The First Nationwide COVID-19 Memorial to Lives Lost is Part of The Inauguration of President-elect Joseph R. Biden, Jr. and Vice President-elect Kamala D. Harris

The Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY), the City’s leading real estate trade association, today announced a number of members throughout New York City will be lighting iconic buildings in participation with the National Memorial to Lives Lost to COVID-19.

The memorial will take place in Washington D.C. and nationwide tonight, January 19, 2021, starting at 5:30 p.m. ET and continuing at 5:30 p.m. local time in cities and towns across the country. As part of President-elect Biden’s inauguration ceremonies, the memorial will feature the lighting of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and the illumination of buildings and ringing of church bells in a national moment of unity and remembrance.

“The COVID pandemic hit few areas as hard as it did New York City. It is important that we remember those we have lost,” said REBNY President James Whelan. “As we welcome the new Presidential administration, tonight’s memorial provides an opportunity for us to come together to reflect on those we have lost and these challenging times, and the need to summon our strength and commitment to rebuild our economy and reimagine an equitable and prosperous future for all Americans. We are proud of and thankful for our members who are participating in this evening’s memorial.”

The program in Washington D.C. will emphasize the importance of looking back and remembering the lives we’ve lost to COVID-19 as we look forward to the hope of a new path and a brighter future. In New York City, many landmark buildings will be illuminated in amber lighting as part of the memorial. Participating REBNY member firms and buildings include:

• Brause Realty Inc., which will light the Forge building.
• The Durst Organization, which will light One World Trade Center, One Bryant Park, and One Five One.
• Empire State Realty Trust, which will light the Empire State Building.
• The Howard Hughes Corporation, which will light South Street Seaport.
• Related Companies, which will light the Shops at Columbus Circle.
• RXR Realty, which will light the Helmsley Building.
• Silverstein Properties, which will light 7 World Trade Center and 3 World Trade Center.
• SL Green Realty, which will light One Vanderbilt.
• Vornado Realty Trust, which will light 731 Lexington, 1540 Broadway and 1535 Broadway.

Additionally, Grand Central Partnership has coordinated with the NYC Metropolitan Transportation Authority to light the Park Ave Viaduct.

“The inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris represents the beginning of a new national journey,” said Presidential Inaugural Committee Communications Director Pili Tobar. “However, in the midst of a pandemic – when so many Americans are grieving the loss of family, friends, and neighbors – it is important that we honor those who have died, reflect on what has been one of the more challenging periods in the nation’s history, and renew our commitment to coming together to end the pandemic and rebuild our nation.”

ABOUT THE REAL ESTATE BOARD OF NEW YORK

The Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) is the City’s leading real estate trade association. Founded in 1896, REBNY represents commercial, residential, and institutional property owners, builders, managers, investors, brokers, and salespeople; banks, financial service companies, utilities, attorneys, architects, and contractors; corporations, co-partnerships, and individuals professionally interested in New York City real estate. REBNY conducts research on various civic matters including tax policy, city planning and zoning, rental conditions, land use policy, building codes, and other city, state, and federal legislation. REBNY regularly publishes market data, policy reports, and broker surveys. In addition, REBNY provides for its members: informational, technical, and technological resources; networking and charitable service opportunities; qualifying and continuing education courses; professional education programs, seminars, and designations; career-changing awards; legal advice; and a wide range of additional member benefits. For more information, please visit www.REBNY.com.