MANHATTAN – The tallest building north of East 72nd Street finally has a tenant for it’s ground floor retail space, and you won’t find a coffee shop or cell phone store— instead, a little culture has moved into 180 East 88th Street as a Upper East Side institution expands its footprint in Carnegie Hill.
The iconic 92nd Street Y— or 92Y— is now hosting its cultural programming and arts classes in the street level space along Third Avenue. The large arched windows adorned with graphics and a sign reading ‘Musical Theater & Theater for Young Audiences at 92Y.’
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“This airy, beautiful space is an inviting new home for our students to learn, and for the community to enjoy productions that will delight families,” said Megan Doyle, Director of 92Y.

The popular Musical Theater training program at 92Y serves children three and up in a fully equipped ground-floor studio space, according to an announcement from the developer.
Upper East Site is told there will be year round classes and workshops in a supportive environment for kids to learn everything it takes to perform on stage— including acting, singing, dancing, teamwork, leadership and storytelling.

The building will also host rehearsals of 92Y’s Theater for Young Audiences.
“We couldn’t be prouder to welcome this cherished institution into our space and support 92Y in its mission of providing arts, culture and educational programing to residents of this community,” said Joe McMillan, CEO of DDG, the building’s developer.

“180 East 88th Street embraces craftsmanship and a commitment to the arts, so an opportunity to bring 92Y, the leader of thoughtful cultural and community programming on the Upper East Side, into our building was a perfect fit.”
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Through partnerships with other community-oriented organizations— like the Children’s Museum of the Arts and Ladies Who Hoop— DDG says it’s committed to supporting community-based programming at 180 East 88th Street.
Construction on the 50-story luxury tower that sits directly across from Whole Foods was completed earlier this year— after five long years of construction on both Third Avenue and East 88th Street.

If you’re interested in snagging an opulent pad in the luxury high rise, a studio will set you back just under $1.5 million, while a two bedroom apartment will run you at least $3.7 million.
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