 Candlelight vigil, Hartley House. Hell's Kitchen, NYC. ©2018 E.B.Gallardo. All Rights Reserved. | The Hell's Kitchen community held a candlelight vigil for beloved Hartley House on Saturday, March 3, 2018. After 120 years of service, the institution abruptly closed its doors at 409-413 West 46th Street. Its three buildings sold for a paltry sum to Thornton Equities LLC. The situation is heartbreaking. And it is baffling. |
Hartley House was founded in 1897 during the Progressive Era as a settlement house under the auspices of the Association for Improving the Condition of the Poor (AICP), today the Community Service Society of New York. It became an independent organization in 1903. Named by Marcellus Hartley after his father Robert Milham Hartley, a founder of AICP. Marcellus purchased the sold buildings in the early 20th century. They stood as "a hub of support, empowerment, and community development" until now.
| In mourning, HKers of multiple generations met in front of Hartley House to share their personal experiences and to reflect on its place and meaning in our community. Each articulated in their own way that the House was a 'Home': a safe haven from the streets, where we were cared for, where we socialized, played, and were educated. The vigil was also a call to action - To fight for the return of Hartley House. To defend against the forces dismantling our neighborhood. To demand representation for ourselves and our community. While there is still community left. |  Hartley House facade on the original building at 413 W 46th Street. Hell's Kitchen, NYC ©2018 E.B.Gallardo. All Rights Reserved. |
Hartley House aims to continue programming that it will manage from a set of offices on Broadway while it looks to relocate back to the neighborhood. We hope they do.
Because places matter. Hartley House may have been constructed with materials like brick and mortar, but it was built with love and investment over time. Hell's Kitchen needs Hartley House - a place we, our children, and our grandchildren can call Home.
Because places matter. Hartley House may have been constructed with materials like brick and mortar, but it was built with love and investment over time. Hell's Kitchen needs Hartley House - a place we, our children, and our grandchildren can call Home.
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