, and a courtyard leading to the stone entranceway, where an inscription bears “Harding Court.” Stepping inside is a spacious vestibule area with detailed stone walls with moldings, a mantle, and an arched ceiling.

One Continental Avenue Building, Photo by Michael Perlman

The One Continental Avenue Building, also known as 107-37 Continental Avenue, was designed as a 4-story residential and commercial complement to the ambiance of Station Square. In 1922, it was advertised that the three uppermost floors would have three apartments each, offering the benefit of all tenants having a view of Queens Boulevard and Continental Avenue. In 1926, a tenant could pay $125 for five large rooms and a bath. Some of the earliest businesses were the Sage Forest Hills Associates, Inc, Forest Hills Beauty Shop, and Hughes and Lewis Dressmakers.

Rudolf C.P. Boehler served as architect and engineer, and work was underway by the Fifth Avenue Studio, Inc. Distinctive features include a pitched slate roof, a half timber effect accomplished by brick and pea gravel, and an arched entryway with vines extending from cartouches which leads to a central section of limestone quoins topped off by a crest.

Beauty is in the detail, as evident by these additional photos... 

Alberta Apartments

Harding Court Apartments

One Continental Avenue Building

A similar version of this feature story appears in Michael Perlman's Forest Hills Times column: www.foresthillstimes.com/view/full_story/27554095/article-A-look-at-three-early-residential-buildings-in-Forest-Hills

Dec 6: FREE Historic Forest Hills Tour!

FREE Historic Forest Hills Tour on Sun, Dec 6 from 2 PM - 4 PM.
We will explore stately residential buildings, the business district, & the Forest Hills Gardens. We will meet at La Boulangerie at 109-01 72nd Rd. Please join Jeff Gottlieb (Central Queens Historical Association, President), Michael Perlman (Rego-Forest Preservation Council, Chair & Legendary Locals of Forest Hills and Rego Park, Author), & Susanna Hof (Terrace Sotheby's Realty, Principal).


Questions? Email jeffgottlieb@hotmail.com & unlockthevault@hotmail.com

RSVP on Facebook: www.facebook.com/events/1513120738986003

 

A Glimpse of Holland In Forest Hills - Happy 85th Anniversary To The Holland House!

By Michael Perlman of  Rego-Forest Preservation Council & the Forest Hills Times

What is in a name? The Holland House, situated at 73-37 Austin Street is now 85 years old, and since 1929, has been a grand residence which never abandoned its charm.

Perhaps Forest Hills residents are unaware of its Dutch influence. Around 250 years prior to its completion, the land was granted by a Dutch King to Casper Joost Springsteen in the mid-17^th century, when Queens was a Dutch Colonial province of the New Netherlands. After remaining in the prominent Springsteen farming family for seven generations, the 4-acre parcel sold for an excess of $1,000,000 in December 1928 to President Robert Shelley and Treasurer Alfred J. Ball of the Shellball Realty Corporation, which erected and managed the Holland House. In summer 1929, the ten-story site was prized for being the tallest Queens apartment house in one of the most beautiful suburban American communities, with average home prices ranging from $25,000 to $350,000.  

A notable architect by the name of Benjamin Braunstein designed the Holland House, and also made his mark on significant developments including Sutton Hall, The Wakefield, Tilden Arms, and The Chatham in Forest Hills, Marion Court and Our Saviour Lutheran Church in Rego Park, and The Mowbray in Kew Gardens. Braunstein designed the Holland House to be soundproof and fireproof, and to offer two to eight rooms with one to three baths, foyers leading to living rooms, and three penthouses. His plans also included a 50 x 175 foot rear garden, a roof garden, and a social hall for residents and guests to entertain. Hallways were furnished in the Old Dutch style. 

The Holland House is synonymous with the Forest Hills Gardens’ Old English style, and is uniquely merged with the streamlined Art Deco influences of a time when the Chrysler Building was under construction. The façade features terra-cotta scrollwork depicting gargoyles, birds, and foxes, as well as raised brick, stonework, ornamental balconies, archways, and recessed areas and large windows which maximize light and air.

