UWS Music School Gets Sparkling Renovation from TV Show Handyman
Erika Floreska, executive director of the Bloomingdale School of Music, in the renovated courtyard.
George Oliphant, star of NBC show “George to the Rescue”, came to the rescue of the Bloomingdale School of Music at 323 West 108th Street. The school, which offers inexpensive or free music lessons to children and adults in the neighborhood, gave $250,000 in scholarships last year.
The show renovated the school’s David Greer Music Hall and its outdoor courtyard, with pro bono work and supplies donated by 25 contractors. The episode is expected to air in the spring.
Students and faculty in the renovated music hall.
See the comparison below sent by the show’s rep:
The following companies were involved:
General Contractor – SilverLining Inc.
Architect – Rogers Partners
Landscape Design – Evan C Lai Landscape Design
Hardscape Materials – SiteOne
Mural – 40 Visuals
Plant Material – Hicks Nursery
Lighting – Orsman
Theater & Acoustics – Charcoalblue
Audio & Video – Sage Audio Video Technology
Moving Company for Piano – Dunrite Specialized
Demolition – Signature Interior Demolition
Electrical – Apollo Electric Inc.
Lighting Controls & Theatrical Lighting – ETC
Plumbing & Sprinkler – Forte Express Plumbing & Heating
Millwork – Premium Grade Millwork Corp
Decorative Metal – Coco Architectural Grilles & Metal Craft
Wood Floor – Dara Wood
Paint – Janovic
Painting – Metropolitan Painting Interiors
Theatrical Drapery & Hardware – iWeiss
Framing – Arquenta
Framing Materials – Liberty Panel & Home Center
Glazing – Empire Mirror & Glass
Acoustical Panels – Unika Vaev
Linear LED – One Illuminates LLC
Hardware – Elegance Hardware
Front Door Stone Saddle – Castel Tile
Fabricated Ceiling Wood Panels – PGM
Bloomingdale School is a treasure of the UWS.
Absolutely!!!
THANK YOU, George to the Rescue and all pro bono contractors and suppliers! Makes my day!! We all need an upbeat story. I hope your generosity will encourage more music students, more music, more joy!
I only discovered David Greer’s work when I was researching a building I used to live in, a townhouse at 734 WEA which was subsequently torn down and replaced by something modern and nondescript. He lived there with (I assume) his partner until the late 80’s when they sadly died with a year of each other. Then it was sold by the estates to a profiteer who let it fall into disrepair and it was divided into apartments. I lived there for a year until driven out by the miserable landlord. It was a pit but the building had such character! You could imagine what it had once been.
Anyway, it was that search that led me to David Greer and the discovery of the great work that he did in this area. So glad it lives on and that others are contributing!
The new piano is a beauty.
The piano is thanks to the great efforts of Gale Brewer. If you see her, say thanks!
Yes it took a village but is fantastic!
See what we can do?
And such a worthy cause Here’s hoping
many generations reap the benefits of
Music instruction here
Bravo!
FABULOUS!!!! Thank you, George to the Rescue! You have brought new life to all BSMNY serves! What a Thanksgiving!!
It is a wonderful school – what a lovely gift!
Oh – and thank you for the list of contractors; I am making a note ….
What a wonderful gift to our community and our music students! It’s a treasure in the neighborhood!