Rosenberg & Estis attorneys work to enable restoration of National Arts Club’s Tilden Mansion
Manhattan, NY Rosenberg & Estis, P.C. made known that the firm’s attorneys have negotiated the legal groundwork necessary for the $3.3 million façade preservation and rehabilitation of the National Arts Club’s historic Tilden Mansion on Gramercy Park.
Senior member Bradley Silverbush and counsel Ariel Bresky worked on securing critical licenses, negotiating neighbor permissions with landmarked neighbors such as the Players Club and 13 Gramercy Park, and addressing key addenda that emerged as the project unfolded.
The attorneys’ work ensured that the club — one of the oldest literary and arts institutions in the world — could move forward with essential exterior repairs to its 19th-century brownstone and granite façade, an architectural treasure designed by Calvert Vaux.
“Housing a cultural institution of this stature in a landmarked building on a privately managed park is both a privilege and a legal challenge,” said Silverbush, who led the negotiations. “It required a deep understanding of both the client’s needs and the nuances of historic neighbor relationships.”
The legal team navigated complex access and scheduling constraints to accommodate the club’s ongoing cultural programming and events. Among the unique legal hurdles was securing a rooftop access license to repair a newly discovered commemorative plaque, a task that had to be undertaken with sensitivity to both the building’s structure and the surrounding properties.
“Our firm is proud to support the National Arts Club’s vision and the preservation of one of New York’s most storied cultural landmarks,” said Bresky. “We are especially honored to contribute to the club’s mission of public access to the arts.”
The restoration comes at a pivotal time for the club as it celebrates its 127th anniversary. In addition to grants from a variety of government entities, the club is raising matching funds to complete the $3.3 million project. The initiative is part of a broader effort to reinvigorate the club’s mission and facilities ensuring the building and its programming can continue to inspire new generations.
Added Silverbush, “Rosenberg & Estis’s contribution to the renovation underscores the importance of legal stewardship in safeguarding cultural institutions, ensuring that historic preservation, neighbor cooperation, and vibrant programming can all thrive in harmony.”