“A quiet dignity pervades the whole building which is noted for high quality and character of its tenancy and management,” read an illustrated prospectus for new suitors and tenants. It continued, “Gracious, uniformed attendants at the entrance doors admit you to a nicely carpeted and well furnished lobby, next to which are two passenger elevators. The management provides twenty-four hour door, elevator and valet service. Maids may be had by the day or hour. To assure the comfort and protection of all, references are required from prospective tenants.”  

Today, the Holland House is a co-op with a 7-day doorman, and residents can attest to its quality living outlined in the prospectus. “We were drawn to the building because of the pre-war architecture and our large apartment’s attention to detail,” said Carmela Gersbeck. Board President Bart Haggerty explained, “Our community is very diverse, ranging from singles to young couples, to couples raising children, to multiple generations, to retirees.  Several residents reside here for over 40 years. We are half a block to Austin Street’s shopping and restaurants, while still being on the quiet residential section of Austin Street.” 

“The Holland House has all the trappings of a Park Avenue residence, along with views of the Manhattan skyline and three bridges, and it’s zoned for Public School 101 in the Gardens,” said Historian Bill Safka. He then pointed out some fellow notables. “Disc Jockey Eddie Arcaro and a model known as Sabrina lived here. Bing Crosby and Dixie Lee would visit a penthouse resident.” 

The building takes pride in its garden, which was named “Keith's Courtyard” after their doorman Keith Smith. Safka, who is also Chair of the Beautification Committee explained, “I planned and planted our garden along with Keith, who was so keen in seeing it rejuvenated. Way back when, brides would take their wedding photos in front of our Magnolia trees.”

“We expanded our garden with a stone patio, a variety of shade loving plants and perennials, and tables and chairs for the residents' quiet enjoyment,” said Gersbeck. Residents adopted a Japanese Maple, a Tulip Tree, two Eastern Redbuds, and an Amur Maackia tree from the Forest Hills Tree Giveaway Events, which contributed diversity among mature Maples and Elms.

Gersbeck explained some other special characteristics. “We have a very committed board which sponsors events and makes the Holland House a diverse and active community.” Some attractions are summer and fall barbecues, a spring cocktail party, and Halloween and holiday parties. This year, residents can anticipate a hallway renovation and the possibility of an exercise room.

We take pride in presenting the prospectus which was distributed shortly after the Holland House opened....

 

A rendition of this feature was published in Michael Perlman's Forest Hills Times column: http://www.foresthillstimes.com/view/full_story/24980677/article-Holland-House-celebrates-85-years-in-FH

Stoa Jewelry To Close on December 31st - Mourning The Loss of A Neighborhood Institution

Rena Monogenis, co-owner of Stoa Jewelry

We are saddened to report that Stoa Jewelry at 71-60 Austin St, one of Forest Hills' last old-time mom & pop shops is closing after 45 years on December 31st. This is the story of Rena Monogenis and Marie Sinanian, which I had the privilege of writing last March: http://www.foresthillstimes.com/view/full_story/22084561/article-Personalization-spans-generations-at-Stoa-Jewelry


The heart of Forest Hills can be found along Austin Street, which was once dotted with both simple and upscale mom and pop shops, reminiscent of a small town. Today, much has changed with the rise of some large corporations, often occupying a few storefronts, but the business district retains its Tudor village and Colonial charm. Nestled between that charm is a gem, where multi-generational patrons come upon a recessed flagstone entryway, sided by tastefully decorated window displays under a rustic wooden sign which reads, “Stoa Jewelry.”  

Enter Stoa at 71-60 Austin Street, and whether you are a longtime or new patron, you will be greeted with a smile and the amiable demeanor of business owners Marie Sinanian (founder) and Rena Monogenis. They have been giving their heart to the community for nearly 45 years, by offering custom-produced jewelry, as well as art from local artists.

