Celebrating Preservation Month with two new National Historic Places!

The Church of St. Edward the Martyr (left) and Marcus Garvey Park (right), both in Harlem, are now listed on the National Register of Historic Places!

May is Preservation Month and we've got double the reason to celebrate this year. Two significant Harlem locations that AYON Studio has helped preserve—the Church of St. Edward the Martyr and Marcus Garvey Park—were added to the National Park Service National Register of Historic Places!

 At The Church of St. Edward the Martyr, located on East 109th Street, we are currently leading a comprehensive renovation of this Landmark quality church, including a roof replacement, façade repairs, a new entrance for accessibility compliance and flood resistance, renovation of the 4th-floor apartment, and renovation of the cellar for event space.

Marcus Garvey Park, a vibrant community resource in the center of the neighborhood, opened to the public in 1840 and has been the site many historic events, including the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival (featured in the documentary Summer of Soul). It’s also home to Angel Ayón's first and foremost advocacy project, the Mount Morris Fire Watchtower (previously listed), which was restored and reopened to the public in 2019. Originally designed by Julius Kroehl and constructed in 1857, this cast-iron structure, a beloved neighborhood landmark, is the last surviving tower of its kind in New York City.

Dancing with joy at Movement Research's new home!

On May 8th, we celebrated a truly momentous occasion with our dear client Movement Research—the opening of their new consolidated and collaborative space at Performance Space New York!

Our renovation design delivers two new rehearsal and performance studios—one named "The Bob" in honor of Robert Rauschenberg, the other named for Ishmael Houston-Jones—along with a resource room and lounge, dubbed the “Content Corner” for Lisa Nelson, Steve Paxton, and Nancy Stark Smith.

Despite being previously scattered in different spaces across the city, their tight-knit community has been together for over four decades, fostering inclusive and low-cost programming as one of the world’s leading laboratories for the investigation of dance and movement-based forms. And through this project, we are happy to say we've become true partners with them in every sense of the word.

Principal Angel Ayón reflected on the project—and the partnership—at the ribbon cutting ceremony. “The entire process has been extremely satisfying and personal for me. Coming from a dance family, and knowing the needs of this place, of this organization, it was extremely important to me to work and participate in a project like this and really help fulfill YOUR vision, YOUR desire to create here.”

Now united in place as well as mission, Movement Research has the opportunity to more wholly fulfill their mission to nurture and instigate discourse and experimentation, while reflecting the socio-political diversity of its artists and audiences alike.

This is a purpose we at AYON Studio can get behind, and we are so very proud to have designed their new home!

(As you know, the arts need more support than ever. If you can, please donate to their ongoing fundraising campaign.)

Teaching Preservation Advocacy at Yale

Teaching architecture students how to be active citizens of their communities can help them connect better with their future clients and design more meaningful buildings—and, in the case of historic preservation, more appropriate interventions.

Part of that often means standing up for what you believe in. On April 23, Angel Ayón gave a now annual guest lecture to students at Yale University entitled “Citizen Architect: Preservation Advocacy as Professional Practice.”

Sharing his unique personal perspective on this topic, Angel delved into his architectural schooling and early professional life as well as running his own architecture firm today.

The presentation also followed Angel's 20-year-long neighborhood advocacy campaign to save the 1857 Mount Morris Fire Watchtower in Harlem’s Marcus Garvey Park. As a result of Angel’s influence and leadership, this designated NYC landmark, also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was rehabilitated and received numerous awards .

Part of the School’s “Historic Preservation in the 21st Century” seminar taught by Norma Barbacci, Angel delivered his lecture in Rudolph Hall, the famed Brutalist building by its namesake, architect Paul Rudolph.

Celebrating the 35th annual Lucys!

On April 22nd, 2024, a group from our office joined a sold-out crowd of 600 at the Edison Ballroom for the 35th annual Lucy G. Moses Preservation Awards, hosted by The New York Landmarks Conservancy.

We were excited to be there to honor many of our colleagues, particularly our dear friend and collaborator, Ann Friedman, who was presented with the Special Award for Preservation Service. Prior to her retirement last year, she spent 24 years at NYLC, much of it serving as Director of the Sacred Sites program. Previously, Ann spent 7 years in the Preservation Department at the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission. As a champion for historic religious properties, her knowledge and dedication saved much of NYC's precious cultural heritage.

The program also celebrated Susan Olsen, Woodlawn Cemetery's Director of Historical Services for over 22 years, who was granted the 2025 Preservation Leadership Award.

Congratulations as well to all 17 project awardees, and thanks to NYLC for a great event!

