Demolition of the Roosevelt Landings, formerly Eastwood, buildings Main Street Glass Atriums began yesterday
and continued today.
A Long Time Roosevelt Island resident asked:
I’m pretty sure there is absolutely NO good reason or explanation for the Destruction Or Dismantling of the one structure ( after RIOC’s removal of the concrete bench there ) that, for 50 years, guaranteed a covered, protected walkway between 510 and 580 Main Street … Unless it’s gonna be replaced by something better.
Whose idea was this? Roosevelt Landings? David Kramer’s? RIOC?
Who authorized this? What benefit is there?
I’m sure I’m not the only long-time resident / Island supporter who wants to know…Looking forward to a public explanation on all media…
Roosevelt Island Historical Society President Judy Berdy notes:
THE DEMOLITION OF THE SYMBOLIC GLASS ATRIUM OF THE 540 EASTWOOD BUILDING. C&C MANAGEMENT IS DESTROYING THE SYMBOLIC FACADE WITH NO COMMENT OR INPUT FROM THE PRESEVATION WORLD OR THE COMMUNITY.
During the March 17, 2025 Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Real Estate Development Advisory Committee (REDAC) meeting, representatives of Roosevelt Landings buildings management (C&C) reported they will be removing the glass atriums from the front of 540 and 560 Main Street and replace it with an awning, foliage and curbside planters. According to the Roosevelt Landings building representative:
… what we currently have now will just be replaced with something prettier and easy to maintain so we don’t have to worry about the broken glass as you can see in these pictures … they don’t look aesthetically pleasing…
During the REDAC meeting Ms Berdy objected to the Roosevelt Landings management plan to demolish the Glass Atriums and added:
… This is part of the Roosevelt Island master plan. Josep Lluis Sert made our building symbolic with the glass and the sidewalks and everything and over the years it’s just been torn down because it’s all been neglected. That’s the only reason it’s been torn down. It’s not been repaired and it’s really a shame. We’re losing the complete aesthetic of what the Eastwood side of the Island looked like because it’s just easier and cheaper to plaster it over… and we are losing the symbolic look of Roosevelt Island and to me it’s pathetic. It’s really sad and it’s our history….
Among the comments about the removal of the Roosevelt Landings glass atrium on the Roosevelt Islander Instagram page post were:
- Aw I liked the atrium, was there a structural problem?
- So what happens when it rains? Awnings are not as good for the residents
- What? I love those glass atrium windows, good in storms, rain and wind. Been there since the beginning
- The glass was frequently dirty and cracked, giving a decrepit look to Main Street. Hope the awning doesn’t become a beacon for pigeon poop. But it’s good people will have some protection from the rain near the bus stop
- The glass was probably too much to keep replacing
- Too bad Eastwood didn’t get landmarked. Landmark status can backfire good intentions but to alter so much of the architect’s aestetic is disappointing to say the least. The textured facade was also designed for acoustic absorption; smoothing it out will certainly cause more amplification. Eastwood needs a lot of TLC inside and out.
- Sad. This has a purpose for ppl to hang out and build community. It provided shelter from bad weather.
- Good bye the only safe space to protect us from the rain, wind, & snow. The leaders of this installation project should live on the island for 15+ years then make their contribution
Watch the full REDAC You Tube video for info on the upcoming Roosevelt Landings facade work to be done on the Main Street side of the building.
Another step toward gentrification; the bourgeoisie rarely hang out, because their community center is their investment account, not their neighbors. The bourgeoisie want the faces of the poor hidden, not on the streets. Without places sheltered from the rain to run into and chat with neighbors, the island becomes a much less welcoming place for us peons.