Get Involved: Landmarks Review at Community Boards
Note: This is an updated version of a post originally written by Amanda Davis Two recent Landmarks applications at Jane Street (11 Jane and 85-89 Jane) have garnered a lot … Continued
2016 Village Award Winner: Steve Cannon
Off the Grid is highlighting the 2016 Village Awards winners in the lead up to the June 14th Annual Meeting & Award Ceremony. Click here for more information about the event … Continued
East Village Spring Tours, Gardens & More
Springtime has arrived in our wonderful neighborhoods. Many more people are out and about. Locals and visitors alike enjoy our diverse culture, community history and appreciate a part of the big city where you can … Continued
Happy Birthday, David Vaughan!
Ninety two years ago today, dance archivist David Vaughan was born in London, England. Vaughan was the archivist for the Merce Cunningham Dance Company from 1976 until it disbanded in … Continued
2016 Village Award Winner: Strand Bookstore
Off the Grid is highlighting the 2016 Village Awards winners in the lead up to the June 14th Annual Meeting & Award Ceremony. Click here for more information about the event … Continued
Further Proof That Landmarking Does Not Hurt Affordability, and Unfettered Development Doesn’t Help
Earlier this week the NYU Furman Center, which studies real estate development and urban policies, issued a report analyzing trends in gentrification in New York City from 1990-2014. Our ears … Continued
Happy Birthday, Merchant’s House Museum!
On May 11, 1936, the old Tredwell house on 4th Street opened as the Merchant’s House Museum.
In the East Village, Aiming to Leave No Deserving Place Behind
Note: This is an updated version of a post originally by Karen Loew The New York City Marble Cemetery, on 2nd Street between First and Second Avenues. It’s open to the … Continued
Julia Ward Howe, Feminist Pioneer
Julia Ward Howe was a true 19th century Renaissance woman. In addition to being a serious scholar of philosophy and fluent in seven languages, she was a social reformer, writer, … Continued
What Style is It? Mid-19th Century Edition
Greenwich Village, the East Village and NoHo offer a vast array of architectural styles that span their long histories. Through this series “What Style Is It?” we will explore the … Continued
Continuing the Work of Jane Jacobs
Here at GVSHP, we have a special connection to Jane Jacobs (May 4, 1916 – April 25, 2006) — not only because she was on our Board of Advisors until her … Continued
May The Fourth Be With You! Geek and Nerdom in the Village.
Not long ago, in theaters far, far away (and near too), a movie came out that influenced the interests and imaginations of generations to come. There are a few connections between … Continued
From South Village to South Bronx, the Legacy of Jane Jacobs
In 1955 the Committee to Save Washington Square Park was distributing flyers to alert the public about a proposal to drive a four-lane road through the center of the park. … Continued
Happy Birthday Greenwich Village Historic District
Note: This is an updated version of a post originally written by Drew Durniak Map of the Greenwich Village Historic District. Click to enlarge. On April 29th, 1969, mayor John … Continued
What Style Is It? Greek Revival Edition
Greenwich Village, the East Village and NoHo offer a vast array of architectural styles that span their long histories. The Greek Revival style, which dominated these neighborhoods for much of … Continued
Historic Homes on the GVSHP House Tour
This year’s Spring House Tour Benefit is right around the corner (this Sunday, actually), and features seven exquisite Village properties. In keeping with the storied history of the Village, the Spring … Continued
Paraiso Found: What was there before it was a Garden?
What was there before it was a garden? We get that question often here, and are always ready to help community partners unearth the often little known yet rich history … Continued
Happy Birthday, Willem de Kooning!
On April 24, 1904 artist Willem de Kooning was born in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. de Kooning was one of the major figures of the Abstract Expressionist movement. Abstract Expressionism was an art movement … Continued
From Parking Lot to Car Free Washington Square Park
Today is Earth Day, first celebrated in NYC in 1970, and you may notice some of the streets around the city harkening to a quieter era. Legislation passed in the City … Continued
National Park Service LGBTQ Map
Its been almost two years since the Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewel announced the LGBTQ Heritage Initiative by the National Park Service (NPS) outside the Stonewall Inn. As part … Continued
From Sip-Ins to Smoke-ins…Marijuana and the Village
Recently, at GVSHP we celebrated the Julius’ “Sip-In,” an event that took place in 1966 that helped to end discrimination against LGBT people. However, in recognition of 4/20, a day … Continued
Celebrating 51 Years of Landmarking
Fifty-one years ago today, on April 19, 1965, the New York City landmarks law went into effect. A year-long celebration of the 50th anniversary of the landmarks law has been … Continued
Happy 50th Landmark Anniversary St. Mark’s-in-the Bowery Church!