Making our way inside, the rustic charm continues with wood and glass wall and counter displays of custom-made jewelry, high ceilings bearing accent lights on artwork, a rugged plaster wall finish, and wood plank floors. Classical music adds to the gallery ambiance.

Customization is a dominant aspect of Stoa’s mission. “We design every type of jewelry that can be worn, from looks that are classic to way out there,” said Monogenis.  Jewelry is hand-crafted in sterling silver or gold, among other materials. Jewelry was originally produced in the back of the shop, but now the owners sketch the designs by hand and it is custom-made off premise by local and international artists. She stated, “If you want cufflinks and you have the design, we can execute the design, but if you want us to design it, we can from scratch.” 

 A notable custom-made design is a sterling silver barbell pendant, where the weight actually fluctuates. A sculptor from Germany designed a universe-inspired abstract sphere comprised of sterling silver rings with a single gold bead. It collapses and expands, and can be worn as a bracelet. Monogenis added, “If you wanted to create your own family crest, you would tell us what elements are very important to your family, and then we would design it using symbols.”

Customers often refer local artists to Stoa, and the owners fulfill their mission to the community by selling their work, which ranges from classical to abstract. Currently, paintings from 3 local artists are being offered. Earnings are shared between Stoa and the artist.

Sinanian emigrated from Athens, Greece with her family in 1962, and settled in Forest Hills. Monogenis originated from Manhattan, and at age 8 in 1950, made a move to Forest Hills. Both are Forest Hills residents to this day. In 1968, Sinanian began working for her brother-in-law, who once owned Lorilil Jewelers on Continental Avenue. After learning the business first-hand, she took the initiative in 1972 to open her own jewelry shop on Austin Street, known as “A Bit Outre.” Monogenis, then an employee of Chemical Bank, decided to change her career path not long after befriending Sinanian. She took some jewelry design classes at the 92^nd street Y. Sharing a mutual vision, their friendship evolved into a business partnership, and on October 2, 1976, they welcomed their community to Stoa Jewelry.

It may be hard to grasp that the jewelry business was neither owner’s childhood dream, but now it is their niche. Monogenis who first envisioned being a clothing designer at an atelier at age 11, attributes part of their success to a balance between their work styles. “I work more from the heart, whereas Marie works more from the mind,” she stated. 

Stoa was originally situated somewhat west on Austin Street, in a portion of what is now Victoria’s Secret. Sinanian coined the business name due to the large recessed storefront’s configuration, which resembled a portico or arcade in Greek culture. Monogenis explained, “A stoa was an ancient structure that was long and narrow, had columns and a roof, and was the town center where markets and meetings took place and people would sit and think.”

When asked how she felt being one of the last Austin Street mom and pop shops, she responded, “I feel truly wonderful, and I must say that after all these years, we have been blessed with wonderful customers who have become friends.” She then reminisced about yesteryear’s well-known mom and pop shops in close proximity. They were Buster Brown Shoes, Homestead Gourmet Shop, Beau Brummel (clothing), Koch and Nord Delicacies, Horn & Hardart, Towne Shepherd (an influential hair salon), Thorn & Thistle (florist), Ina’s (millinery shop), and Madeline Begg, which she described as an exquisite dress shop owned by her neighbor.      

Throughout the years, Stoa’s clientele included notables such as Geraldine Ferraro, former professional tennis player Renée Richards, Dennis Hevesi, and judges. Within Stoa’s walls, countless memories are harbored relating to the relationship between the owners and patrons, on the basis of the character of the owners and that of which extends into their custom-made jewelry. This contributes to stories ranging from humorous to heart-warming. For example, a long-standing American craftswoman from Maine named Peggy Johnson, worked with Stoa to produce a sterling silver necklace with copper and stone accents, and dangling kitchen pots and utensils as a focal point. Monogenis explained, “A man came into our shop and purchased it for his wife. When he returned, he said the rest of his life won’t be the same, since he will never be able to give his wife another gift that she would enjoy as much.”