Sharing lessons learned from Reglazing Modernism with Harvard GSD students

Co-authors Angel Ayón and Uta Pottgiesser offered Harvard University’s graduate students in architecture a first-hand account of the detailed global case studies presented in their full-length book, Reglazing Modernism ― Intervention Strategies for 20th Century Icons, on March 13th.

A thorough resource for education, as well as practical application, the book offers unique insights for the restoration, rehabilitation, and replacement of steel-framed glazing assemblies in culturally significant Modern architecture. The first of its kind, this critical assessment of assembles and analyzes best practices the preservation of exterior glazed enclosures — one of the most character-defining features of Modern architecture.

Reglazing Modernism explores not only the previous interventions, but the effect of emerging high-performance technologies that respond to challenges posed by some of the case studies included, such as poor thermal performance.

 Published in the fall of 2019, Reglazing Modernism won the 2021 Lee Nelson Book Award from the Association for Preservation Technology International (APT) for the most outstanding and influential book-length work on preservation technology in North America. It has been featured in public book talks and numerous lectures, including at other Ivy League institutions, and  excerpts have been published in both academic and professional journals.

Presenting spatial mapping at APTNE’s annual symposium

On February 28th, our colleague Clara Zhao presented her well-researched graduate thesis at APT Northeast's Annual Symposium.  Entitled "From the World to Henry Street: Tracing the Hidden Narrative of Women in Public Health Through Spatial Mapping," the presentation centered around how these individual women navigated the city through its obstacles and forged close relationships with the people they served.

Since the founding of the Henry Street Settlement in 1903, the nurses provided care and medical services to residents across the immigrant and lower-income neighborhoods in NYC. Although they were from vastly diverse social backgrounds and cultures, historical research revealed their aspirations to achieve formal medical education, which contributed to the increased diversity of the Settlement’s and the City’s public health professionals.

Clara's research focused on the tangible and social environments the nurses inhabited and introduces the methodology exploration of “narrative-guided spatial mapping” to graphically interpret archival data and construct narrative themes to trace their life journeys. By mapping the individual nurses’ experiences back onto the urban landscape, Clara's thesis seeks to help recognize and preserve their claim as part of the historical heritage of both the Henry Street Settlement and the City of New York.

Educating Pratt students about adaptive reuse solutions for cultural facilities

Adaptive reuse projects are gaining ground in many areas where sustainable solutions are paramount and financing streams for new construction are drying up. But it’s not all office-to-residential conversions, as the post-pandemic market indicates. Building typologies that are particularly ripe for redevelopment include historic churches and theaters. From Portland, ME to Portland, OR, and everywhere in between—as well as internationally—these often underutilized properties are becoming hotels, restaurants, residences, retail stores, gyms and sports arenas, tattoo parlors, parking garages, and even indoor skate parks!

Sanika Kulkarni and Angel Ayón have reprised their presentation on this topic once again on February 27th for students in Pratt Institute’s Historic Preservation master’s degree program. Featuring researched examples along with AYON Studio’s own project experience—including St. Paul’s German Evangelical Lutheran Church, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Times Square Theater, Flushing RKO Keith’s, the Nitehawk, and Theater 80, the lecture offered a wealth of cultural building reuse case studies, making the case for creative adaptive reuse not only as a more sustainable alternative to new construction, but as a way to help preserve historic architectural fabric in these ever-evolving communities.

Displaying our work at the Center for Architecture in its "Built by New York" exhibit

Three AYON Studio projects have been featured in the Center for Architecture’s Built by New York exhibit, on view through Saturday, April 5th: our facade replacement for the new Toby Devan Lewis Education Center at Brooklyn Museum, our solar panel installation at Nitehawk Cinema Prospect Park, and Principal Angel Ayón’s award-winning book, Reglazing Modernism.

Celebrating professionals in the New York City design community, the exhibit, which is displayed on all three floors of galleries at the Center, includes past, current, and future work from members of AIA’s 5 local chapters. Featured projects are located in NYC and beyond—from Miami to Dubai and many points in between— providing a snapshot of the architectural community’s impact on the city and around the world.

Be sure to check it out before it’s gone!

Celebrating Sanika Kulkarni’s promotion to Associate!

We are thrilled to announce that Sanika Kulkarni is now an Associate at AYON Studio! Since joining us full time in 2018, Sanika has been an integral part of our team, consistently demonstrating unwavering dedication, exceptional project management skills, and the ability to build strong relationships. Her contributions have been key to our day-to-day operations and long-term success.

