WILLIAMSBURG — The Municipal Art Society of New York (MAS) presented the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Medal, the organization’s highest honor, to Jon Batiste, Nets owners Clara Wu Tsai & Joe Tsai, and Earl D. Weiner on Wednesday night. The medals were presented at a celebration held at Weylin, located at 175 Broadway in Williamsburg.
“Although MAS’s advocacy takes place in all five boroughs, this is the first time the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Medal has been presented outside Manhattan,” said MAS President Elizabeth Goldstein. “We were delighted to gather in a borough that has been the site of so much of our honorees’ work, shining a light on their immense collective impact on our city.”
Honorees Jon Batiste, Clara Wu Tsai & Joe Tsai, and Earl D. Weiner were joined by an array of friends, fans, and colleagues, including Elissa Black, Ron Blaylock & Petra Pope, Gabriel Calatrava, Lisa & Dick Cashin, CaSandra Diggs, Jennifer Eisenstadt, Regina Myer, Maria Nicanor, Enuma Okoro, Bruce Ratner & Linda Johnson, Janet Ross, Shanta Thake, Carla Shen, Betsy Smith & Rick Cotton, Yeohlee Teng, and Henry Timms.
Earl D. Weiner (center) poses with MAS’ Co-Chairs Christy MacLear and Richard Olcott. Photo courtesy of MAS
The event raised nearly $1 million to support MAS in its mission of lifting up the voices of the people in the debates that shape New York’s built environment and leading the way toward a more livable city from sidewalk to skyline. Founded in 1893, MAS was instrumental in key battles that have shaped the future of New York.
The site of the original Williamsburgh Savings Bank, 175 Broadway was built by renowned architect George B. Post in 1875 with iconic interiors designed by Peter B. Wright. In 2014, it completed an extensive restoration and reopened as an event space under the name Weylin. Following the celebration, guests enjoyed drinks and dancing at the 1875 Bar, the building’s speakeasy-style cocktail space. This annual gathering known as the After Dark Party is hosted by the MAS Urbanists, a member group of early to mid-career professionals.
The Medal is awarded annually to individuals who, through vision, leadership, and philanthropy, have made a lasting contribution to New York City. The Medal was established in 1994 to honor Mrs. Onassis, her passionate efforts to preserve great architecture in New York City, and her remarkable partnership with the Municipal Art Society over nearly two decades— including the campaign that saved Grand Central Terminal from demolition.
In this photo provided by DKC News, Clara Wu Tsai, co-owner of the Brooklyn Nets, stands in front of the Barclays Center. Ivy Newman/DKC News via AP
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BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.
ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.
