Fall Auction: A First for Village Preservation
There have been countless “firsts” in our neighborhoods: the first cappuccino machine (Café Reggio), the first building constructed specifically to house artists’ studios (The Tenth Street Studios at 51 West 10th Street, since demolished), the first racially integrated night club (Café Society) — the list goes on and on. While we at Village Preservation have created a few firsts of our own, we also have a wonderful new “first” to announce: Village Preservation’s first Fall Auction! We have curated a list of just a few items that could ONLY be offered by Village Preservation, and we are pleased to share them with you.
Trips and Experiences
Our offering of trips and experiences is exclusive to Village Preservation, and they are some of the most interesting places and adventures you can imagine.
An Adirondack Adventure
Wishing for an Adirondack Adventure? A three-bedroom suite at the unparalleled Whiteface Lodge is available for your bidding (dates are the week of March 1-8, 2024 or Memorial Day week, May 24-31, 2024). The Whiteface Lodge evokes the Gilded Age splendor of the historic Adirondack Great Camps in its rustic timber design. Tucked into the picturesque woodlands of the Adirondacks’ High Peaks region in Upstate New York, the lodge is surrounded by six million spectacular mountain acres of Adirondack Park—the largest protected area in the U.S. mainland.
The breathtaking variety of geography provides plenty of outdoor activities. On-site amenities are plentiful as well. Unwind in a yoga class, dine at the upscale Kanu Restaurant, and swim in their indoor and outdoor pools. With the rustic timber design, cozy Adirondack furnishings, and in-suite cast iron fireplaces, Whiteface Lodge provides a tranquil getaway for adults and children alike. This peaceful trip is just a bid away!
A Stay in a Villa on the Côte d’Azur
The Villa Francesca in Villefranche-sur-Mer on the Côte d’Azur, reputed as one of the five most beautiful bays in the world, is yours for a week’s stay for the right bid! The town of Villefranche-sur-Mer, framed by the Cap of Nice to its west and Cap Ferrat to the east, is perched on the bay and is located just 5 minutes from Nice and 10 minutes from Monaco.
Villa Francesca offers a magnificent view of the sea and the bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer. This 3 level, 3 bedroom, 3 and 1/2 bathroom house has a fully equipped kitchen, a saltwater pool, a petanque court with an outdoor shower, a charming garden with outdoor furniture and grill, and tennis courts just in front of the villa. Live a week of relaxation and luxury at Villa Francesca on the Côte d’Azur!
*The week of use includes peak seasons and is to be mutually agreed upon and subject to availability
Walking tour with Executive Director, Andrew Berman
You can bid on a private walking tour for 6 people with our Executive Director, Andrew Berman. Andrew has been named to Vanity Fair’s “Hall of Fame” for his work fighting to preserve the character of Greenwich Village, and was named one of the 100 Most Influential New Yorkers by New York Magazine and one of the 100 Most Powerful People in New York Real Estate by the New York Observer. During his tenure, Village Preservation has been awarded the Excellence in Historic Preservation Award by the Preservation League of NY State and the Lucy Moses Organizational Excellence Award by the NY Landmarks Conservancy, and has been named “Best of NYC” by the Village Voice. Learn about the rich and often overlooked histories of our neighborhoods through the eyes of an expert who lives and breathes celebrating and preserving those stories.
Private Pierogi-Making Lesson at Veselka
Do you love to cook? Do you love to eat? Bid on a private pierogi-making lesson at Veselka, a family-owned Ukrainian restaurant that has been a pillar of the East Village at 144 2nd Avenue for 69 years! This is a priceless experience for you and your guests!
Season Tickets to Classic Stage Company
Bid on season tickets to the Classic Stage Company, the East Village powerhouse Off-Broadway theater and winner of Village Preservation’s coveted Village Awards! Classic Stage Company (known as CSC amongst theatergoers) is an East Village theatrical landmark and one of the longest-running Off-Broadway companies. CSC has been committed to re-imagining classic stories for contemporary audiences since 1967. It is a home for both established and emerging artists to grapple with great works of the world’s repertory that speak directly to the issues of today, and we are proud to call them our neighbor.
Art!
In keeping with the artistic heritage of our neighborhoods, we have several works of art by Village Artists for your choosing.
Oil Paintings by Phil Levine
Phil Levine starts his painting process by taking inspiration from the world around him, painting what touches him. In this case, Phil has captured wonderful scenes of our neighborhoods. His exuberant enthusiasm for New York City and our neighborhoods has led Phil Levine to be featured in galleries all over NYC. One of these oil on canvas paintings could be yours.
Neil Allen’s “Braving the Blizzard”
Celebrated photographer and Greenwich Village resident Neil Allen has created “Braving the Big Blizzard, January 23, 2016,” which can be yours for the bidding! The scene was captured by Allen on January 23, 2016 on Sixth Avenue looking south near the end of the “Big Blizzard” of January 22-24, 2016.
Of particular significance for the first Village Preservation Auction is that the Jefferson Market Library is one of the original successes of historic preservation in Greenwich Village and New York City. By 1958, the structure had so deteriorated that it was closed and pending demolition. In one of New York City’s first grassroots preservation campaigns, the building was saved and repurposed for our neighborhoods. Today the Jefferson Market Library is a beacon of pride and joy for the Greenwich Village community and a landmark of the importance and value of historic preservation.
Neil’s vision brings modern dynamic color to the decisive moment to capture images of life’s charm, humor, irony, and sublime beauty and the sometime metaphysical connection between living creatures and their surroundings.
Signed Fred W. McDarrah Photograph of Bob Dylan
Fred W. McDarrah was the “Visual Voice of the Village Voice” according to the New York Times. Fred W. McDarrah’s photographs of Bob Dylan are some of the most iconic of the volumes of historic photographs that Fred captured.
This rare Fred W. McDarrah signed copy of Dylan sitting on the bench in Sheridan Square was taken on January 22nd, 1965, not too long after Dylan hit the Greenwich Village music scene like a force of nature. The rest is history — and so is this rare signed image!
Fashion!
Bespoke Cashmere Sweater from Lingua Franca
Own a custom Lingua Franca cashmere sweater! Choose from one of their signature phrases or one near-and-dear to you! Made from 100% sustainably sourced cashmere, hand-stitched in NYC.
Portia Satchel from Frances Valentine
This Portia Satchel Naplak Leather handbag from Frances Valentine is a uniquely layered tote with all the space you need to hold your laptop and everyday essentials. This chic arm-candy is only a bid away from going home with you!
Food!
Dinner for Four at Il Cantinori
Open since 1983, Il Cantinori is at the forefront of Tuscan cuisine in NYC. Staying true to Tuscan traditions, Il Cantinori uses the freshest ingredients and lets the flavor profile of each ingredient speak for itself. Featuring traditional dishes like Pappardelle Alla Buttera, Scaloppine Al Erbe Fresche, and Fegato Alla Salvia, a taste of Tuscany could be in your future!
As a matter of note, President Biden recently chose Il Cantinori for his dining experience while in New York in September, 2023!
Dinner for Two at Veselka
This is one of our favorite photographs of this East Village institution, taken in 1970. While Veselka looks a bit different now, its food has remained the excellent Ukrainian fare it has always been.
Indulge in Ukrainian soul food with dinner at Veselka! Enjoy classic dishes like Pierogi/Varenyky, Stuffed Cabbage, Potato Pancakes, Blintzes and Goulash.
Our very first auction is a great and fun way to treat yourself or a loved one while supporting our preservation and education work. Be a part of our first Fall Auction! Make a bid, and share with a friend.