Historic Districts Council honors The BankNote at ceremony

Bronx landmark, The BankNote, received a Grassroots Preservation Award from the Historic Districts Council (HDC) on May 7 at the organization's tenth annual ceremony. The award celebrates groups and individuals that preserve NYC's valuable neighborhoods. Built in 1909, The BankNote is a 405,000 s/f, four-building office and retail complex which was formerly the home of The American Bank Note Company. Six organizations and individuals representing all five boroughs were honored including David Carnivale; Friends of Gibbons U.G.R.R. Site and Lamartine Place; Ridgewood Property Owners and Civic Association; Hon. Vincent Gentile, Council Member 43rd District; and New York. "We are honored to receive recognition from the Historic District Council and contribute to the preservation of New York City's rich fabric of historic buildings," said Jonathan Denham, principal of Denham Wolf Real Estate Services. "With the guidance and expertise of Beyer Blinder Belle through the landmark and renovation process, we are thankful for the collaborative experience of working with the Landmarks Preservation Committee and Community Board 2." The building received landmark status in February 2008. Under the direction of Beyer Blinder Belle, the landmarked building is being redeveloped through the combined efforts of Taconic Investment Partners and Denham Wolf Real Estate Services. Renovations will include new windows, lobbies, bathrooms, elevators and mechanical systems. As a destination building for creative companies, office tenants and schools, notable tenants include Arthur Aviles Typical Theatre, Sustainable South Bronx and The Lightbox-NY. The Historic Districts Council is the citywide advocate for New York's designated historic districts and for neighborhoods meriting preservation. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to preserving the integrity and New York City's Landmarks Law and to furthering the preservation ethic.