How Landmarking Would Help The West Side Tennis Club or A Future Owner

To West Side Tennis Club: 

Rego-Forest Preservation Council urges you to consider us an ally, and explore some pros of obtaining a combination of city, state, and federal landmark designation for the iconic Forest Hills Tennis Stadium and complex:

I. Limits some alterations and demolition of historic sites, which would otherwise inhibit the harmonious architectural character of a property, properties, and potentially reduce property values and economic benefits of a site &/or neighborhood.

II. Conveys prestige and neighborhood pride, and helps bond the generations on the basis of a property or properties’ architectural, cultural, & historical merit.

III. Grant eligibility: While Landmarking increases property recognition, it will increase the likelihood of acquiring grants. A sampling of several programs which make funding available, are as follows:

- The NY Landmarks Conservancy is a preservation non-profit that provides funding via grants/tax credits to property owners and religious institutions wishing to rehabilitate and restore their buildings, and offers technical assistance. The NY Landmarks Conservancy’s website is http://www.nylandmarks.org, which includes various programs.

- In conjunction with Landmarking via the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission, placement on the State & National Register of Historic Places is also significant for the commemoration and acquisition of state and federal grants for historically-sensitive upgrades and restoration work. The State Historic Preservation’s Office’s State & National Register of Historic Places can also assist property owners with their needs, by utilizing federal tax benefits associated with the purchase or rehabilitation of properties on state & national levels: http://www.nysparks.state.ny.us/shpo/

      The West Side Tennis Club board and members should realize that regardless of the percentage that is granted through a combination of city, state, and federal incentives, funding can also be acquired from independent individual and organizational donors. The WSTC does not have to drain their pockets. The multi-faceted fundraising aspect, and the long-term economic benefit of a creatively mixed-use historic icon for the greater American public, as initially envisioned and proven throughout nearly a century of the Forest Hills Tennis Stadium, should be considered.

Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe Says Landmark The Forest Hills Tennis Stadium & Clubhouse!

Rego-Forest Preservation Council owes gratitude to Ms. Moutoussamy-Ashe, wife of the late Arthur Ashe, for lending her voice to the landmark letter campaign for the endangered Forest Hills Tennis Stadium. We proudly bring you a first-hand account from the wife of one of the country's greatest tennis players of all time:

The legendary Arthur Ashe; 1 of 2 who broke the racial color barrier in tennis history at the Forest Hills Tennis Stadium

October 6, 2010

Dear Chairman Tierney & Landmarks Preservation Commission Staff,

I am writing entreating you to consider voting to grant landmark status to the Forest Hills Tennis Stadium, courts, interiors, and the Clubhouse of the West Side Tennis Club. The venue holds claim to a storied history as the location of the US Open from 1915 until 1977: all the champions of the sport throughout that time period, including my late husband Arthur Ashe, played on those courts. Setting aside its place in tennis history, Forest Hills has hosted concerts and events for some of the most prominent and legendary figures in pop culture. It is certainly an important part of cultural history.

However, the reason why it is so important to preserve the stadium is not simply that all the greats have played there, but because it represents the progress and achievements of tennis, and furthermore, of the last American century. When Althea Gibson won on center court in 1957 or when Arthur won his first Grand Slam title there in 1968, barriers were broken, moving the sport of tennis forward. Forest Hills stands as a reminder and the physical embodiment of that fact. Additionally, it was also here that in 1968 the first "open" US championships were held, signifying tennis' move to become a less stratified and more democratic sport. Both of these episodes - breaking the color barrier and the democratization of tennis - are tremendous achievements in tennis history. Furthermore, these accomplishments are representative of the shifts in American society during the 20th century. Forest Hills stands as a signifier for the progress of tennis and America.

It is my sincere hope that you will consider my remarks and what Forest Hills means, beyond being bricks and mortar. It truly is a monument to hope and history, for myself, many Americans, and countless others across the world. Thank you so much for your time.

www.arthurashe.org 

Press Round-Up: Condos Rejected at Famed Forest Hills Tennis Stadium

On October 7, 2010, 56% of 291 voting-eligible members of the West Side Tennis Club voted to reject the typical condos proposed by Cord Meyer, which would have demolished the majority of the iconic Forest Hills Tennis Stadium, and would have deprived the greater community of a mixed-use stadium of great potential. If approved by a 2/3 vote required by the bylaws, it would have applied a quick-fix, temporary solution for the West Side Tennis Club on settling a debt (according to published reports). Since the WSTC membership has spoken on the basis of their vote, and the greater public had an influence to date, this resulted in a steady stream of press coverage:

1. Rego-Forest Preservation Council Press Release, The Ball Is In Our Court! 10/8/10: http://regoforestpreservation.blogspot.com/2010/10/condos-rejected-for-forest-hills-tennis.html

