East Village synagogue to be demolished for condos

A historic synagogue in New York City's East Village is set to be demolished to make way for new condominiums. Built in 1925, the structure was originally a place of worship for Ukrainian immigrants. Activists argue that tearing it down will erase an important part of the neighborhood's history. The former synagogue at 256 East 4th Street was sold to a developer for nearly $3 million. The plans include building six modern condos in its place. Critics say this development symbolizes the loss of character in the area. Andrew Berman, the executive director of Village Preservation, expressed concern about losing the historical connection to the past. The synagogue had been repurposed as a church in the 1970s, but now the building's facade will not be saved. Architect Stephen Conte explained that years of water damage make it impossible to keep the original front walls. He emphasized the importance of modern building standards and the challenges of preserving older structures. Berman countered that preserving the facade is often possible, urging that the historical significance of buildings should not be overlooked. He mentioned that efforts to designate the area as a historic district in 2019 have stalled, despite many significant sites at risk. While some buildings in the East Village have been successfully preserved during redevelopment, Berman warns that many others lack landmark protection and could soon be lost. He urged for greater attention to the area's rich cultural and historical heritage before more landmarks disappear.