Upper East Side Story

Dates

2019 - 2019
Author

Alain Schroeder
Location New York, United States

The Upper East Side of Manhattan is considered New York City’s most affluent neighborhood. White-glove buildings, designer boutiques, Museum Mile and ladies who lunch are some of the images associated with UES.

The area covers 59th to 96th street from the East River to Central Park cut by avenues such as Park, Madison and Fifth.

Most of the subjects have lived here for years and would not dream of leaving. When asked how they wanted to be photographed, the responses were astonishing: naked, dressed like a maharaja, in bed, etc.

People just wanted to have fun!

This series depicts a microcosm of life on the Upper East Side in New York City.

Lisa: Born in the UK, Lisa (76) clearly remembers arriving in New York Harbor in 1948. The family was moving to Los Angeles, but within 48 hours her father had fallen in love with Manhattan and decided to stay. Lisa has lived her entire life on the Upper East Side and in her current apartment since 1973. When asked if she would ever leave, she answers with a tone of astonishment, “Why?” An accomplished decorative artist, her home is her palette and she does not think twice about painting a wall just because people are coming over. With grace and elegance this former ballerina and model moves through space with a sense of style and whimsy.

Sandy & Richard When life brought diehard New Yorker Sandy (78), and ready for country club living Richard (85) together 25 years ago, the only solution was to split their time between New York and Florida. The one thing they had no trouble agreeing on was the sound investment of buying an apartment on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Their favorite restaurants are close by and it is obvious that the kitchen does not get much use. In fact, Sandy admits that sitting at the table is somewhat unusual. “As a child, my mother ruled the world from her bed.” Richard adds that when their grandchildren visit, despite the spacious apartment, everyone likes to congregate in the master bedroom.

Barbara Barbara, a born and bred New Yorker, refuses all notions of time defining herself as “ageless.” She will only divulge that she’s been living in her apartment for “a very long time.” She’s committed to Manhattan and shudders at the thought of ever leaving the Upper East Side. Her long-time partner can attest to this as the couple has maintained a solid bi-coastal relationship for, well... a long time! Model and actress since the 1960s, some dates are verifiable, Barbara has turned her fashion savoir-faire into a business with an emphasis on vintage clothing, jewelry and accessories and prides herself in helping clients find their own sense of style.

Lynn: Born and raised within a few blocks of her Upper East Side apartment, Lynn (81) is the embodiment of poise and manners. And yet, eager to have some fun, she steps easily out of her persona unwittingly mirroring the art that surrounds her. With a photographer’s eye, meticulous work ethic and boundless curiosity she constructs her own stories of architecture, decoration, portraiture and empowerment. “I walk out the door and things just happen!” she exclaims. Although she loves the neighborhood and cannot imagine living anywhere else, Lynn is nostalgic for the glory days of Madison Avenue and laments the vacant storefronts that are a sign of a broader nationwide retail crisis.

Jeffrey: Jeffrey (81) cannot recall a time in his life when he wasn’t singing, dancing and acting. He came to New York in his mid-20s where he worked hard to carve out a career in cabaret. Passionate about travel and spending time with friends, he is always on the go and can often be seen around the neighborhood, socializing. Resident of the Upper East side for 62 years, he describes the building where he’s lived for over 40 (years) as, “phenomenal with fabulous service; they’ll have to carry me out!” With dramatic flair, Jeffrey is always stylish from head to toe and especially loves his jackets, like this one from Australian designer Joe Bananas, his favorite store on Madison Avenue, not to mention his Pink Panther socks.

Howard & Sylvia Sylvia (85) and Howard (87) love their life on the Upper East Side almost as much as they love each other. With the giddiness of young lovers this couple has been cozying up for 55 years. The East End apartment where they’ve lived for the last 20 years was a compromise; anywhere in New York City for Sylvia, near a park for Howard. They love the service, safety of the neighborhood, accessibility to all of the city and the bonus is the 92nd Street Y a few blocks away that Sylvia calls, “a world in itself.” As long as they can take care of themselves and each other, they plan to stay put.