Sanika has a Bachelor of Architecture from the Goa College of Architecture and a Master of Science in Historic Preservation from Pratt Institute. Her experience in both architecture and preservation helps effectively deliver the best possible service to our clients. Over the last several years, she has collaborated with a range of residential, religious, and cultural clients. Her work encompasses New York City Landmarks, as well as significant properties listed on the State and National Historic Registers.

This well-deserved promotion is a testament to Sanika’s hard work, initiative, and commitment to not only her own projects, but the growth of the entire studio. Sanika’s achievement also highlights the many opportunities for growth at AYON Studio for those who go above and beyond.

Critiquing end-of-semester juries at Pratt

On December 6th, Senior Associate Lloyd DesBrisay, AIA, served as a guest juror for two end-of-semester critiques at Pratt Institute, School of Design. The classes are part of Pratt's MFA Program in the Interior Design Department, led by visiting Assoc. Prof. Werner & Visiting Asst. Prof. Besen.

In the course, students undertake independent problems, creating design solutions of significant scope and complexity. The projects were evaluated on whether they demonstrate mature correlation between all phases of design and construction based on supportive research.

Celebrating 5 years of Reglazing Modernism!

Reglazing Modernism ― Intervention Strategies for 20th Century Icons was published in the fall of 2019, and since then, has been featured in numerous book talks, lectures, presentations, and published excerpts. Co-authored by AYON Studio Principal Angel Ayón, the book won the 2021 Lee Nelson Book Award from the Association for Preservation Technology International (APT) for the most outstanding and influential book-length work on preservation technology in North America.

Highlighting the preservation of exterior glazed enclosures — one of the most character-defining features of Modern architecture — Reglazing Modernism has been hailed by practitioners and educators worldwide as a one-of-a-kind resource. The book’s detailed analyses of 20 global case studies offer unique insights for the restoration, rehabilitation, and replacement of steel-framed glazing assemblies in culturally-significant Modern architecture. Conceived as a critical assessment rather than a catalog or technical guide, the wide range of interventions explore best practices, as well as emerging high-performance technologies that respond to challenges posed by some of the case studies included, such as poor thermal performance, material decay and loss of integrity.

The book was greatly inspired by Angel’s career-defining experience leading the rehabilitation of the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum nearly 20 years ago. After searching widely for resources, Angel surprisingly found few relevant to the condition of the windows. The impetus to generate his own solutions inspired him to create Reglazing Modernism for colleagues, scholars and students of the profession.

Elevating Angel Ayón as APT Recognized Professional (APT RP)

You may have recently noticed some additional letters after Principal Angel Ayón’s name. On November 18th, he was distinguished as one of 10 new Recognized Professionals at the annual Fall conference of the Association for Preservation Technology (APT), which he achieved earlier this year. An APT Recognized Professional (APT RP) has specialized knowledge in the use of preservation technology in conservation and stewardship of cultural heritage; conforms to accepted international technical and APT ethical standards; and works in accordance with the regulations and guidelines of the person’s specialty preservation field and the appropriate jurisdictions of their practice.

The APT and the APT College of Fellows established the program in 2018 to recognize the expert skill level of individuals in the various fields of preservation technology with a formal recognition of achievement. Angel’s dedication to the organization and its knowledge-sharing mission is unwavering. He has been involved in APT for over two decades, first presented at the annual conference in 2009, and has been published in the APT Bulletin twice, first in 2011 and 2014, then again in 2022 with an excerpt of the book he co-authored – Reglazing Modernism – after it won the 2021 Lee Nelson Book Award. Over the years, he has also served as a peer reviewer for a few APT publications and has adhered to APTi’s mentorship spirit by guiding not only the staff at AYON Studio, but also students at Columbia University, Pratt Institute, NYU, and The New School.

Highlighting Historic Preservation in Harlem at APT Montreal

The Association for Preservation Technology (APT), National Trust for Canada, and Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals (CAHP) presented a joint international conference on heritage conservation entitled “Building Bridges: Connecting Places, Cultures, and Practices.”

The inspiring event, focused on bridging the knowledge gap and gaining new insights upon the ongoing challenges in historic preservation, climate resiliency, and social equity, was held in Montreal – North America’s francophone cultural metropolis, a world-renowned heritage hub, and an industry, research, and practice hotspot.

On November 18th, Principal Angel Ayón shared his advocacy experience with Historic Preservation in Harlem, New York, as part of a Special Plenary – Transforming Heritage: Implementing Historic Preservation Change in a Time of Social Upheaval. Angel spoke with fellow panelists Aly Ndiaye, Di Gao, Eladia Smoke, and Patricia Kell.

