Spencer Heath Archive

Item 2320

Carbon of form letter by Heath addressed to William Zeckendorf, 303 Madison Avenue, New York City, William H. Amend, 15 William Street, New York City and probably other real estate leaders with whom Heath had made contact.

June 15, 1950

Dear Mr. Zeckendorf:

Quite a long time ago I had some talk with you concerning the future progress and development of New York City through organization of its realty owners — its real owners — and unification of their interests on a regional, or even a city-wide basis and plan.

 What we had in view was the assembling of titles and equities under a corporate or similar business organization of the owners in order to provide common advantages and services (beyond mere housing), beneficial to their whole property or region.

 In our talk there was hardly any question of the great advantages to the owners, or of the great possibilities of profit inherent in such regional organization if it could be brought about, but there was much remark upon the seemingly insurmountable obstacles and difficulties that have beset all previous efforts in that direction and would have to be overcome in any future attempts.

 Since that time, with the aid of Mr. Asher Brynes, formerly with the Institute of Advanced Studies at Princeton, Mr. Brynes and I have prepared in narrative, and we hope interesting, form a picture of the probable circumstances through which these very serious obstacles perhaps soon may be, as they eventually must be, overcome.

 This narrative is one section of a book which is shortly to go to press. May we send this portion of it to you for your comment, in the light of your extensive experience in the field of real estate?

Very truly yours,