Paul: When he moved back to New York in 1985, Paul (71) purchased this apartment in part for the cachet of the Upper East Side. “Back then, it felt like a neighborhood with a hardware store, beauty parlor, restaurants and other small businesses. Today, you cannot buy a quart of milk, but you can buy diamonds!” With what he refers to as “decoration by art,” every inch of his home displays Paul’s passion for collecting. And what better way to present his precious Indian jewelry than to dress like a maharaja.

Walter In 1976, when Walter (70) moved into his Upper East Side railroad apartment (a series of connected rooms, without a hallway and bathtub in the kitchen) the neighborhood was predominantly Irish and rather tough. “There used to be lots of bars and it could get pretty violent, yet people hung out and there was a real sense of neighborhood,” he recalls fondly, adding, “today, everything’s a CVS.” As the older 5-6 story buildings are sold off to developers, folks in rent stabilized apartments like Walter are finding themselves caught in the middle. “It’s kind of a trap; I can’t afford to leave.” Luckily, Walter has Linda and for now, the couple split their time between New York and her home in the South.

Evan & Kim - Joe Bananas For their first store outside of Australia, Evan (40) and Kim (34) owners of menswear label Joe Bananas, chose New York’s Upper East Side. Perpetuating Joe’s legacy whose brand of unique designs and premium fabrics rocketed to stardom with a little help from Sir Elton John in the 80s, the jackets are all handwoven raw silk, all inspired by natural materials and all made in Australia. The in-store experience on Madison Avenue is an education in geological formations, precious stones and boundless landscapes that evoke the beauty and grandeur of Australia. With passion, creativity and expert tailoring, Kim and Evan offer an exclusive, human experience for men willing to push beyond traditional tailoring. Clients are loyal often owning several, or more, pieces.

Jean: Jean (96), is the matron of this series. She and her husband moved from Queens to be closer to his medical practice on Park Avenue 53 years ago. Widowed for 30+ years, Jean has never considered living anywhere else. “This is where I raised my kids. I always went to the [92nd Street] Y for concerts, lectures and dance lessons and I still play bridge there three days a week. This is my home and I love it!”

Silvia and Maria In 2012, after a terrifying fumbled kidnapping attempt in their home country of Venezuela, sisters Silvia (33) and Maria (32) were sent to Europe by their father. The girls eventually came to New York to study. sThey moved into this 4th floor walk-up on the Upper East Side three years ago. While both are nostalgic for Caracas before the economic meltdown and reminisce about the beautiful nature, wonderful weather and other endeavors besides studying and working that define their NY existence, they are grateful for the opportunity to realize their dreams here. Silvia and Maria love the neighborhood and are particularly excited about the new 2nd Avenue subway.

Lola: Born and raised in Brooklyn, Lola (72) used to drive into Manhattan just to run around the reservoir in Central Park. Work also brought her to the city, so when this apartment came up in 1992, she grabbed it and has been a happy Upper East Side resident ever since. Surrounded by photos, art and objects that testify to a panoply of careers in theatre, education, urban planning and wealth management, this force of nature exercises her horticultural talents and sources positive energy on her beloved balcony.

Beth: “In the late 80s, everyone I knew [in New Jersey] aspired to live on the Upper East Side,” Beth (56) recalls unequivocally. She has lived in several apartments, raised her children here and cannot imagine living anywhere else. In fact, she and her boyfriend of 12 years remain on opposite sides of Central Park because she refuses to move! In addition to being a family-oriented neighborhood with lovely parks, Beth is thrilled that she can now choose between the ferry on the East River and the new Second Avenue Subway to get to her office in midtown. Yoga is a family affair in this home where even the cat can hold a pose.

Doris: When the West Village became “too touristy,” Doris (64) started looking for a new neighborhood. Upper East Side resident since 2011, she initially viewed this apartment in a renovated tenement building for its accessibility to her mom who lives in Queens. The urban garden, offering the feeling of country living, was the exceptional feature that sold her on the property. This lush green oasis is a testament to Doris’ gardening skills, honed during her tenure tending the roses at the New York Botanical Garden.