Senate Resolution No. 1115
BY: Senator MAYER
COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of Blind Brook
Lodge on June 21, 2025
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
achievements of those individuals and businesses that contribute
substantially to the economic vitality of their communities, thereby
enhancing the economic well-being of the entire Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Blind Brook Lodge to be celebrated
on Saturday, June 21, 2025; and
WHEREAS, In December of 1924, the land (2.7 acres) on Milton Road,
which was owned by Christ Church in the Village of Rye, New York, and
sold to BBL Realty Company for $73,500, was the first step in the
establishment of the first apartment complex in Rye, followed by
Highland Hall and Manursing Lodge; and
WHEREAS, In 1925, the cornerstone of Blind Brook Lodge was erected;
on New Year's Eve, 1926, the first four tenants settled into their new
homes; and
WHEREAS, The Blind Brook Realty Company sold the property at auction
to Blind Brook Lodge Corporation for $300,000 in 1929; and
WHEREAS, In 1932, the name was changed to Blind Brook Apartment
Corporation which owned and operated the property for the next six
decades as rental apartments with a restaurant in the basement and an
underground garage; the original plan provided three-room to six-room
apartments for 118 families with additional space for maids and guests
in the basement; and
WHEREAS, In 1944, the Corporation purchased land (2.4 acres) across
Milton Road to provide additional parking, tennis courts, a children's
playground, gardens (used as Victory Gardens during World War II), and a
barn for storage; and
WHEREAS, The complex was sold to the tenants and renamed Blind Brook
Lodge Owners, Inc., in 1989, and most of the apartments were converted
to housing cooperatives (co-ops); and
WHEREAS, Today, 100 years later, there are more than 131 tenants,
and all the apartments are co-ops; although the restaurant, tennis
courts, and barn are no longer in existence, there is a parking lot
large enough to meet the needs of all tenants who continue to enjoy the
old-world charm and gentility of this spacious building; and
WHEREAS, The progression of Blind Brook Lodge is in direct
correlation to the efforts of its owners and employees, whose
involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive
commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of
excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the business and the community
it serves; and
WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that this Legislative Body
acknowledges this exceptional business, its contributions to the local
and State economies, and its vibrant role in improving the quality of
life in its community, fully confident that it will continue to enjoy
the success it has experienced thus far; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Blind Brook Lodge on June 21, 2025;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Blind Brook Lodge.
