In the News: 49 Years Ago Today
Much of the Village Voice from the 1950s to the mid-2000s is available to view online via a Google digitization project. The huge trove of scanned newspapers helps reveal the … Continued
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Author: Drew
Village Videos: Fashion Faux Pas
For decades, various industries have used Greenwich Village (or the romanticized idea of Greenwich Village) as both a backdrop for advertisements and a way to give products cachet. The neighborhood … Continued
Astor Place Art Update
A Keith Haring sculpture (Self Portrait; 1989) has recently appeared in front of 51 Astor Place at the corner of Third Avenue and St. Mark’s Place. In both his life … Continued
Forging a Path Through the Village
A couple of weeks ago we looked at a variety of buildings in our neighborhoods that at one time served as horse stables, but have since been repurposed. This week, … Continued
Bleecker & Christopher Streets — Then & Now
The produce spilling out into the street and the haphazard awnings in the above 1925 photo of Bleecker and Christopher Streets is quite different from the Bleecker Street scene of … Continued
Horsing Around the Village
By the turn of the twentieth century it is estimated that almost 75,000 horses and 4,500 stables could be found in New York City. Before the mass-adoption of the car … Continued
White Brick in the South Village
Thinking of white glazed brick buildings can conjure images of boxy post-war high rises on the Upper East Side, but almost fifty years before they came into vogue, white brick … Continued
Looking Up: The Stuyvesant Polyclinic
This post is part of the Looking Up series, which explores the unique architectural and historical stories that can be discovered when we raise our gaze above the sidewalk, the … Continued
Looking Up: The Washington Square Arch
This post is part of the Looking Up series, which explores the unique architectural and historical stories that can be discovered when we raise our gaze above the sidewalk, … Continued
In the News: 55 Years Ago Today
Much of the Village Voice from the 1950s to the mid-2000s is available to view online via a Google digitization project. The huge trove of scanned newspapers helps reveal the … Continued
Village Businesses of the 1930s
GVSHP has always been concerned about the status of small businesses, whether they be restaurants, theaters, or small shops. We also recognize outstanding local businesses as part of our … Continued
Tompkins Temperance
From its days as beer-loving Kleindeutschland to the throngs of SantaCon attendees today, the East Village has been known – for good or ill – as a place where it’s … Continued
A Stroll Down 14th Street
From November 1975 to September 1976, artist Roy Colmer photographed more than 3,000 Manhattan doorways to create an art project called Doors, NYC. The New York Public Library, which houses … Continued
West 12th Street: Then and Now
The view above looking west on West 12th Street from Eighth Avenue taken in 1929 shows how the northern end of Abingdon Square has changed over the years. Though the … Continued
Memphis on the Hudson
We look at historic buildings and documents a lot here on Off the Grid. Many times we cast our gaze back centuries to the 1780s or 1880s, but this time … Continued
Constructing Lafayette Street
Street construction is a constant part of New York life. The jackhammers, the dust, and the diverted traffic all conspire to fray one’s nerves and disrupt one’s day. This view … Continued
Changing Views on Seventh Avenue South
The image above was taken in 1933. It’s a view looking across Seventh Avenue South, northwest toward Grove Street. In addition to the price of gasoline (eight gallons for $1.05 … Continued
Looking Up: The Schermerhorn Building
This post is part of the Looking Up series, which explores the unique architectural and historical stories that can be discovered when we raise our gaze above the sidewalk, the … Continued
101 Avenue A: From German Bars to DayGlo Stars
On June 19, 2008, 101 Avenue A, home to the Pyramid Club, was found eligible for listing on the State and National Registers of Historic Places after GVSHP researched and … Continued
Throwback Thursday: Behind the Scenes of 75 ½ Bedford Street
After the great Frank O’Hara plaque unveiling earlier this week (you can view video and photos from the event), today we thought we’d take a look at another celebrated Village … Continued
2014 Village Award Winner: Unoppressive Non-Imperialist Bargain Books
Located at 34 Carmine Street between Bleecker and Bedford Streets, Unoppressive Non-Imperialist Bargain Books has got a big name and an even bigger place in the hearts of Village neighbors … Continued
When a Hotel Collapsed onto Broadway
In 1973, what was once one of the largest and most elegant hotels in the country collapsed onto Broadway, killing four and injuring many.
