The East Village is Alive .. With the Sound of Music
Last week Off the Grid featured a story about the 55th Annual Washington Square Music Festival, which presents free concerts in Washington Square Park on Tuesday evenings in July. This … Continued
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Category: Programs & Resources
This July, Music fills Washington Square Park
Last night, the 55th Washington Square Music Festival held its first of four free concerts in Washington Square Park. The music festival is sponsored by the Washington Square Association, an … 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
2013 GVSHP Annual Meeting and Village Awards A Great Success
Thank you to everyone who joined us last night as we celebrated our 33rd Annual Meeting and presentation of the Village Awards at the beautiful Tishman Auditorium at The New … Continued
2013 Village Award Winner: Jeremiah Shea
The East Village has seen many changes over the last twenty years, but perhaps none so inspiring as the changes due to the work of Ninth Precinct Community Council President … Continued
2013 Village Award winner – Avignone Chemists
Last week I wrote about one of my favorite spots in the South Village, the Sir Winston Churchill Square. If you took my advice and went for a visit, you … Continued
2013 Village Award Winner: NYU Faculty Against the Sexton Plan
You don’t often hear “NYU” and “award” in the same sentence (at least not when GVSHP is giving the award). But a bold and unapologetic group of NYU faculty who … Continued
Sir Winston Churchill Square: 2013 Village Award Winner (and one of my favorite places!)
If you have ever spent time in the area where Bleecker Street meets Sixth Avenue, then you know it’s a busy place with lots of people, cars, buses, bicycles, strollers, … Continued
Bowery Alliance of Neighbors: 2013 Village Award Winner
The Bowery Alliance of Neighbors (BAN), a grassroots organization, has been a passionate force within the New York City preservation community since 2007. Co-founded by David Mulkins and Anna Sawaryn, … Continued
And the Winner Is … Village Awards Edition
Last week, Off the Grid celebrated the upcoming Obie and Tony Awards. Today, GVSHP is honored to announce … the 2013 Village Awardees! Each year, the Greenwich Village Society for … Continued
And the winner is…
It’s Awards Season! The Obie Awards for Off-Broadway theater will be presented on Monday, May 20th, and the Tony Awards for Broadway theater on June 9th. So it’s an exciting … Continued
2013 Benefit House Tour a Big Success!
Yesterday’s benefit house tour was a tremendous success. The weather was crisp, clear, and beautiful, the homes spectacular, and the reception at Gavin Brown’s Enterprise’s gallery at 620 Greenwich Street, … Continued
A Walk in the Park Leads to Our Village House Tour!
Warm, sunny days in the Village have us here at GVSHP looking forward to our annual house tour, which takes place this Sunday, May 5th. There’s still time to buy … Continued
Step Into History on this Year’s Village House Tour
In just a week and a half, GVSHP will hold our 15th Annual Benefit House Tour. There’s still time to buy tickets to see six beautiful private homes in the … Continued
2013 House Tour offers unique views of Greenwich Village
One of the most exciting parts of the Annual Village House Tour Benefit, taking place this year on Sunday, May 5, is the chance you have of seeing the many … 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
Two Great Maps for One Great City
Do you recognize the three-dimensional map in this photo? Hint: half a century ago, the model-making team of Raymond Lester Associates was meticulously recreating the city’s five boroughs in preparation … Continued
South Village Landmark Proposal — What’s Out?
Last week the Landmarks Preservation Commission revealed their draft proposed boundaries for Phase II of our proposed South Village Historic District, and announced that the public “property owner’s” meeting to … Continued
Annual House Tour a window into Village History
The Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation is gearing up for our 15th Annual Village House Tour, a benefit to raise funds in support of GVSHP’s work to educate about … Continued
Your chance to recognize a Village treasure!
Since 1991, the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation has presented awards to members of our community as our way of saying thank you to those individuals, organizations, and businesses … Continued
My Favorite Things: 1 Astor Place
On the corner of Broadway and Astor Place stands one of my favorite things: the beautiful red brick and terra cotta building at 1 Astor Place. Its bold color lends … Continued
South Village Preservation Passion, on YouTube
With the City’s Council’s vote this week on the Hudson Square rezoning, which will decide if the South Village is saved or its destruction accelerated, we thought we’d remind everyone … Continued
Jazz This Monday Night at Zinc Bar!