50 years ago tomorrow, on April 19, 1966, the LPC landmarked St. Mark’s-in-the-Bowery Church. The Church is the oldest site of continuous worship in New York City. The parcel of land … Continued
House Tour Preview
This year’s Spring House Tour Benefit is right around the corner and features seven exquisite Village properties. In keeping with the storied history of the Village as an artist’s haven, … Continued
The Death and Life of Louis Sullivan
On April 14, 1924, the architect Louis Sullivan, the “father of modernism,” key figure of the Chicago and the Prairie Schools of Architecture, progenitor of the skyscraper and coiner of the … Continued
Business of the Month: The Silversmith, 184 3/4 West 4th Street
Your input is needed! Today we feature our latest Business of the Month — and we need your help selecting the next. Tell us which independent store you love in … Continued
Happy Birthday, Max Ernst
Artist Max Ernst was born on April 12, 1891. Ernst was a pioneering figure in both the Dada and Surrealist movements. The former, often referred to as “anti-art,” emerged after World … Continued
Tenement House Act of 1901
April 12, 1901 marks the date when the New York State Legislature passed the Tenement House Act of 1901, more commonly known as the “New Law” or “New Tenement Law.” … Continued
Rallying To Save The South Village
Five years ago this Sunday GVSHP and other community and preservation groups held a Rally to Save the South Village. More than 150 people including elected officials, community and business leaders and … Continued
Three Ways the New LPC Map is Better than NYCMap
The Landmarks Preservation Commission recently released a new interactive map. The map shows all exterior, interior, and scenic landmarks, historic districts, and properties calendared for designation. According to LPC Chair Meenakshi … Continued
One Hundred Twenty Five Years of NYC Streetcars Started in the Village
New York City Trolley or Streetcar service ended in New York City on April 6th, 1957 on Welfare (now Roosevelt) Island. But it began one hundred twenty five years earlier … Continued
On This Day in 1837 — Christopher Park Is Born!
On this day in 1837, the City condemned a parcel of land between Christopher, Grove, and West 4th Streets, which eventually became Christopher Park.
43 MacDougal Street: A Happy Ending At Last?
Five years ago we wrote about the terrible, deteriorating conditions at 43 MacDougal Street, a landmarked, 1846 Greek Revival townhouse at the corner of King Street in the King-Charlton-VanDam Historic … Continued
Rocky Horror Midnight Show Is Born
While the Rocky Horror Picture Show premiered in London and Los Angeles in 1975, the now classic cult film was not really successful until it launched its ongoing run of midnight shows … Continued
Astor Place Reconstruction Recalls Historic Streets, Mosaics & The Alamo
If you are one of the over 100,000 people a day that make your way through Astor Place or Cooper Square, you cannot help but notice the amazing amount of progress … Continued
The Federal Style Explained
We recently published a detailed report of the Federal style houses which GVSHP has helped to get landmarked, listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places, or both. … Continued
Five Hundred Years Ago, The First Ghetto Is Founded
Five hundred years ago today, on March 29, 1516, the Venice Ghetto was established by decree of the Venice Ruling Council. The very first ghetto, it was a tiny 2 … Continued
Happy Dyngus Day!
The Monday following Easter is known to Ukrainians as Dyngus Day, and many Ukrainian American communities will host parades and celebrations to commemorate this holiday. In America, Dyngus Day is … Continued
One Year After the Second Avenue Explosion
Tomorrow will mark one year since the tragic gas explosion on Second Avenue and 7th Street street that killed two people and led to the collapse and destruction of three … Continued
See You on the Dark Side of the Village!
