Holmes Towers occupy the block between First Avenue and the FDR Drive at East 93rd Street on Manhattan’s Upper East Side and Yorkville neighborhood. Built in 1969, the two-building complex rises 25 stories and houses approximately 938 residents.
For decades, Holmes Towers have stood as a symbol of working-class presence amid an affluent Manhattan neighborhood. Over half of the apartments are set aside for tenants over the age of 62, and its community has been characterized as white and elderly.
Like many NYCHA developments though, the complex has faced persistent maintenance issues, including broken elevators, outdated heating systems, and recurring mold and lead paint problems. Residents have long advocated for improvements through tenant unions and community activism.
In recent years, NYCHA proposed leasing portions of its land for a mixed-income development, sparking concerns over privatization, displacement, and residents’ lack of input in decisions affecting their homes.
Despite these challenges, Holmes Towers remains a close-knit and diverse community, home to artists, community organizers, and youth counselors committed to strengthening the neighborhood.
Though modest in size compared to other NYCHA developments, Holmes Towers reflects the broader story of New York City public housing—a story of resilience, community, and tenants determined to preserve their homes, heritage, and future.
