Project to transform communal spaces that foster healing, comfort, and connection among families battling pediatric cancer and other serious illnesses
NEW YORK, July 2, 2025 – Ronald McDonald House New York (RMH-NY) today announced a transformative renovation project designed to reimagine and enhance the communal spaces on the second floor of its House at 405 East 73rd Street—including dining, kitchen, and program areas that serve as the heart of daily life for families with children battling serious illnesses. As approved by the RMH-NY Board of Directors, the renovation will elevate how families bond over meals, engage in therapeutic recreation and participate in meaningful programs within a new realm of integrated, family-oriented spaces.
“This renovation is so much more than just a physical upgrade—it reflects Ronald McDonald House New York’s ongoing dedication to family-centered care,” said Dr. Ruth C. Browne, president and CEO of Ronald McDonald House New York. “By creating flexible, multifunctional, and welcoming spaces, we are deepening our mission to offer a true home away from home. We are incredibly grateful to our Board of Directors, leadership, partners, and project teams for bringing this vision to life, and look forward to continuing to evolve to meet the needs of our families—helping them find moments of comfort and joy during the most difficult times.”
Launched in June 2025 and projected for the first phase of completion by early next year, the renovation will modernize and reconfigure key spaces to better foster community, connection, and comfort. The project directly supports RMH-NY’s strategic plan by enhancing the organization’s ability to provide families a warm, supportive environment that promotes healing and togetherness. Throughout the renovation, the House will remain fully operational to ensure uninterrupted support for families.
Take a Virtual Tour of the NEW Recreation and Play Wing
Take a Virtual Tour of the NEW Dining and Gathering Wing
Videos courtesy of Mitchell Giurgola Architects
Designed in collaboration with Zubatkin Owner Representation (ZOR), Mitchell Giurgola Architects, and Structure Tone, and led by RMH-NY’s Board of Directors and Building & Facilities Committee, the renovation will introduce several key features:
Family & Child Enhancement Zone
Incorporating an early childhood lounge, open play area, enclosed touring space, and a dedicated homework and tutoring area, all designed with glass enclosures for safety and visibility, and monitored by staff. Integrated digital displays and built-in storage will support interactive programming. Dedicated phone booths will offer caregivers quiet space to take calls or focus on work while remaining near their children.
Dining and Gathering Wing
Before
After
Family Kitchen
Featuring four modern cooking stations—two of which are ADA-compliant—and a community donation pantry for shared access to ingredients and snacks. The layout will be strategically placed adjacent to the open play area, allowing caregivers to prepare meals while maintaining visual and physical connection with their children—supporting supervision, engagement, and peace of mind during mealtimes.
Integration of Family Cooking and Playspace
Before
After
Volunteer Service Kitchen
Expanded to support both prepared and on-site meal preparation and facilitate corporate and community volunteer engagement (averaging five activations per week). The kitchen will operate seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and include a “grab and go” station offering daily snacks, fruit, and beverages.
Recreation & Play Zone
A dynamic space featuring a fully reimagined music room, media center, and arts & crafts bar—serving as therapeutic outlets for emotional expression and socialization, especially for children navigating medical challenges. The flexible design will support both structured programming and open, child-led play, with game tables, cozy seating, and sensory elements that make the space inclusive and welcoming for all ages.
Recreation and Play Zone (South)
Before
After
“Every aspect of this renovation has been thoughtfully designed with families in mind,” said Shelly Friedman, RMH-NY board member and chair of the Building and Facilities Committee. “From the kitchens to the play areas, the team has prioritized functionality, safety, and emotional well-being. These upgraded spaces will help foster the sense of community and support that’s at the heart of Ronald McDonald House New York.”
The renovation was made possible in part through generous donations to RMH-NY and additional philanthropic support is essential to bringing the reimagined space to life for the families who need it most. Naming opportunities remain for several key areas, including the homework and tutoring lounge, early childhood play zones, and caregiver workspaces.
To learn how you can invest in this transformative renovation and leave a lasting impact, click here.
RMH-NY supports families from NYC, across the U.S. and around the world in the fight against pediatric cancer and other serious pediatric illnesses through its House on East 73rd Street in Manhattan as well as in partnering NYC hospitals.
All renderings can be found here, and credited to Mitchell Giurgola Architects.
About Ronald McDonald House New York
Located on East 73rd Street in New York, Ronald McDonald House New York (RMH-NY) is New York City’s House. The organization provides temporary housing for children with pediatric cancer and other serious illnesses and their families in a strong, supportive and caring environment that encourages and nurtures the development of child-to-child and parent-to-parent support systems. RMH-NY has served more than 59,000 families throughout all five boroughs of New York City, across the U.S. and around the world, and approximately 40% of families are international. Its 11-story, 79,000 square-foot House features 95 guestrooms – including six post-transplant suites – four full guest kitchens, laundry facilities, two outdoor terraces, private libraries, a dining room, living room and more. At the House, families are welcomed with love and comfort, and lifelong friendships are formed among people who understand what it’s like to cope with devastating diagnoses. RMH-NY’s programs help to provide families a sense of normalcy, including wellness programs, educational tutors, music, art, transportation, activities for siblings, holiday and birthday parties, specialized support groups and more. The organization’s presence extends well beyond the confines of the House, as RMH-NY is also committed to positively impacting communities across the five boroughs. Through partnerships with 16 of the city’s leading hospitals, RMH-NY provides critical services to families with children with serious illnesses at these hospitals working to address the social determinants of health inequalities faced within the New York City community. For more information, or to learn how to volunteer or donate, please visit rmh-newyork.org
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