Moderated by Tiffani Simple, the discussion explored the evolving work and significance of heritage conservation today, focusing on adjusting its mission and effectively implementing it amid rapid social change in response to a range of unprecedented challenges. The urgency to decolonize heritage processes and practices has become increasingly real, as our planet confronts catastrophic climate change and escalating social, class, and racial tensions.

Showcasing local projects with the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce

Two of our recent Brooklyn projects — the Nitehawk Cinema Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Museum Education Center — were on public display last night at the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce’s Best of Brooklyn Real Estate Showcase, held at The Refinery at Domino in Williamsburg! Both were featured in the Arts/Culture/Entertainment Category.

Principal Angel Ayón and Alicia Koledin had a fantastic time representing AYON Studio at the event, admiring all the other projects on display, and connecting with industry colleagues and new friends.

Joining NWBCCC in celebration of their 50th anniversary!

On October 18th, Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition held their 50th Anniversary Gala at Manhattan College. AYON Studio Project Manager Sanika Kulkarni and Marketing and Communications Manager Alicia Koledin joined NWBCCC, supporters, and all the esteemed 2024 honorees, in celebration of their continued mission for racial justice and economic democracy.

Founded in 1974 when the Bronx was literally burning due to disinvestment in the borough, the group unites diverse peoples and institutions through intergenerational community organizing to transform the Bronx and beyond. At the event, Executive Director Sandra Lobo announced that they are now going Bronx-wide —merging with the Bronx Cooperative Development Initiative (BCDI). As gentrification and climate change threaten to displace working families and communities of color who built the Bronx, this borough-wide force will champion smart and sustainable planning, community organizing, and economic development.

We commend the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition on 50 years of building the Bronx’s future and wholeheartedly congratulate all its honorees.

Opening the Nitehawk Cinema Prospect Park for a behind-the-scenes tour!

This past Friday, as part of the 22nd annual Open House New York Weekend, the general public was able to get up-on-the-roof and behind-the-scenes tours at one of our favorite AYON Studio projects, Nitehawk Cinema Prospect Park.

Principal Angel Ayón led visitors through the facility, talking about the installation of a replacement roof, a new roof-mounted photovoltaic array, exterior brick remediation, and the restoration of interior features. All of these improvements have come together to transform a dilapidated, underutilized asset into a comfortable, sustainable, 21st-century cinema and ensure its continuation as a neighborhood entertainment spot.

Owner Matthew Viragh, who saved the 1928 theater building from redevelopment, was also on hand to share the background, nuances, and specific challenges of the renovation, offering our guests a one-of-a-kind experience!

Presenting VIG as an alternative to window replacement at FTI’s 2024 World Congress

Glazing is a critical element of most building facades, offering interior occupants access to daylight—and in the case of windows, fresh air as well. They also contribute significantly to a building’s character. However, balancing historic character and cultural value with their historically poor energy performance has proven to be a pain point for preservationists, particularly when it comes to single-glazed windows. “Reglaze or Replace? VIG as an Alternative to Window Replacement,” the recent paper co-authored by Senior Associate Laura Boynton and Principal Angel Ayón, addresses this topic, in the context of a case study at 310 Riverside Drive in Manhattan's Upper West Side.

Also known locally as The Master Apartments, this 28-story designated Landmark built in 1929 is a unique example of the high-rise typology that came to define the NYC skyline during the first half of the 20th century. Its distinctive Art Deco design is rendered primarily in brick masonry of varying color and monumental steel windows above the ground floor entrances and marquees. Examining the restoration, rehabilitation and replacement options devised for the building’s steel windows and storefronts, the paper outlines the decision-making process that led to the retention of the original non-thermally broken steel window frames and the installation of replacement vacuum insulated glazing (VIG) within them, and the process of procuring custom-made VIG panes to replicate the textured blue glass at the side lites.

Although it’s not a new glazing technology, VIG only recently has become more affordable and more readily available in the US and may be able to help preservationists retain the historic frames while providing much higher energy performance and better interior comfort. The case study of the Master Building intervention indicated that the VIG panes provide a nearly four-factor improvement over the original single-pane glazing and offer a viable alternative to wholesale window replacement.

Angel presented the paper on October 10, 2024 at Facade Tectonics Institute's 2024 World Congress, part of FTI Facades Week at the University of Utah College of Architecture and Planning in Salt Lake City. Entitled “Face Time | Building Ecology: Facade Design for the Real World,” the biennial conference brought together the domestic and international building communities and the industry’s most influential leaders and academics.

Wecoming Lloyd DesBrisay to AYON Studio!

