Lisa Li's Summer Rooftop Soiree

Thursday night at the Empire Hotel was a great gathering for clients, co-wokers, and friends of Livents and Citihabitats to get together and network.  For some, this was an evening of catching up after a busy first half of 2013. For others, this was an opportunity to meet new people and build connections. The crisp summer weather provided an excellent ambiance for this outdoor soiree. Overall, it was an amazing night for New Yorkers to come together.

The "I Have A Dream" Foundation Annual Spring Gala

In 1981, businessman Eugene M. Lang returned to P.S. 121, the elementary school he had attended in East Harlem 50 years earlier, to address a class of graduating sixth graders. He promised college tuition to every sixth grader who graduated from high school. Soon he hired a full-time Program Coordinator and enlisted the support of a local community-based organization to provide services and support to the children through graduation. By 1986, Lang officially formed the national "I Have A Dream Foundation."

On June 11, 2013 the Foundation held their annual "Spirit of The Dream" Spring Gala. The event celebrated the efforts and progress John King Jr. has advanced as New York State Education Commissioner. Proceeds from the evening benefited the organization's "Dreamers."

The "I Have A Dream" Foundation works to ensure that all children have the opportunity to pursue higher education. They empower children in low-income communities to achieve higher education by providing them with guaranteed tuition support and equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and habits they need to gain entry to higher education and succeed in college and beyond. By helping the "Dreamers" gain access to college, they are put on a different academic and life trajectory, while having a broader impact on the students' families and the generations that follow.

Fantastic entertainment was served with co-hosts Sue Herera, Co-Anchor of "Power Lunch," CNBC and Carlos Watson, former CNN and MSNBC anchor.  The Honorable Chris Coons, Arthur Levine and Carl Banks served as Honorary Chairs.

 

A silent auction was held with Patrick Tully as Auctioneer

Hudson Yards: New York's Newest Neighborhood

Exciting change is coming to the far West Side of New York City.  The Hudson Yards Redevelopment Project, a proposed plan by Related Companies, is to be a mixed-use development that will included office, retail, and residential space, parks, culture and entertainment.  The 26-acre site, located on the river between West 30th and West 33rd, is the single largest piece of underdeveloped property in Manhattan.

The proposed North and South towers tilt in opposite directions, paying homage to the city and the Hudson River.  The E Tower overlooks a grand public square.

Created by master planner Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF), it is to consist of 16 skyscrapers containing office, residential and retail space which will be some of the most energy efficient towers in Manhattan.  The North and South office hours will achieve a LEED Gold certification.

Real estate in Hudson Yards will be hot; Diller Scofidio + Renfro, David Rockwell, Ismael Leyva and David Childs of SOM are putting their stamp on the first two residential towers.  

D Tower and E Tower, the first two residential towers.

Hudson Yards officially broke ground in December 2012 with an office building anchored by Coach Inc.  This is expected to be completed in 2015.  Looking forward to following the exciting progress of New York's newest neighborhood!

View of Hudson Yards from the High Line