UES Education Complex Prepares For Renovations, After $3 Million Funding Boost

In 2022, Council Member Julie Menin made a big ask to bolster schools in her district: the city’s allocation of $3 million for locker room renovations at Lenox Hill’s Julia Richman Education Complex, on East 67th Street between First and Second Avenues. On Wednesday, Feb. 8, she and Speaker Adrienne Adams toured the complex and spoke with principals and representatives from the School Construction Authority about making the upgrades a reality—with a ceremonial check to seal the deal that was officially made in June of last year.

“I’m ecstatic to bring back critical funds to improve our schools and the Julia Richman Education Complex,” Menin said in a statement.

The complex is home to over 2,000 students from all five boroughs, attending six public schools: Urban Academy Laboratory High School, Talent Unlimited High School, Manhattan International High School, Vanguard High School, P226 and the Ella Baker School. LYFE, a daycare for children of teen parents, also operates out of Julia Richman.

In addition to funding the demolition and reimagining of the complex’s current pool-side locker room, which the principal of the Ella Baker School, Joshua Satin, called “antiquated,” the allocation will also allow for the creation of a physical education space that’s open to the public. “The entire school community and the community at large will benefit greatly from this additional physical education space,” Menin said.

Adams, in a statement, pointed at the longevity of benefits to be reaped from the project. “Investing in community educational facilities can have lasting impacts on students and local neighborhoods,” she said.

Next, the School Construction Authority will evaluate bids to get construction underway.