AYON Studio is privileged to have experienced Architect Lloyd DesBrisay join our team as a Senior Associate. A licensed architect for over 35 years, he has extensive experience on historic renovation, cultural, institutional, commercial, and residential projects worldwide and is driven by the quest for unique, practical, and effective solutions to complex architectural and interior design problems.

Prior to AYON Studio, Lloyd was on staff at other esteemed New-York City-based firms and was also a private practitioner for some time. Notable commissions, including the restoration of Louis I. Kahn’s influential Yale University Art Gallery museum building, won awards and were featured in international publications. Lloyd himself penned a 2018 article in DOCOMOMO Journal entitled “What Decides ‘Heritage’?: Lessons from a Comparison of Louis Kahn’s Commercial and Institutional Projects,” as well as the article “Yale University Art Gallery: Louis Kahn – Challenges for the Rehabilitation of Modern Museum Buildings,” published by Conservation of Modern Architecture, Routledge (formerly Donhead) in 2007.  He has also worked on architectural projects for Harvard, Princeton, UPenn and St. John’s University, as well as Brooklyn Museum and Friedman Theatre.

Lloyd earned a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from University of California Berkeley, where he was awarded a Departmental Citation. He is also a proud Eagle Scout.

Welcome aboard, Lloyd!

Joyously celebrating 10 years of success!

On August 1st, AYON Studio marked a significant milestone — our 10th Anniversary — with a memorable outdoor celebration in the courtyard of 122 CC. The festivities brought together our staff, clients, colleagues, and friends in an evening filled with laughter, recognition, and cheer.

Principal Angel Ayón delivered a heartfelt speech that described his start, and acknowledged his mentors and supporters, including his family. “I’m glad I did it,” he said, referring to the Studio’s inception. “It freed me up to follow my own vision and allows me to spend time doing things that I’m passionate about — preservation advocacy and working with non-profits — and that has given great meaning to my life.”

He also noted the Studio’s current growth trajectory and recognized the dedication of its employees — most notably Project Manager Sanika Kulkarni, whose 7+ years with us garnered a special gift of appreciation. “I’m very grateful for my staff,” he said, calling them all to the front.

Our team members, in turn, mingled with guests, sharing stories of our growth and the many challenges overcome to reach this special moment. Throughout the evening, everyone enjoyed a delicious spread of traditional favorites from Sophie’s Cuban Cuisine, while DJ Randy Lawrence kept the party going with Latin and Caribbean beats, themed to honor our founder’s unique cultural heritage.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and made the celebration a memorable one. As we look back on the past decade, we are grateful for the support and trust of our amazing community. Cheers to many more years of prosperity, collaboration, and success!

Special note: The venue, 122 Cultural Center (122 CC), is also home to Movement Research, one of the world’s leading laboratories for the investigation of dance and movement-based forms. AYON Studio’s interior renovation project for Movement Research at 122 CC includes two new dance studios, performance and support spaces, and office space, and will open later this fall.

Recognizing public participation in preservation at HDC’s Grassroots Preservation Awards

The Historic Districts Council (HDC) presented its 24th annual Grassroots Preservation Awards at Saint Mark’s Church-in-the-Bowery on the evening of June 18th. Several AYON Studio staff members attended, along with Principal Angel Ayón, who delivered a charming introduction to one of the esteemed honorees, Ann-Isabel Friedman.

 The recipient of the Mickey Murphy Lifetime Achievement Award, Ann is the Sacred Sites Director for the New York Landmarks Conservancy (NYLC),* and is affectionately known as the “Jewish Church Lady.” Her unwavering efforts over 23 year career include guiding congregations through their complex building issues. Her long-standing relationships with a remarkable number of institutions that received Sacred Sites grants from NYLC landed her the deserving reputation of a self-described “yenta,” matchmaking congregations with skilled preservation professionals like AYON Studio. Ann’s knowledge, enthusiasm, and spirit have endeared her to countless colleagues and grant recipients and earned their admiration and respect.

 Throughout its history, HDC Historic Districts Council has honored more than 150 individuals, community groups, coalitions, elected officials, and press outlets for their achievements. Along with Ann, its 2024 ceremony also included the following awardees: The Cadman Park Conservancy, Friends of the Lower West Side, and Metro Area Governors Island Coalition (M.A.G.I.C.), as well as the inaugural awardees of the Jeffrey Kroessler Student Research Award: Weijie “Christina” Sun  from Columbia University, GSAPP, and William Dunsmore from Bard Graduate Center.

 * Update: Ann retired from her NYLC duties on October 1.