Looking Up: The Cable Building
This is part of the Looking Up series of posts, which explore the unique architectural and historical stories that can be discovered when we raise our gaze above the sidewalk, … Continued
Happy Birthday Greenwich Village Historic District!
Forty-five years ago today, mayor John Lindsay was still smarting from the botched cleanup of the February 1969 snowstorm, The 5th Dimension was at the top of the pop charts … Continued
Mourning President Lincoln on Broadway
It was almost 150 years ago this evening that President Abraham Lincoln was fatally shot by actor John Wilkes Booth at Ford’s Theater in Washington. The event was the first … Continued
From the GVSHP Archives: Outdoor Artists
With the refreshingly spring-like weather making us long for a walk in the park today, we thought we’d take a look (via GVSHP’s archives) at some artists working en plein … Continued
Village Big House
If one has the occasion to think about incarceration in the Village, many long-time residents would likely recall the Women’s House of Detention, an imposing building that loomed over Jefferson … Continued
Looking Up: East Village Target Practice
This is part of the Looking Up series of posts, which explore the unique architectural and historical stories that can be discovered when we raise our gaze above the sidewalk, … Continued
Fashionable Architecture
Today a the new exhibition Facades will open at the New-York Historical Society. The exhibition showcases New York Times fashion photographer Bill Cunningham’s eight-year photo project, which began in 1968. … Continued
(Street) Signs of the Times
If you haven’t already read it, the Times reported last week on the recent completion of a catalog of New York City’s ‘honorific’ street names designated since 1998. These honorific … Continued
Then & Now on Little West 12th Street
We’d like to share GVSHP staffer Amanda Davis’ “Then & Now” post about a delightful block just west of the High Line. On the other side of the High Line, … Continued
Looking Up: West 3rd Street
The Looking Up series of posts explore the unique architectural and historical stories that can be discovered when we raise our gaze above the sidewalk, the storefront, and the second … Continued
From Rear Tenement to Off-Broadway House
If you love theater in the Village, we think you will enjoy this blog post that was written by our colleague Chelsey Berryhill. While walking down Christopher Street, it is … Continued
Explore the South Village’s History
As you likely know by now, the South Village was designated an official New York City historic district by the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) at the end of December. Part … Continued
Then & Now: 99 Seventh Avenue South
The site at 99 Seventh Avenue South in Greenwich Village today houses the Garage restaurant, but seventy-five years ago, it was home to the Nut Club. The building was constructed … Continued
South Village Landmarked Today!