A heart-warming story followed. She explained, “We designed a necklace for a woman who is the mother of the bride, and based it on the dress she planned to wear at the wedding. She was thrilled, and thanked us with a photo of her outfit during the wedding.”

As for younger generations hoping to launch a jewelry and art business, Monogenis offered some pointers. “Follow your dream. If it is a true love, that will make your entire life a lot easier. Especially since we are in poor economic times, start small.” Referring to her experience, she added, “We could have expanded way back when, but we felt good with this size, which our customers helped accomplish. I don’t believe that success is measured strictly by money.”

On a Saturday afternoon, 10 year-old local patron Ian Fried and his mother engaged in conversation with Monogenis. He was impressed when he learned about Stoa’s custom-made mission. Some items reminded him about his recent interest in collecting antiques, but only time will tell if it will unfold into his niche. “It’s my first time here, and it’s a very artistic store,” he stated. His mother first shopped at Stoa in 1990, and now the younger generation is being introduced. Fried said, “I always pictured these pieces as old-fashioned items from the early to mid-industrial revolution, but now this has given me a whole new light on antiques and how they are made.”

Monogenis attests, “Customers over the years become the mamas, the papas, and an acquired family,” and added, “They know if they need a place to sit, rest, and socialize over coffee, they can come to us.” 

Personalization Spans Generations At Stoa Jewelry - Support The Mom & Pop Shops

Personalization Spans Generations at Stoa Jewelry

by Michael Perlman, Forest Hills Times
 
http://www.foresthillstimes.com/view/full_story/22084561/article-Personalization-spans-generations-at-Stoa-Jewelry

Rena Monogenis, co-owner of Stoa Jewelry

The heart of Forest Hills can be found along Austin Street, which was once dotted with both simple and upscale mom-and-pop shops reminiscent of a small town. Today, much has changed with the rise of some large corporations often occupying a few storefronts, but the business district retains its Tudor village and Colonial charm.

Nestled between that charm is a gem, where multi-generational patrons come upon a recessed flagstone entryway, sided by tastefully decorated window displays under a rustic wooden sign that reads “Stoa Jewelry.”

Enter Stoa at 71-60 Austin Street, and whether you are a longtime or new patron you will be greeted with a smile and the amiable demeanor of business owners Marie Sinanian and Rena Monogenis.

They have been giving their heart to the community for nearly 45 years by offering custom-produced jewelry, as well as art from local artists.

Making your way inside, the rustic charm continues with wood-and-glass wall and counter displays of custom-made jewelry, high ceilings bearing accent lights on artwork, a rugged plaster wall finish, and wood plank floors. Classical music adds to the gallery ambiance.

Customization is a dominant aspect of Stoa’s mission. “We design every type of jewelry that can be worn, from looks that are classic to way out there,” said Monogenis.

Jewelry is handcrafted in a variety of materials, including sterling silver or gold. Jewelry was originally produced in the back of the shop, but now the owners sketch the designs by hand and it is custom made off premise by local and international artists.

“If you want cufflinks and you have the design, we can execute the design, but if you want us to design it, we can from scratch,” said Monogenis. “If you wanted to create your own family crest, you would tell us what elements are very important to your family, and then we would design it using symbols.”

A notable custom-made design is a sterling silver barbell pendant, where the weight actually fluctuates. A sculptor from Germany designed a universe-inspired abstract sphere comprised of sterling silver rings with a single gold bead. It collapses and expands, and can be worn as a bracelet.

Customers often refer local artists to Stoa, and the owners fulfill their mission to the community by selling their work, which ranges from classical to abstract. Currently, paintings from three local artists are on display. Proceeds from the sale of the artwork are shared between Stoa and the artist.