In 1973, Pink Floyd released Dark Side of the Moon; the album hit U.S. shelves on March 1st and UK on March 16th. Dark Side of the Moon was the band’s … Continued
The Cherry Lane Theatre opened 92 years ago tomorrow, March 24, 1924
The first theatrical presentation at the Cherry Lane Playhouse (now the Cherry Lane Theatre) opened on March 24th, 1924: Richard Fresnell’s play, “Saturday Night.” Since then, many plays have been … Continued
“Landmarks Wouldn’t Allow That, Would They?”
This has to be the most frequently asked question that we get regarding landmarked properties. This question can be in reference to any number of changes including demolition, a proposed … Continued
Saving the South Village — ‘Seven to Save’
Four years ago today, the South Village was named to the Preservation League of New York State’s “Seven to Save” list. This designation was a great boon to our ongoing efforts … Continued
Celebrating Jane Jacobs — 100th Birthday, and lots of programs, approaching
Jane Jacobs, who once lived on Hudson Street in the West Village, wrote the book, “Death and Life of Great American Cities.” Her activism is legendary. Many organizations throughout the … Continued
Was My House a…Brothel?!
It never fails to amaze me what we sometimes find, historically, was located in our neighborhoods. DNAInfo NY recently published an article, “MAP: Discover the Hidden History of New York’s … Continued
Oral History: Virlana Tkacz
GVSHP is excited to share our oral history collection with the public, and hope they will shed more light on what makes Greenwich Village and the East Village such unique and vibrant … Continued
Business of the Month: Screaming Mimi’s, 382 Lafayette Street
Your input is needed! Today we feature our latest Business of the Month — and we need your help selecting the next. Tell us which independent store you love in … Continued
Hudson Square Rezoning and the South Village
This Sunday, March 13th, is the three year anniversary of the NYC Council Land Use Committee vote to approve the proposed Hudson Square Rezoning. This vote was a significant milestone … Continued
History For Sale: 3 East 3rd Street
Whenever we see another ‘For Sale‘ sign in our neighborhoods, it is often the cause for worry or fear. Concerns naturally arise that another out-of-context tower might obliterate the skyline, … Continued
Megamansions of the Village
Throughout the Village, we have seen houses built, and houses demolished. But sometimes, we see something in between. In some cases, new owners want more space than a traditional Village building can … Continued
Big Changes Proposed For What Was Once A Federal Rowhouse
25 Bleecker Street is one of nine extant buildings originally constructed as Federal style row houses in the NoHo East Historic District. It was built c. 1830 for David Chrystie … Continued
How Greenwich Village Saved Piet Mondrian
The great modern painter Piet Mondrian was born on this day, March 7th, in 1872. Mondrian (born Pieter Cornelis Mondriaan) is perhaps most closely associated with the De Stijl movement of the … Continued
In Old Greenwich Village
I recently came across a book printed in 1894 by Thomas A. Janvier entitled In Old New York. The section on Greenwich Village contained a treasure trove of illustrations, some of … Continued
Tales From Our Crypts: Augustus Van Horne Stuyvesant Jr.
Gone but not forgotten, the Village is as much defined by what is above as much as it is by who is below. Though burials in Manhattan were officially banned … Continued
Springtime for GVSHP Children’s Education Program
It may not technically be spring just yet, but the spring semester for GVSHP’s Children’s Education program, affectionately known as “Kids’ Ed,” is underway. Every year GVSHP introduces New York … Continued
Oral History: Claire Tankel
GVSHP is excited to share our oral history collection with the public, and hope they will shed more light on what makes Greenwich Village and the East Village such unique and vibrant … Continued
Welcome Aboard, Harry Bubbins
Harry Bubbins joins us today as GVSHP’s new East Village and Special Projects Director. I hope you’ll join us in welcoming Harry to the GVSHP team. Harry comes to us … Continued
GVSHP Oral History: Gloria McDarrah
Village Preservation is excited to share our oral history collection with the public, and hope they will shed more light on what makes Greenwich Village and the East Village such … Continued
Happy Birthday, Off the Grid!
“Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” For almost everyone in the workforce this stands out as the most clichéd question you can hear during a job interview. However, … Continued
GVSHP Landmarks Webpage, A Great Resource!