We’re excited to share that the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) voted today to landmark the South Village Historic District, a two hundred forty-building, thirteen-block section of Greenwich Village south … Continued
Looking Up: The Beginning of Bond Street
This is the first in the Looking Up series of posts, which will explore the unique architectural and historical stories that can be discovered when we raise our gaze above … Continued
Beyond Patchin Place
We’d like to share former GVSHP staffer Dana Schulz’s “Then & Now” post about a delightful block north of the Jefferson Market Library. The north side of West 10th Street … Continued
Reminder: Waterfront Town Hall Wed. Nov. 13 – 6:30 PM
We hope you and your neighbors can join us tomorrow evening for an important community meeting about Hudson River Park air rights. The New York State Legislature recently passed a … Continued
Remembering Lou Reed
The world mourned the passing of Lou Reed this past weekend at the age of 71. Front man of The Velvet Underground, Reed was born in Brooklyn and raised on … Continued
Tower of Music
The Carl Fischer Music building dominated the skyline of Astor Place and Cooper Square for many decades. This 12-story building with its iconic sign along the north face is located … Continued
Noting a West Village ‘Annieversary’
It’s been many years since the sad saga began at the Annie Leibowitz properties in the West Village. The 1830s buildings, part of the Greenwich Village Historic District, are located … Continued
An East Village Survivor
It’s been just under four years since the Landmarks Preservation Commission designated as an individual landmark the 1838 Isaac T. Hopper House at 110 Second Avenue in the East Village. … Continued
Bibles Off Broadway
With the recent news that things are finally beginning to move with the city’s redevelopment of Astor Place, including pedestrianizing sections of Astor Place between Lafayette Street and Cooper Square and … Continued
The Voice Leaves the Village
The Villager reported today that the Village Voice has vacated its office at 36 Cooper Square and decamped 80 Maiden Lane far downtown. The Voice, a longtime fixture in our … Continued
Before the Election
As you should now be aware, today is primary election day in New York City. The polls close at 9:00 P.M. tonight, so if you haven’t already, check the location … Continued
The Hare Krishna Tree
In the past Off the Grid has taken a look at some of the architecture surrounding Tompkins Square Park, including St. Brigid’s Church, the Tompkins Square Lodging House for Boys, … Continued
Edward Hopper and the Village
Last week the Whitney Museum revealed its 3D cut-out recreation of the noted Edward Hooper painting Nighthawks in the prow of the Flatiron Building. The ‘pop-up’ project highlights the museum’s … Continued
An East Village Synagogue Building Saved
On August 8, 2008, GVSHP and the East Village Community Coalition formally requested that the City landmark the historic Congregation Mezritch Synagogue building at 415 East 6th Street in … Continued
John Sloan’s Village
Today marks the birthday of great Greenwich Village artist and chronicler of everyday life in Lower Manhattan John Sloan, born August 2, 1871. Sloan worked as an painter and illustrator, first in … Continued
Hats Off to Bella Abzug
Want to learn more about Bella Abzug and other feminist and civil rights pioneers like her? Visit GVSHP’s Civil Rights and Social Justice Map. Bella Savitzky Abzug was born … Continued
A Tower of Light
As everyone keeps their fingers crossed that Con Edison can keep the power flowing during this week’s heat wave, we thought we’d take a look at the history of its … Continued
Smorgasbord of Landmark Applications Tomorrow Run The Gamut
It may be the dog days of summer, but tomorrow the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) will hear nine applications for changes to landmarked properties in our neighborhoods, ranging from the … Continued
Hearing on ‘Phase II’ of the South Village Historic District
Yesterday the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) held its only public hearing on “phase II” of GVSHP’s proposed South Village Historic District. There was a great turnout in support of landmarking … Continued
A South Village Anniversary
We’re gearing up for the Landmarks Preservation (LPC) hearing about “Phase II” of the proposed South Village Historic District next Tuesday, June 25. We hope you can join us at … Continued
Squatters of the Depression
As the city’s and nation’s economy works through its slow recovery, the New York public library reminds us how the last great national economic crisis affected our city. Though we … Continued
The Beginning of AIDS in New York
On June 5, 1981, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published its first national notice about cases of what would come to be known as AIDS. In its … Continued
On the Menu at Mills House
