New York Go Center to Close

[judicata]

I am not an "official" voice of the New York Go Center, but I thought everyone should know that, after 15 years of serving the NY go community, the Center will be closed on November 30, 2010. Please note that the club is certain to remain alive, but in what form is uncertain.

The building was donated by Iwamoto Kaoru in 1995 for use as a New York Go Center. The Nihon Ki-in has decided to sell the building, and it is currently not clear what relationship will continue to exist between the Nihon Ki-in and the club. To my knowledge, the only thing certain to date is that the club will close at the end of November, and the members will continue to meet somehow.

If you have any questions, would like to show your support, would like information on some farewell get-togethers, or would like to keep updated on meetings going forward, please send a message to manager at nygocenter dot org. You can message me as well, but I'll likely just forward it on so you can stay in the loop.

If you'd like to share any fond memories of the NY Go Center, you are, of course, welcome to do so.

EDIT: You can read an official message here

[Kaliwan]

If it was donated how come they are claiming it back ?

[Jedo]

If it was donated how come they are claiming it back ?

It's bs. Basically iwamoto technically gave it to the nihon kiin and not to us and they are exploiting that. I suppose I could just concert my apartment into the new go center, it's certainly close enough.

And I'll probably stop by a few times this week to say goodbye to everyone

[Kaliwan]

are there any documents

[HKA]

the dead master's tears
drown the click of stone on wood
bitter autumn rain

[Joaz Banbeck]

It's a pity. The Marriott Courtyard on 53rd had become my favorite hotel when visiting NYC; it and the subway stop were a mere block and a half from the club.
I wish you folks good fortune in finding a new home.

[Horibe]

I am not sure what makes me sadder, the end of this wonderful place, a place that I visited less than I would have liked (only an occaisional visitor to NY) but that I thought would always be there.

Or is it that people do not seem to care. This is only the 7th reply to this thread. I really do not mean to criticize anyone - rather I just think that the admittedly wonderful online opportunities for playing go have diminished the value people place on actually sitting down with someone, truly meeting them over the board and enjoying a game.

Yeah, that is what really saddens me.

[kirkmc]

Maybe there's not a lot of New Yorkers here?

[nagano]

I know they haven't done much in recent years to begin with, but is this a sign that the Nihon Kiin is no longer interested in supporting Western Go?

[pwaldron]

I know they haven't done much in recent years to begin with, but is this a sign that the Nihon Kiin is no longer interested in supporting Western Go?

Maybe they're trying to send signals that it's time for Western go to grow up and shoulder some of the responsibility themselves.

[hyperpape]

I know they haven't done much in recent years to begin with, but is this a sign that the Nihon Kiin is no longer interested in supporting Western Go?

I'm interested in learning Korean but it's not practical for me right now. They've had to make a lot of cutbacks.

[Jedo]

I know they haven't done much in recent years to begin with, but is this a sign that the Nihon Kiin is no longer interested in supporting Western Go?

Maybe they're trying to send signals that it's time for Western go to grow up and shoulder some of the responsibility themselves.

By snatching the money out of Iwamoto's cold dead hands? He bought this building specifically so that it would be used to promote western go. I'll hold off on completely condemning the Nihon Kiin until its clear what their long term plan is though.

[rubin427]

While the developments in New York are a disappointment, I'll suggest one obvious constructive thing we can do to honor Iwamoto's Legacy.

Remote Annual memberships to the Seattle Go Center.

[judicata]

There is a meeting tonight with a representative of the Nihon Ki-in at the New York Go Center (at 6:00pm I think). I understand that they will explain their decision, and maybe provide some information about the future, though I'm not holding my breath on the latter. I'll share any information I can. I'll try to post updates so that, if you're visiting NYC (or you live here), you'll know where you can play go.

[oren]

While the developments in New York are a disappointment, I'll suggest one obvious constructive thing we can do to honor Iwamoto's Legacy.

Remote Annual memberships to the Seattle Go Center.

And help find a renter for the downstairs part of the building... That is what the SGC REALLY needs right now.