Ever wonder what is going on with the construction of the landmarked building next door, or anywhere in Greenwich Village, NoHo, Gansevoort Market, the South Village, and the East Village? … Continued
On this Day: Washington Square Village Found Eligible for State and National Registers of Historic Places
On this date in 2011, the New York State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), presented a “Resource Evaluation” that agreed with the Landmarks Preservation Commission’s earlier finding that the complex known … Continued
Happy Birthday, George Washington (sort of)
George Washington was born on February 22nd, and his birthday was unofficially celebrated by Americans on that date throughout the 19th century. February 22nd finally became a federal holiday in … Continued
GVSHP Oral History: Maria Kenny
GVSHP is excited to share our oral history collection with the public, and hope they will shed more light on what makes Greenwich Village and the East Village such unique and vibrant … Continued
GVSHP Oral History: Ingrid Bernhard
GVSHP is excited to share our oral history collection with the public, and hope they will shed more light on what makes Greenwich Village and the East Village such unique and vibrant … Continued
GVSHP Oral History: David Amram
GVSHP is excited to share our oral history collection with the public, and hope they will shed more light on what makes Greenwich Village and the East Village such unique and … Continued
Funny Face: ‘S Wonderful! ‘S Marvelous!
Funny Face, the iconic American romantic musical comedy directed by Stanley Donen and written by Leonard Gersche about a Greenwich Village bookworm transformed into the belle of the Paris fashion … Continued
Really, Really, Ridiculously Awful (and probably illegal) Billboards
Nine years ago today, on a freezing cold February day (like today), Village Preservation and hundreds of neighbors protested the Hotel Gansevoort billboards that had just been erected at the corner … Continued
Upscale Makeover Planned for Former Animal Hospital and Women’s Shelter, 348 Lafayette Street
The Noho Historic District embraces a broad arc of New York City’s commercial history from the early 1850’s through the 1920’s, during which time this section prospered as a major retail and … Continued
Remembering East Village resident and musician Lead Belly
As regular readers of “Off the Grid” will know, one of many ways Village Preservation has worked to preserve the neighborhood heritage of Greenwich Village has been to install a … Continued
The “East Village” Is Born, In Print
On February 7, 1960 the New York Times wrote an article discussing changes in Greenwich Village and the Lower East Side. Four years beforehand the El (above ground subway) had … Continued
57 Sullivan Street — A Landmark Designation Long Overdue
As one of the oldest surviving houses in Manhattan, 57 Sullivan Street has born witness to and participated in the story of the evolution of housing in New York City. … Continued
Business of the Month: St. Mark’s Bookshop, 136 East 3rd Street
Your input is needed! Today we feature our latest Business of the Month — and we need your help selecting the next. Tell us which independent store you love in … Continued
Next Stop, Greenwich Village: 1953 Was a Good Year for Leaving Home
On February 4, 1976, the film Next Stop, Greenwich Village premiered. Many movies, television shows, and plays have taken place in the Village, displaying the unique characteristics of the neighborhood, but arguably, … Continued
12 years ago: Support for designation of the Silver Towers Complex
12 years ago tomorrow, our colleagues at the Municipal Arts Society sent a letter to the Landmarks Preservation Commission supporting our request for landmark designation of the Silver Towers/ University Village site. … Continued
Village Preservation East Village Oral History: Robert Zerilli
Village Preservation is excited to share our oral history collection with the public, and hope they will shed more light on what makes Greenwich Village and the East Village such unique … Continued
February: GVSHP celebrates African-American History Month
Since 1976, the United States has celebrated Black History Month, also called African-American History Month, in February. Some of our upcoming public programs will join in this celebration. On Thursday, … Continued
Remembering Jackson Pollock
Influential Abstract Expressionist painter Paul Jackson Pollock was born on January 28, 1912 in Cody, Wyoming. With his father, a farmer and government surveyor, mother and four brothers, Pollock grew … Continued
Pete Seeger Anniversary
Today marks the two year passing of folk music legend Pete Seeger. Seeger was an influential singer, songwriter, and civil rights and anti-war activist. Seeger also founded a nonprofit environmental organization … Continued
Happy Birthday, Angela Davis
Activist, leftist, and radical feminist — these are just some of the words used to describe Angela Davis, a scholar and civil rights leader and fighter who came to prominence … Continued