Mills House Number 1 at 160 Bleecker Street (at Thompson Street) in the South Village was a large experimental ‘reform housing’ project built by noted architect Ernest Flagg from 1896 to1897 … Continued
Views of Gansevoort Market
Since the first public market opened in the area in 1884, Gansevoort Market — or the Meatpacking District — underwent many changes in building form and use as the area … Continued
Then & Now: From Gas Station to Gallery
A new application for storefront work at a gas station on the corner of Eighth Avenue and 13th Street has us reaching into the GVSHP files today on Off the … Continued
Richie Havens 1941-2013
Richie Havens, the iconic singer and guitarist, passed away yesterday at the age of 72. Though originally from Bedford-Stuyvesant in Brooklyn, by his late teens Havens had moved to Manhattan … Continued
The Titanic & The Village
Today marks one hundred and one years since the RMS Titanic sank into the cold dark North Atlantic after hitting an iceberg over 400 miles off the coast of Newfoundland. … Continued
Architecture & Art on GVSHP’s House Tour Benefit
If you haven’t already, be sure to reserve your tickets for GVSHP’s 15th Annual Village House Tour Benefit, our annual fundraiser to support our continuing education and advocacy work. The … Continued
Take A Visual Trip Through the Art of the Fillmore East
It was forty five years ago this month that Bill Graham opened the Fillmore East on Second Avenue. Though the venue only existed for a couple of years from 1968 … Continued
An Illustrated Trip Down Broadway
We recently highlighted the marvelous illustration work of James Gulliver Hancock as he continues in his attempt to draw all the buildings in New York. This week, we thought we’d … Continued
South Village at Stake in Hudson Square Rezoning Vote
With the important vote on the Hudson Square rezoning by the City Council’s Zoning Subcommittee this Wednesday, we will find out if the City Council will approve or deny the … Continued
City Council Hudson Square Rezoning Vote Postponed
Well, we’ve been waiting for years — though certainly not waiting patiently or quietly — for the long-promised landmark designation of the South Village. Today we found out that it … Continued
The Imagery of ACT UP
This coming March will mark the twenty-sixth anniversary of the founding of ACT UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power) — the direct action and advocacy group organized to affect change … Continued
Betty Friedan and the Feminine Mystique
Betty Friedan’s (February 4, 1921 – February 4, 2006) seminal work, The Feminine Mystique, was published on February 19, 1963 by W.W. Norton publishers, then located at 55 Fifth Avenue. After authoring … Continued
The Village & All That Jazz
We hope you can join us for The Village and All That Jazz, an evening of music and history at Zinc Bar Monday, March 4th presented by GVSHP’s Brokers Partnership … Continued
Development Rises on Funeral Parlor’s Ashes
As GVSHP highlighted several years ago now, the site at 152 2nd Avenue between East 9th and 10th Streets was sold to be replaced by a new six-story ‘luxury’ retail … Continued
St. Brigid’s Church Re-Opens, But the Historic East Village Still Needs Your Help
Yesterday, after years of renovation work, St. Brigid’s church on Avenue B and East 8th Street was re-opened to the public. Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan consecrated and dedicated the refurbished … Continued
10 Sheridan Square: Then and Now
The intersecting streets at Sheridan Square and 7th Avenue South are some of the most well-known and well-worn in Greenwich Village. While surrounded by notable structures housing the likes of … Continued
Happy Anniversary St. Mark’s Historic District!
On January 14, 1969, the St. Mark’s Historic District was designated. The district was one of the first historic district designations by the newly created Landmarks Preservation Commission. The district … Continued
Support GVSHP’s End of Year Appeal!
This year has seen some tremendous successes and some huge challenges for GVSHP. Next year promises to be even bigger, with many projects in motion. Your support makes all the difference … Continued
Give GVSHP Gear This Holiday Season
With the holiday season upon us, it’s good to know that GVSHP offers a variety of Village-themed gifts that they’re sure to love and that you can feel good about … Continued
A ‘Crazy’ Weekend
This past Saturday the GVSHP Brokers Partnership presented a film screening of Get Crazy (1983) at the Anthology Film Archives. The screening was followed up with a lively panel discussion … Continued
A Silver Anniversary
While we’re not yet technically at the ‘silver’ (i.e. 25th) anniversary, but November 18th Mark’s the date in 2008 when we were able to get Silver Towers in the … Continued
A Hard Rain
We hope that you are staying safe and dry as Hurricane Sandy batters New York. Today we’re going to take a look at Bob Dylan’s noted song “A Hard Rain’s … Continued
Come ‘Get Crazy’ in the East Village!
