SARA LOPERGOLO
Partner, Selldorf Architects
OHNY Board Member

Open House New Yorker since… 2017. I have known about OHNY for many years, but I really became intrigued when I attended the Spring Benefit at the Masonic Hall. The event was filled with an incredible energy and spirit. It left quite an impression on me. As a new board member, I am so proud to be a part of this amazing organization.

Most memorable Open House New York experience: I really enjoy Open Access sites during OHNY Weekend and am always impressed with those “under the radar” sites that we walk by every day. This year, The Renee and Chaim Gross Foundation stuck out for me. Once home of the artist Chaim Gross on LaGuardia Place, the foundation was fascinating and I could not believe I had never been or heard about it. It was inspiring to see how this artist lived with his own art and all the incredible art he collected. I highly recommend!

I’m an Open House New Yorker because… I believe in an open society and culture and OHNY allows for the physical representation of these beliefs. Openness, inclusivity, education, pride of place and culture are traits that are inherent to this city and to OHNY and must be championed today more than ever.

GREGORY JONES
Associate Director of Major Gifts, University of Pennsylvania
OHNY Volunteer

Open House New Yorker since… 2015. A good friend, who is also a volunteer, told me about Open House New York and brought me to several sites during OHNY Weekend in 2015. For me, it was a no-brainer to become a volunteer the following year and I’ve been a hooked, number one supporter ever since.

Most memorable Open House New York experience: Walking down the red carpet, through the white tube and into the TWA Terminal for the first time; I was blown away by everything I saw and didn’t want to leave! My favorite moment inside the terminal, was photographing a former TWA pilot and stewardess, dressed in their chic TWA uniforms.

I’m an Open House New Yorker because… I support sharing the present, past and future of architecture and usage of space in New York City, to all who are interested.

ELLIE JOHNSON
President, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New York Properties
OHNY Weekend Sponsor

Open House New Yorker since… 2017. I learned about Open House New York through my Marketing Director and I loved how the values of the organization aligned with those of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New York Properties. From touring City Hall to attending a special reception at One Hanson Place, my agents have enjoyed learning the history and seeing the future of the city through OHNY’s programs and events.

Most memorable Open House New York experience: Attending the Open City Award presentation at the brand-new Cornell Tech campus on Roosevelt Island. There, I was introduced to OHNY’s community of supporters and energized by their passion for the city.

I’m an Open House New Yorker because… New York City is my home and Open House New York allows me to bring its rich history to life.

GREG MIHALKO
Creative Director, Partner & Partners
OHNY Website Designer & Developer

Open House New Yorker since… 2016. I first heard about Open House through my volunteer work at Interference Archive, which participated in the Weekend a few years ago. Since then Open House remained on my periphery, whether it was because of the Weekend, or it directly intersected with a lot of the work that we do with other like-minded organizations in the city. Most recently, however, I became involved as part of our work to redesign and develop Open House New York’s website.

Most memorable Open House New York experience: Watching the countdown clock on Reservation Day on the new website (and then watching the number of people on the website climb into the tens of thousands and all the events sell out)!

I’m an Open House New Yorker because… I want to see more people given access (even temporarily!) to more spaces in New York City that they currently to do not have access to. And I want the same people who desire access to also have opportunities to participate in conversations about our city–about how to make our city more equitable, more livable, and more interesting for all.

HANA ALBERTS
Editor, Real Estate/Home+Travel, New York Post
OHNY Weekend Journalist

Open House New Yorker since… 2013. After living in Hong Kong for several years, I returned to the Big Apple in early 2013. My colleagues at Curbed NY, where I was an editor, said OHNY Weekend was a can’t-miss annual event for someone like me, who loves going behind-the-scenes at local gems and eats up any historical or architectural backstory. We covered the festival at Curbed, and I continue to write up Open House New York-inspired stories in my current role at the New York Post.

Most memorable Open House New York experience: Visiting Suchi Reddy’s apartment on lower Fifth Avenue. The architect turned a ground-floor dentist’s office into a lovely apartment with lots of tricks to make the most of small spaces. The unusual turned beautiful always gets me excited!

I’m an Open House New Yorker because… I care about the buildings I pass on the street every day. New or old, edgy or classic, the streetscape is a constant source of inspiration. Open House New York goes beyond allowing access to these typically off-limits spots–it also highlights the humans responsible for creating these spaces, which really brings the whole city alive. To reveal what’s behind the city’s closed doors is a public service that is both educationally stimulating and extraordinarily fun.

JONATHAN ESPIRITU
Senior Corporate Counsel, IAC Applications
OHNY Member

Open House New Yorker since… 2011. I first read about OHNY Weekend in Time Out New York. I visited a few sites that year and have been hooked ever since! I became a member shortly thereafter and have particularly enjoyed the members-only programs and tours. But OHNY Weekend is always my favorite and I always try to make sure I keep that weekend clear in my calendar.

Most memorable Open House New York experience: It’s tough to pick just one! I have to give you my top two. Visiting the TWA Terminal at JFK really showed what the golden age of flying was like–there were even a couple of visitors dressed in period flight attendant and pilot uniforms. I’ll also always remember getting a personal welcome from Anne-Claire Legendre, Consul General of France in New York and the first female in the role at the Consulate General of France, which is located in a former Gilded Age mansion on the Upper East Side.

I’m an Open House New Yorker because… I love New York! This is my city and I love being able to visit and explore places that aren’t normally open to the public. I’ve learned so much by visiting different sites that Open House New York’s programs offer.

ELIS SHIN
Development Associate, Open House New York

Open House New Yorker since… 2012. I first heard about Open House New York as an undergrad at New York University. It blew my mind that there was a nonprofit organization organizing a festival that opened up hundreds of amazing spaces in New York City, most of which I had never heard of. I applied to become an intern right away!

Most memorable Open House New York experience? Visiting the Jefferson Market Library clocktower for the first time after spending the whole summer helping to plan OHNY Weekend. There was already a long line of people waiting to climb the tower when I got there, and it was so rewarding to know that I contributed–in a small way–to what they were about to discover.

I’m an Open House New Yorker because… no organization does a better job of connecting curious New Yorkers with their city like Open House New York!

CHRISTOPHER BEARDSLEY
Managing Director, RUX
OHNY Weekend Site Host

Open House New Yorker since… 2006. I first learned about Open House when I moved to New York after architecture school. I got more involved through Hugh Hardy while I was serving as executive director of the Forum for Urban Design. I was inspired by the organization and its mission then and am proud to now to contribute as a site host at Stickbulb.

Most memorable Open House New York experience: Touring the still-under-construction One World Trade Center. During the tour, on the 36th floor I believe, we were given the opportunity to write a message and sign our name on a structural steel beam. To this day, every time I pass the tower I remember that moment and feel a deep sense of connection to it.

I’m an Open House New Yorker because… In this city, it can be all too easy to retreat to familiar surroundings, but Open House New York reminds us how much our perspective can change when we view things from unfamiliar surroundings.