In my previous post I noted with some sadness an article about the transformation of parts of The General Theological Seminary into the High Line Hotel. I've heard from the Dean and President, the Very Rev Kurt Dunkle, that the article is in error in part, and certainly gives the wrong impression concerning the Refectory — which is leased for use by the Hotel only when not being used by the Seminary. That is good news, and actually the kind of arrangement of which I heartily approved, as it is wise use of an asset during its "dormant" phase.
I still regret the decisions to part with so much else of the property, but do hope that the new administration will bring some forward thinking.
The Dean's comment can be seen here.
Tobias Stanislas Haller BSG
It was odd to see the portraits of Bishops in scenes on Law and Order, but I knew that GTS was being paid to allow the school to become Hudson Univeristy. Like renting the refectory for functions, renting parts of the school as a location makes sense.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Daniel. In NY the use of buildings as settings for TV and film is a considerable income source for the church. I recently had my first experience in this in my parish -- about 80% of an episode of the Discovery ID real-life crime drama "Redrum" was filmed over two days. Originally they approached me because they needed a "church" but they discovered they could also make use of the parish hall, the secretary's office and the sacristy, and even my own office, as settings. The murder actually takes place in my office!
ReplyDeleteThese kinds of multiple use make a good deal of sense -- and preserve the ultimate control over the property for its primary end.