On Friday, March 22, 1985, business was conducted as usual by the American Psychoanalytic Association at its former headquarters at One East 57th Street in New York City. On Saturday, March 23, after the expenditure of countless people hours and the transportation of eight loaded vans, the Association had moved its Central Office to a commercial condominium at 309 East 49th Street. And on Monday, March 25, it was again business as usual.
When the Newsletter reporter spoke to President Edward D. Joseph and Administrative Director Helen Fischer on April 9, everything was “under control.” Naturally, a change of this magnitude does not occur by itself. It was the culmination of a search for new housing which had taken several years. Manhattan office space had reached prohibitive rates, requiring either a very large outlay of rental money or a move to an area much less desirable for the Association's purposes. The option of a condominium purchase with fixed maintenance charges and tax advantages to a nonprofit organization seemed a creative solution to a difficult problem.
In May, 1984 the Executive Council and Meeting of Members approved the Executive Committee Plan to purchase a commercial condominium. After an extensive search the current location was found. And on November 28, 1984, Treasurer Bernard L. Pacella and Dr. Joseph took title on behalf of the Association, in Dr. Joseph's words, “to a fine piece of New York City real estate.” By that time an architect had been hired who prepared plans for construction of the interior space in a manner which allowed maximum utilization. Construction began immediately after purchase and proceeded according to schedule so that the Central Office was able to move a full week before its self-imposed deadline.
The cost of the new headquarters is approximately one million dollars and it appears as though it already has appreciated in value. In addition to obtaining a solid asset, the Association will be spared the expense and difficulty of moving again. Above all, the American will be protected from the astronomical rents which are endemic to New York now. Both Dr. Joseph and Mrs. Fischer believe that the cost will be made up in eight to ten years. The time from now through the end of 1986 will be the most financially difficult for the organization and a period of austerity will be necessary.
The Executive Council and the Executive Committee agreed that there should not be a mandatory assessment. Instead, Dr. Joseph has asked members of the American to make tax deductible voluntary contributions to the Association's Building Fund to help defray the cost of this permanent addition to the assets of the Association. A Scroll of Honor will be maintained in the new headquarters ‘Members’ Room. Those donating $1,000 or more will be specially listed as Benefactors of the American Psychoanalytic Association. Naturally all contributions will be very much appreciated.
Both Dr. Joseph and Mrs. Fischer extend a warm invitation to the membership to visit the new headquarters. For the near future it is requested that colleagues call before visiting since, according to the dictates of “Murphy's Law,” some finishing work still remains to be completed. In addition, we hope we may hold an open house for the membership during the 1985 Winter Meetings. Dr. Joseph and all the Association colleagues who have been actively involved in this endeavor and Mrs. Fischer and her staff are to be commended for transforming this dream into a reality.