Weehawken Street Historic District, Part III
This is the third part of a three part series on the Weehawken Street Historic District. This small historic district is comprised of only fourteen buildings but represents a wonderful … Continued
99 Years Ago: The Washington Square Arch Conspiracy, January 23, 1917
The Washington Square Arch in Washington Square Park is in some ways the heart of the Village. The white marble structure was designed by renowned architect Stanford White and built … Continued
Weehawken Street Historic District, Part II
This is the second part of a three part series on the Weehawken Street Historic District. This small historic district is comprised of only fourteen buildings but represents a wonderful … Continued
Business of the Month: Matt Umanov Guitars
Your input is needed! Today we feature our latest Business of the Month — and we need your help selecting the next. Tell us which independent store you love in … Continued
NYS Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Preservation in First Avenue Estate Hardship Case
As reported by our allies the Friends of the Upper East Side Historic Districts, the New York State Supreme Court recently upheld the Landmarks Preservation Commission’s denial of the hardship application by … Continued
Happy Birthday East 10th Street Historic District
On January 17th, 2012, the LPC designated the East 10th Street Historic District. The district includes 26 row houses mostly built in the 1840’s and 1850’s, extending from Avenue A to … Continued
Happy 47th Birthday, St. Mark’s Historic District
Forty-seven years ago, on January 14th 1969, the Landmarks Preservation Commission concluded that, “On the basis of a careful consideration of the history, the architecture and other features of this … Continued
Downtown Underground: Tom Otterness’ Life Underground
In 1985 the MTA founded what was then called Arts for Transit and Urban Design (now called Arts & Design) as part of an ambitious capital improvement program meant to … Continued
East Village Oral History: Lorcan Otway
Village Preservation is excited to share our oral history collection with the public, and hope they will shed more light on what makes Greenwich Village and the East Village such unique … Continued
Weehawken Street Historic District, Part I
This is the first part of a three part series on the Weehawken Street Historic District. This small historic district is comprised of only fourteen buildings but represents a wonderful … Continued
159 Charles Street: A Greek Revival Gem in the Far West Village
Designated on November 14, 2007, 159 Charles Street is significant as a relatively rare surviving residential building of the early period of development of the Far West Village. This individual … Continued
The Old New Guy (gal) at GVSHP
Happy New Year! Tomorrow will mark my four month anniversary working for GVSHP and it has been a whirlwind! My quiet existence as an architectural historian ended on September … Continued
Early Preservation and the Jefferson Market Library
GVSHP Board of Advisors member Carol Greitzer was very active in the early preservation movement of the 1960’s. A female Democratic District leader in the Village in the 1960’s, she … Continued
Some Good News on Chain Stores for the New Year
It’s always nice to start the new year off on a good note. So we were especially happy to receive the annual report from the Center for an Urban Future, State … Continued
Cafe Society, The Wrong Place for the Right People
This post is the third of a three-part series called Histories of Fourth Street, from East to West, a collaboration between GVSHP and the students in NYU’s Fall 2015 Intro … Continued
East 4th Street and its Political Past
This post is the second of a three-part series called Histories of Fourth Street, from East to West, a collaboration between GVSHP and the students in NYU’s Fall 2015 Intro … Continued
The New York Orphan Asylum
This post is the first of a three-part series called Histories of Fourth Street, from East to West, a collaboration between GVSHP and the students in NYU’s Fall 2015 Intro … Continued
James and Karla Murray Love GVSHP!
As 2015 comes to a close, we are thankful for the generous support of our members and all it has allowed us to accomplish this year. But we still need your … Continued
GVSHP Keeping up the Fight
During the holiday season we reflect back on the past year. Here at GVSHP we’ve certainly had some big accomplishments. We have also had a lot of wonderful support from … Continued
Reflecting Back and Moving Forward
During the holiday season we reflect back on the past year. Here at GVSHP we’ve certainly had some big accomplishments. We have also had a lot of wonderful support from … Continued
A Look Back at 2015 Programs
As 2015 comes to a close and 2016 approaches, here is a look back at GVSHP’s public programs for 2015. In all, we produced or co-sponsored 60 programs that drew … Continued