We hope that you can join us for our upcoming event Reel Rockers: Come ‘Get Crazy’ in the East Village — A Film Screening and Discussion! Presented by GVSHP’s Brokers … Continued
5th and 14th — Then and Now
The New School’s new building at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 14th Street is getting closer and closer to being completed. After topping out back in May, the patinated brass … Continued
A Mystery No More
As Curbed and EVGrieve recently pointed out, the renderings for a new building to be constructed on the long-empty lot between 13th and 14th Streets near 3rd Avenue were released … Continued
Press Conference to Stop Upzoning of Chelsea Market
Despite the cloudy skies, today GVSHP was joined by community, affordable housing, and tenant groups from the Village and Chelsea to call upon the City Council to reject the proposed … Continued
Speak Up at the Hudson Sq. Rezoning Public Meeting Tonight!
We hope you can join us for tonight’s critical public hearing on the proposed Hudson Square rezoning at 6:30 pm at the Fire Museum, 278 Spring Street (Varick/Hudson Streets), 3rd … Continued
Fashion in the Park
With Fashion Week ending yesterday, we thought we’d wrap up our week with a look at some fashions of yesteryear in which the Village played a supporting role. The urban … Continued
Reminder: Critical Public Hearing Tonight
We hope you can join us for an incredibly important community board public hearing tonight that will affect the future of both the South Village and Hudson Square. It’s at … Continued
Documenting the Fight
In our continuing efforts to save 186 Spring Street in the South Village, we’ve highlighted the significant role the building played in the early LGBT rights movement. In the immediate … Continued
C.B.J. Snyder and P.S. 64
We hope you can join us for our upcoming lecture on Charles B. J. Snyder on Tuesday, September 4th (RSVP information). An architect and Superintendent of School Buildings from the … Continued
A Subway Substation — Then and Now
The familiar view above, taken in 1933, looks north on Greenwich Avenue (at Horatio Street) toward 14th Street and features the striking art deco Substation 235 of the New York … Continued
A Greenwich Village Guide: 1959
Although more and more of the research that GVSHP documents and shares is done online today, we also house a modest non-circulating resource library which contains fiction and non-fiction books, … Continued
Back To School
Amid the cast-iron facades of commercial and converted residential buildings between Broadway and University Place in the Village resides a large brick and brownstone institutional building. With its Police Athletic … Continued
City Council Votes to Approve NYU Plan
Today the City Council chose to ignore thousands of New Yorkers and by far the majority of NYU faculty, staff, and workers who had called upon them to reject the … Continued
The Truth About Open Space & The NYU Plan
Although NYU’s massive Village expansion plan was modestly reduced at this week’s City Council Land Use Committee meeting (the university would still get over 80% of what it proposed), if … Continued
St. Anthony of Padua – Then and Now
St. Anthony of Padua Church has stood on Sullivan Street in the South Village since it was designed and built in 1886 by Arthur Crooks. St. Anthony’s is America’s earliest … Continued
Tell the City Council–NYU’s Plans Are Too Big!
A reminder that tomorrow will likely be the most important day in our continuing fight against NYU’s massive proposed Village expansion plan. Beginning at 9:30 A.M. tomorrow, the City Council … Continued
Take a Stroll Through the History of our Neighborhoods’ Parks
Jonathan Kuhn, a long-time Village resident who is also the Director of Art & Antiquities at the Department of Parks and Recreation, has curated an exhibition at Central Park’s Arsenal … Continued
Save the Date: June 29th @ City Hall
Start spreading the news — the City Council’s public hearing on NYU’s massive proposed Village expansion plan has been set for Friday, June 29th at 9:30 am in the Council … Continued
A Campus Comparison
As part of its massive proposed Village expansion plan, NYU is seeking to build 2.5 million sq. ft. of space – the equivalent of the Empire State Building – on … Continued
Architecture of the Spirit
This weekend, the New York Landmarks Conservancy is again organizing the state-wide Sacred Sites Open House Weekend. This free event offers a unique opportunity to explore the interiors of more … Continued
On Tompkins Square
Since it opened in 1904, the Tompkins Square Branch of the New York Public Library has served as an important community resource.