Citizens of Queens, we must act to preserve the beautiful Mid-Century Modern Parkside Memorial Chapel, a piece of history in the heart of Queens. 

A little history on the chapel, as written in The Forest Hills Times:

This unique International style building, which earned listings in the noted AIA (American Institute of Architects) Guide To New York City," remains largely intact. It was designed in 1961 by Viennese architect Henry Sandig (1921 - 2001) and architect Robert I. Kasindorf (1927 - 2012). Robert Kasindorf was also a designer of mid-century modern iron hoop chairs with sculptural lines circa 1953. He founded Habitech which provides space planning, interior design, and architectural design services.

Henry Sandig worked for the notable firm Emory Roth and Sons. He attended the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts and the Vienna School of Architecture. He launched an independent firm in 1954. Sandig was Kasindorf’s mentor and his first employer after graduating from Pratt Institute in 1951.

Parkside Chapel is considered one of their most significant buildings, which offers rare design and symbolism. It consists of Jewish star-patterned walls and concrete screens with exposed steel beams. On Queens Boulevard, between the outer facade grill and inner façade is a walkway that leads to striking abstract metal sculptural fountain that spans the height of the building. A landscaped area accommodates a mature weeping beech tree on the boulevard, and additional vegetation is in designated areas near the sculptural fountain.
An ad from the July 7, 1964 edition of The New York Times read, “In the 3 years of its existence, our chapel has been visited and admired by many people for its beautiful architecture and interior design. The exterior is inspired by the Sinai desert of Moses, the Israelites, and the Ten Commandments. Yet it is completely modern. So with the interiors where the Star of David and the Menorah inspire abstract sand paintings and symbolic sculpture.”

On April 9, 1961, a New York Post ad featuring a rendering announced the dedication of the new chapel, where fraternal organizations, societies, family circles, temple groups, and the general public were invited to inspect ultra-modern facilities. J.S. Garlick Parkside was founded in 1870 and had a “GP” seal which read, “Serving the bereaved as we would our very own.” A February 20, 1972 ad in The New York Times read, “The deep concern that the directors of Parkside Memorial Chapels extend at a time of personal grief is well known to every family they have served. Our funeral directors have over 100 years of combined experience serving Jewish families.”

This building is a historic piece of our community. Buildings like this helped define the modern face of Queens for over a half century. “They and the stories they tell deserve to be recognized and preserved as part of Queens’ and NYC’s rich and multi-layered history. There is value in vernacular Modernism and its role in common life.” Denise Kasindorf Brooks, daughter of the architect, and AIA member in her own right stated. “Remnants of the mid-century dot the backdrops of most peoples’ lives in Queens, but for how long?”

Not long clearly. Today it is threatened. Scaffolding and fencing surround the property and permanent destruction is imminent. Even worse, a historic window saved from a Lower East side synagogue, that has seen three centuries, remains in the building and may be destroyed as well. 

We must act. Queens Boulevard's buildings of beauty and significance must be treasured and saved before it is too late! I implore you, sign our petition today!