P.S. 333, Manhattan School for Children, located at 154 West 93rd Street (Google Maps)
Whether accused of a money-making scheme to rip off parents or shielding its current principal from two no-confidence votes, the folks running P.S. 333 can’t seem to catch a break. Over the past seven years, the Manhattan School for Children has fallen into further scrutiny for remaining disguised as an ugly construction site.
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The Chrysler Building took just under two years to construct and the Empire State Building took just over a year. As an enraged parent told ABC7, “… it has taken over seven years to fix the roof and facade [of P.S. 333], it’s unacceptable.”
The organization which handles the design, construction and renovation of NYC schools is the School Construction Authority. Following recent backlash (and a recently launched petition to end construction), its spokesperson, Kevin Ortiz, released an official statement:
“The extensive and complex work of repairing exterior masonry, parapets and the roof of an 80-year old, landmarked building was compounded by issues with the original contractor. A new contractor has been brought in. Unfortunately, the added work of remediation and completing the project along with the temporary pause of all work due to COVID has added to the overall duration. We understand the urgency and impact on the school and are committed to completing this vital work by the latter end of next year.”
(Google Maps)
Many studies detail the environmental impact on student learning, well-being and intellectual development. A 2009 study states “buildings are complex visual objects in children’s environment, they represent one of the most frequent subjects of children’s drawings, second only to humans and animals… elaboration is influenced by general intellectual development… the forms and structures, rounds and arches, window and door fittings, two-sided houses and perspective all rose steadily with [children’s] intellectual development. It seems that children do feel a strong connection to the buildings they experience.”
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A seventh grader enrolled at PS 333 since kindergarten has always associated school with a construction site. This young person is incapable of separating their relationship to education from the aesthetic of an uncompromisingly ugly, window-obstructed facade.
For these students, if an image of their education were to materialize they might imagine their school. A historic building suffocated by uninspired packaging, wire fences, scaffolding and black plastic netting to block all windows from the sun. If we cannot escape this imagery of packaging, perhaps we should utilize it by shipping out whoever is responsible for this neglect and mismanagement of childhood education.
This thing has been lighting the neighborhood up like a Christmas tree since Obama was president. And when they work, they start at 3PM and go to 10:30 PM. And it’s been that way for years.
They can’t work on School buildings while kids and teachers are in them.
The result is 330-1030 working days.
No kidding.
I would suggest that someone take a look at the construction permits posted at the front of the school. In particular, note the expiration dates. Just a suggestion.
I teach a course Looking is Learning, it is an art, architecture, world cultures course for students 1st-12th grade and some college students as well. They learn that from looking they can understand the world, art and history. To place students in an environment in which as they look around they see endless construction, obscured windows, a hideous sidewalk shed, etc. I wonder how they must feel about themselves. I am reminded of a quote I use when teaching about Penn Station. In the original structure, one entered the city like a god. After it was torn down and replaced by Madison Square Garden, now one scuttles out like a rat. Architecture is to inform and instruct and when done well it is ennobling, like the Brooklyn Bridge. One only need to walk across to feel the empowered. It raises us out of the everyday. I feel so sorry for these children. We can and should do so much better.
The case being made for children’s development as far as their sensitivity to visual stimuli and association between construction imagery and education feels drawn out on first glance, however:
Imagine if this was the intended design of the school.
It would be appalling.
terrible situation and terrible eyesore….
I haven’t seen this. Are they talking about a private school, Manhattan Children’s, or PS 133?
YOU ARE A PRODUCT OF YOUR ENVIRONMENT. MAYBE, IT’S THE ASBESTOS ABATEMENT…OLD BUILDINGS ARE FULL OF IT!
What does the petition ask for? For the city to waive safety regulations? or for the work crews to have to stay there jackhammering later than 10:00 at night?
The statement from the School Construction Authority about the roof, parapets and facade of a landmark building are not truthful.
They have added on many stories and an extension to the building. I am not saying they don’t have the proper permits, I am not privy to this. The truth is that the scope of the work is an expansion of the school. This is not facade repair. If that was the case, even with a prior contract and construction company, the pandemic included, would not take the seven years it is going to. The new completion date is October, 2022. With potential delays and others obstacles as with any construction project or renovation, the end date will most likely go into 2023.
The toxic chemicals they are burning everyday is making our apartment building next door very sick. Anyone know how to get a materials safety data sheet or stop them. The company is Adams European Construction Company in Brooklyn. 718 417 9000. This has been everyday since April. I have constant asthma and doormen have migraines I am writing about the school on w92 and W 93 between Amsterdam and Columbus. Used to be called Joan of Arc