The South Village: A Treasure of Preservation

We’ve designated December as South Village Month, and we’ve got good reason to do so! In December 2006, Village Preservation submitted our landmark proposal for the South Village. Two years later, in December 2008, we kicked off the landmarking campaign with a major Town Hall event. The momentum continued, with two of the three South Village Historic Districts we fought for being officially designated in December —  the South Village Historic District in 2013 and the Sullivan-Thompson Historic District in 2016. Given all of these milestones, we believe the South Village truly deserves a month of celebration!

Origins of the South Village

The South Village is one of New York and America’s great historic gems: built largely by and for immigrants in the 19th century, in the 20th century it was the home of groundbreaking artists of all persuasions, from Dylan Thomas to Bob Dylan. It’s the home of America’s oldest Italian-American Church (St. Anthony of Padua), and was the home of the first non-profit theater (Circle in the Square) and the birthplace of modern American drama (Provincetown Playhouse).

Many of the buildings that define the South Village were constructed between the early 1800s and just after 1900, beginning with when the neighborhood was transformed from a rural enclave into a bustling urban area. The neighborhood contains a rich collection of Italianate and Greek Revival townhouses, along with classic late-19th-century tenements that serve as stunning examples of architectural history.

The Cultural and Social Legacy of the South Village

The South Village was a haven for Italian-American immigrants, many of whom settled here in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The influence of Italian culture is still visible today in the neighborhood’s churches, cafes, and markets. This deep-rooted sense of community, creativity, and activism continues to shape the neighborhood’s identity and enrich New York’s broader cultural history.

And yet, the South Village was excluded from the original Greenwich Village Historic District designation in 1969. Its exclusion was likely due to a combination of factors. At the time, preservation efforts focused more on the iconic architectural and cultural landmarks of the northern part of Greenwich Village, which were seen then as more representative of the area’s historic significance. Additionally, the population of the South Village was comprised primarily of working-class and immigrant residents and shopkeepers, with many buildings considered less architecturally prestigious or more prone to alteration. The rapid changes occurring in the South Village, including the pressures of gentrification and urban development, may have further contributed to its omission from the district. This oversight left a significant portion of the neighborhood vulnerable to demolition and development, making it all the more critical when Village Preservation began its campaign for the South Village to obtain its own historic district designation.

Throughout the 20th century, as the neighborhood evolved, it served as a gathering place for progressive thinkers, avant-garde artists, and political radicals. It was home to the early 20th-century suffrage movement, the gay rights movement, and the Beat Generation, making it a locus for social change. As a result, its cultural significance became multifaceted, rich with layers of meaning and importance.

The Importance of Historic Preservation

In the face of rapid development, New York City’s South Village faced increasing threats. Over the years, developers eyed this historic area for new constructions that saw the demolition of buildings of both architectural and cultural significance that give the neighborhood its distinctive character. This is where Village Preservation has played a critical role in the survival of the South Village.

One of our key wins in December of 2013, designation of the South Village Historic District, which spans from West Houston Street to Washington Square Park, ensures that much of the historic fabric of the neighborhood remains intact. As part of the district’s designation, nearly 300 buildings — ranging from elegant brownstones to the working-class architecture of modest tenements and converted rowhouses, were officially recognized as landmarks, offering them protection from the threat of demolition. Our previous (extension of the existing Greenwich Village Historic District into parts of the South Village between 6th Avenue and 7th Ave. South, West 4th and Houston Streets in 2010) and subsequent wins (the Sullivan Thompson Historic District, covering the dozen or so blocks of the South Village south of Houston Street between 6th Avenue and West Broadway) solidified protections for the South Village that the neighborhood so richly deserves, and found purchase in the notion that immigrant and ethnic history is worthy of recognition.

The district designations are a win not only for preservationists, but also for residents, artists, and future generations of New Yorkers. Protections provide a visual and cultural continuity, preserving the neighborhood’s history and identity while allowing new generations to experience the vibrancy and diversity that once defined the South Village.

The Significance of the Preservation of the South Village

The South Village represents more than just a neighborhood; it symbolizes the ongoing battle to protect the soul of New York City. The South Village is a seminal piece of the historic tapestry of New York City, where every corner tells a story of immigrant resilience, artistic creativity, and political change. Its preservation is a testament to the importance of honoring our past while embracing the future. While development is inevitable in our city, balancing that growth with the preservation of the city’s historic landmarks and neighborhoods is vital. This dynamic is essential for keeping our neighborhoods’ history alive while at the same time allowing for its continued evolution and ensuring that the future never forgets the past.

For those who care deeply about the preservation of our city’s soul, the South Village thrives as a living legacy of how history and modernity can harmoniously exist together.

You can view the history of Village Preservation’s advocacy and prodigious accomplishments on our StoryMap.