2. Wall St Journal, Forest Hills Tennis Stadium Won't Go Condo, 10/8/10:
http://blogs.wsj.com/metropolis/...2010/10/08/forest-hills-tennis-stadium-wont-go-condo/
Tennis Club Blocks A Sale:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704696304575538870265370624.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

3. NY1 News, Historic Queens Tennis Club Votes Down Condo Deal, 10/8/10: http://queens.ny1.com/content/126849/historic-queens-tennis-club-votes-down-condo-deal

4. Queens Ledger (Forest Hills Times), West Side Tennis Stadium Won't Be Sold, 10/7/10:
http://www.queensledger.com/view/full_story/9827120/article-BREAKING-NEWS--West-Side-Tennis-Stadium-Won-t-Be-Sold

5. Carter's View, WSTC Vote Does Not Approve Residential Conversion of Its Stadium, 10/8/10:
http://www.cityrealty.com/new-york-city-real-estate/carters-view/west-side-tennis-club-vote-does-not-approve-residential-conversion-stadium/35242

6. Queens Courier, Historic Tennis Stadium Rejects Developer, 10/12/10:
http://www.queenscourier.com/articles/2010/10/12/news/top_stories/doc4cb46cc02338b253155771.txt

7. Forest Hills Patch, What's Next For The Tennis Stadium, 10/12/10:
http://foresthills.patch.com/articles/whats-next-for-the-tennis-stadium

8. NY Post, West Side Tennis Club Won't Sell, 10/13/10:
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/queens/west_side_tennis_club_won_sell_qvmXiyegrgp1qpyL6eO8qN?CMP=OTC-rss&FEEDNAME=

9. Queens Gazette, Forest Hills Tennis Stadium Gets Reprieve, 10/13/10:
http://www.qgazette.com/news/2010-10-13/Front_Page/Forest_Hills_Tennis_Stadium_Gets_Reprieve.html

10. Times Ledger (Forest Hills Ledger), West Side Tennis Club Won't Sell, 10/14/10: http://www.yournabe.com/articles/2010/10/14/whitestone_times/news/wt_west_side_tennis_club_stadium_vote_20101014.txt

11. Queens Chronicle, Tennis Stadium Stays In The Picture, 10/14/10:
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20448971&BRD=2731&PAG=461&dept_id=574907&rfi=6%20-%2042k

12. Queens Tribune, Stadium Condo Plans Shot Down By Club, 10/14/10: http://www.queenstribune.com/deadline/Deadline_101410_StadiumCondoPlan.html

13. Forum West, Set Point: West Side Tennis Club Rejects Condo Proposal, 10/14/10: http://forumnewsgroup.blogspot.com/search/label/west%20side%20tennis%20stadium http://forumnewsgroup.blogspot.com/2010/10/this-weeks-forum-south-and-west.html

Forest Hills Tennis Stadium Becomes Shelter During Tornado & WSTC Voting Day Postponed

A message from Chair Michael Perlman, on behalf of Rego-Forest Preservation Council:

  In regard to the iconic yet endangered Forest Hills Tennis Stadium, the West Side Tennis Club's informational meeting has been rescheduled to 7 PM on Thurs, Sept 30th, and will be held at the Forest Hills Gardens' Community House. There will be a closed-door meeting for WSTC members on Thurs, Oct 7th at 7 PM at the West Side Tennis Club. They would need a 2/3 vote by the voting-eligible members, and then the sale would go through to Cord Meyer, who plans to build typical condos in place of the majority of an icon.

    On the Oct 7th "judgment day" West Side Tennis Club members should think sensitively and creatively for retaining the iconic Stadium. They should keep in mind that it merits landmark status by city and state to commemorate history, while opening the door towards restorative funding for any owner. Also, it should come to mind that the revered Stadium should be creatively reused for the benefit of the greater public as initially conceived (called America's Tennis Stadium in an original 1922 rendering by the builder) and proven throughout a most distinctive history, rather than approving a sale for typical condos. That would be a least imaginative solution. Once an icon is gone, it can never be brought back. A mixed-use venture consolidating tennis, concerts, weddings, school trips, exhibitions, charity events, and music and art festivals, will not only save history, but yield a greater economic incentive for the whole neighborhood and city, and increase tourism. It is important to think outside of the box, and obtain city, state, and federal grants, while coordinating a series of fundraisers, which we will organize. This is a "Landmark" opportunity, so let's embrace it!

   Some people have questioned the Stadium's durability, but some of those same people and more, ran for cover during Forest Hills' rare tornado on Sept 16th (macroburst), and the Stadium survived well, while keeping the public safe. It proves its builder, The Foundation Company was not called that for nothing, and also proves that the Forest Hills Tennis Stadium has a rock solid foundation and structure. The Clubhouse of the WSTC, however, has sustained some damage.