Demolition of 225 East Broadway Underway

Back in June 2007, Curbed reported that the Young Israel Synagogue HQ at 225 East Broadway was to be razed.  In its place, developers planned a new religious facility which would include, not surprisingly, the addition of condo units on the upper levels.  Now, nearly three years later, demolition of the four-story row of tenements finally seems to be underway; the initial permits acquired from the DOB in 2007 were renewed this past October.  The fire escapes are no longer part of the brick facade, the windows are boarded, and a dumpster sits curbside waiting for its due and proper.

While this mess is sorted, the minyan (services) remains active across the street at the Bialystoker Old Age Home at 228 East Broadway.  We called the synagogue for more information, and were told that the new facility would not be built for another few years.

The lot comprising 225-229 East Broadway is steeped in turn-of-the-century Jewish heritage.  It was first home to the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS), which was initially dedicated to helping new Jewish immigrants find a footing in the neighborhood (shelter, jobs, schools, finding family).  In 1921, HIAS moved out and was replaced by the fledgeling Young Israel.  By 1962, the organization owned the entire building.