Charles Grodin passed away earlier this month after enjoying a long and successful career in entertainment. When he was a struggling young actor, however, Grodin lived at an old Single Room Occupancy hotel on the UWS called Capitol Hall. His room had “no bathroom, no stove, no hot plate, and no window,” he wrote later, adding that he smuggled in an electric frying pan to cook chicken wings because they were cheap.
Capitol Hall almost got converted into upscale housing in the ‘80s, but its wonderful neighbors got together and figured out how to preserve it for low-income tenants. Now we operate it as a fully renovated, bright, clean, supportive housing residence for people who once lived on the street. We’re proud of Capitol Hall, its long history, and the many people for whom it’s been a refuge and a home. RIP, Mr. Grodin.
