University Settlement on Eldridge Honored with Street Co-Naming

Founded by Stanton Coit in 1886 as the Neighborhood Guild, the University Settlement was the first of its kind in the country.  Perennially located at 184 Eldridge Street (at Rivington), the Lower East Side institution was conceived to provide assimilation assistance to the exploding immigrant population of the neighborhood around that time. There were courses in English, politics, and even basketball. The mission continues more than 125 years later.

To commemorate and celebrate University Settlement, the city officially co-named the southeast corner of Eldridge and Rivington. Indeed, brand new “University Settlement” street sign was clamped to the lightpole in an official ceremony Friday afternoon. Council member Margaret Chin, Executive Director Michael Zisser, and members of Community Board 3 were on hand.