IFDA/NY To Present Big Apple Award -- For Renaissance Of Architecturally-Rich Harlem

Furniture World Magazine

The New York Chapter of IFDA (International Furnishings and Design Association) has announced that the recipient of their Big Apple Award will be the Abyssinian Development Corporation for their groundbreaking efforts to revitalize the rich architectural heritage of Harlem. The Big Apple Award is presented biannually to an organization or company that has contributed substantially to improving aspects of life in New York City, particularly from a design or architectural point-of-view. The presentation of the award will cap a multi-faceted late afternoon/early evening program to be held on Wednesday, May 15th. IFDA members and their guests will assemble at the New York Design Center at 200 Lexington Avenue at 3:30 PM and board buses departing at 4:00 PM. En route to the award presentation, the group will be treated to an architectural tour of historic restored Harlem – including such sites as Striver’s Row, the Studio Museum, and the tower in which former President Bill Clinton has an office. Conducting the tour on one bus will be John T. Reddick, an architect and president of Cityscape Institute, who will describe notable sites. Leading the second bus tour will be Roderick Shade, an interior designer and NY Chapter member, who will also arrange for each group to visit at least one noteworthy Harlem interior. Following the bus tour, the participants will convene at Jimmy’s Uptown Restaurant on 7th Avenue at 131st Street for a buffet sampler of soul food, while Jay Walker’s world-traveling gospel group will perform. The award presentation will be preceded by presentations by Roderick Shade, who will preview images from his upcoming book, Harlem Style, and John Reddick, who will show notable Harlem exterior photos. Karen Phillips, Executive Director of the Abyssinian Development Corporation, will accept the award and offer a presentation on the landmarks they have revitalized in Harlem. Following this, buses will depart, returning participants to 200 Lexington Avenue. According to Rose Bennett Gilbert, president of the New York Chapter, "We at IFDA are especially pleased to be honoring the Abyssinian Development Corporation for their important role in achieving this new ‘Harlem Renaissance.’ When we choose the recipient of this bi-annual award, we look for organizations whose efforts have greatly improved the architectural or design integrity of New York City, and we can’t think of a more deserving organization than the ADC to receive the award this year." Tickets, which include all food and transportation, are $95 for members, $125 for guests. A special booklet of five tickets will be available for $500, bringing the non-member guest price down to only $100. For information or reservations, call the IFDA office at (212) 686-6020. IFDA is the only all-industry association whose members represent all segments of the furnishings and design industry. Its mission is to enhance the professionalism and stature of the industry through its wide range of programs and services.