About MBOC

Timeless charm in the West Village

Designed by architect Charles B. Meyers in 1924, the six-story apartment houses now known as as MBOC (Morton-Barrow Owners Corporation) stand as Neo-Federal structures in the heart of the West Village. Meyers, whose vision left an indelible mark, incorporated architectural elements such as Flemish bond brickwork, alternating courses of headers and stretchers, and a distinctive terracotta-adorned top story. The buildings are reflective of the architectural trends of the 1920s and pay homage to the Federal tradition, showcasing Meyers' craftsmanship and aesthetic sensibilities.

Constructed between 1924 and 1926 by the 65 Morton Street Corporation, the buildings at 85 Barrow, 87 Barrow, 65 Morton, and 67 Morton Streets are part of the architectural tapestry of the West Village and often serve as television and movie backdrops.

A Landmarked Building

The West Village, including Morton and Barrow Streets, has been a focal point of historic preservation efforts, notably championed by urban activist Jane Jacobs. Jacobs, a prominent figure in the mid-20th century, played a crucial role in preserving the character and scale of neighborhoods like the West Village. Her advocacy for community-driven urban planning and opposition to large-scale development projects contributed to the preservation of the area's historic fabric. As illustrated in the aerial vs satellite image above, one-hundred years has changed the neighborhood, but it still stays true to its roots. (MBOC circled in red)

The buildings embodying MBOC were formally converted to cooperative ownership on January 26, 1989.

Barrow and Hudson, looking southeast. WPA tax photo, 1939-1941

Morton and Hudson, looking northeast. mWPA tax photo, 1939-1941

2023-2024 Board of Directors

Jay Mazzella, President

Lynnette Barkley, Vice-President

Dan Kelley, Treasurer

Cameron Neilson, Secretary

Michael Vinocur, Sponsor Representative

As Volunteer Board Members we are committed to:

At MBOC, our mission is to cultivate a vibrant and harmonious living environment for our diverse residents. We are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life within our community by fostering inclusivity, promoting sustainable practices, and ensuring transparent governance. Through collaboration and open communication, we aim to create a place that residents are proud to call home. We are committed to:

Effective Communication and Transparency: We strive to ensure residents are well-informed about decisions affecting the community.

Community-Centric Approach: Our focus is on the well-being and support of our residents, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual assistance.

Sustainability: Recognizing our environmental responsibility, we actively make the effort to implement eco-friendly practices and promote sustainability.

Inclusivity and Mutual Respect: We value the unique contributions of every resident. With respect to our neighbors' privacy and personal space, we aim to foster a harmonious living environment where everyone feels valued.

Collaboration and Accountability: Our community's strength lies in the collective efforts of its members. We hold ourselves to high standards of integrity, responsibility, and ethical conduct in all interactions and decision-making.

Fiscal Responsibility: We are committed to financial prudence, ensuring responsible management of resources to safeguard the financial stability of our cooperative and benefit the long-term financial health of the community.'

Improvement and Collective Well-being: We embrace a culture of ongoing improvement, seeking innovative solutions to enhance residents' quality of life.

Property Management

MBOC is thoughtfully managed by Oren Shapiro of Sequoia Property Management