Sinanian emigrated from Greece with her family in 1962, and settled in Forest Hills. Monogenis was born in Manhattan, but in 1950 at the age of 8, she made a move to Forest Hills. Both are Forest Hills residents to this day.

In 1968, Sinanian began working for her brother-in-law, who once owned Lorilil Jewelers on Continental Avenue. After learning the business firsthand, she took the initiative in 1972 to open her own jewelry shop on Austin Street, known as “A Bit Outre.”

Monogenis, then an employee of Chemical Bank, decided to change her career path not long after befriending Sinanian, and she took some jewelry design classes at the 92nd Street Y. Sharing a mutual vision, their friendship evolved into a business partnership, and on October 2, 1976, they opened Stoa Jewelry.

It may be hard to grasp that the jewelry business was neither owner’s childhood dream, but now it is their niche. Monogenis, who first envisioned being a clothing designer at age 11, attributes part of their success to a balance between their work styles.

“I work more from the heart, whereas Marie works more from the mind,” she said.

Stoa was originally situated further west on Austin Street in a portion of what is now Victoria’s Secret. Sinanian coined the business name due to the large recessed storefront’s configuration, which resembled a portico or arcade in Greek culture.

“A stoa was an ancient structure that was long and narrow, had columns and a roof, and was the town center where markets and meetings took place and people would sit and think,” she explained.

When asked how she felt being one of the last Austin Street mom-and-pop shops, she said, “I feel truly wonderful, and I must say that after all these years, we have been blessed with wonderful customers who have become friends.”

She then reminisced about yesteryear’s well-known mom-and-pop shops in close proximity. There was Buster Brown Shoes, Homestead Gourmet Shop, Beau Brummel (clothing), Koch and Nord Delicacies, Horn & Hardart, Towne Shepherd (hair salon), Thorn & Thistle (florist), Ina’s (millinery shop), and Madeline Begg, which she described as an exquisite dress shop owned by her neighbor.

Throughout the years, Stoa’s clientele has included notables such as Geraldine Ferraro, former professional tennis player Renée Richards, Dennis Hevesi, and judges. Within Stoa’s walls, countless memories are harbored relating to the relationship between the owners and patrons, on the basis of the character of the owners and which extends into their custom-made jewelry.

This contributes to stories ranging from humorous to heart-warming. For example, a long-standing American craftswoman from Maine named Peggy Johnson worked with Stoa to produce a sterling silver necklace with copper-and-stone accents, and dangling kitchen pots and utensils as a focal point.

“A man came into our shop and purchased it for his wife,” Monogenis recalled. “When he returned, he said the rest of his life won’t be the same, since he will never be able to give his wife another gift that she would enjoy as much.”

A heart-warming story followed.

“We designed a necklace for a woman who was the mother of a bride, and based it on the dress she planned to wear at the wedding,” Monogenis said. “She was thrilled, and thanked us with a photo of her outfit during the wedding.”

As for younger generations hoping to launch a jewelry and art business, Monogenis offered some pointers.

“Follow your dream,” she said. “If it is a true love, that will make your entire life a lot easier. Especially since we are in poor economic times, start small.” Referring to her experience, she added, “We could have expanded way back when, but we felt good with this size, which our customers helped accomplish. I don’t believe that success is measured strictly by money.”

On a Saturday afternoon, 10-year-old Ian Fried and his mother engaged in conversation with Monogenis. He was impressed when he learned about Stoa’s custom-made mission. Some items reminded him of his recent interest in collecting antiques, but only time will tell if it will unfold into his niche.

“It’s my first time here, and it’s a very artistic store,” he said. His mother first shopped at Stoa in 1990, and now the younger generation is being introduced. Fried said, “I always pictured these pieces as old-fashioned items from the early to mid-industrial revolution, but now this has given me a whole new light on antiques and how they are made."

“Customers over the years become the mamas, the papas, and an acquired family,” Monogenis said. “They know if they need a place to sit, rest, and socialize over coffee, they can come to us.”