Check out this great article “notebook for night owls” from the Village Voice, dated January 31, 1963. Says cornetist Jack Fine, “Some people call our jazz traditional, some think it’s … 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
Children’s Education by GVSHP
Did you know that since 1991, the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation has offered elementary students an unparalleled opportunity to engage with New York City’s past by exploring the … Continued
Happy Birthday Abraham Lincoln!
On this day in 1809, Abraham Lincoln was born in Hodgenville, Kentucky. Serving as the 16th President of the United States from March 1861, until his assassination in 1865, Lincoln … Continued
What’s In a Name? Neighborhood Edition
Off the Grid has featured many posts about some of the place names within Greenwich Village and the East Village, including Bleecker Street, Taras Shevchenko Place, and Father Demo Square. … Continued
More Details on Hudson Square Rezoning Decision
On Wednesday the City Planning Commission voted to approve the proposed Hudson Square Rezoning with some minor modifications, sending it to the City Council. The Council now has fifty days … Continued
My Mom and Pop: 9th Street Bakery
On Friday, EV Grieve broke the news that 9th Street Bakery would be closing after 87 years in business on East 9th Street between 1st & 2nd Avenues. This comes … Continued
A Concert In Honor of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Today would have been Martin Luther King, Jr.’s 84th birthday. The iconic figure of the Civil Rights Movement, assassinated on April 4, 1968, will be honored with a concert this … Continued
GVSHP Library Spotlight: Historic Walking Tour Map of Greenwich Village
Through the 1960s and early 1970s, this hand-drawn Greenwich Village map was self-published by the Seymour family, long-time residents of Greenwich Village and preservation pioneers within New York City. This … Continued
Programs Rescheduled Due to Hurricane Sandy
If you’re a regular at our public programs, you know that two of our scheduled November events were cancelled due to Superstorm Sandy. Luckily, though, we were able to reschedule … Continued
Walking East 3rd Street: The Dry Dock & Corlears Hook
Walking East 3rd Street is a collaboration between GVSHP and the students in NYU’s Fall 2012 Intro to Public History course. Each pair of students was tasked with researching the … Continued
Walking East 3rd Street: The American Movies Theater
Walking East 3rd Street is a collaboration between GVSHP and the students in NYU’s Fall 2012 Intro to Public History course. Each pair of students was tasked with researching the … Continued
Walking East 3rd Street: Church of the Most Holy Redeemer
Walking East 3rd Street is a collaboration between GVSHP and the students in NYU’s Fall 2012 Intro to Public History course. Each pair of students was tasked with researching the … Continued
Walking East 3rd Street: Tenement Synagogues & Jewish Life
Walking East 3rd Street is a collaboration between GVSHP and the students in NYU’s Fall 2012 Intro to Public History course. Each pair of students was tasked with researching the … Continued
Walking East 3rd Street: The Bowery Branch YMCA
Walking East 3rd Street is a collaboration between GVSHP and the students in NYU’s Fall 2012 Intro to Public History course. Each pair of students was tasked with researching the … 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
Shining a Light on an East Village Landmark
Recently someone asked me about a building he walked by in the East Village. Showing me a photo of the building on his phone, he figured it was a substation … 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
Archive Spotlight: First Presbyterian Church in Winter
This image from the GVSHP Archive features an idyllic view of people gathering on the sidewalk outside of First Presbyterian Church in winter. The image is taken at 12th Street … Continued
Collection Spotlight: The Real Estate Brochure Collection at Avery Library
Curbed New York recently posted an engaging photo montage on their site featuring vintage real estate images. The article reminded us here at Off the Grid about a most useful … Continued
Check out an historic building near you – no special knowledge required
Designation reports are detailed documents created by New York City’s Landmarks Preservation Commission at the time a building or district is landmarked. These reports often serve as guidelines when the … 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
Your East Village Historic District Guide
Last Tuesday, October 9th, the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) designated the East Village/Lower East Side Historic District. Stretching between the Bowery and Avenue A, East 2nd Street and St. Mark’s … Continued
Is Gay Street really ‘gay’?
It’s one of the quaintest and most intriguing streets in the West Village. It’s located just a block from the Stonewall Inn, the birthplace of the modern gay rights movement. … Continued
Fashion Week Faux Pas
Part of GVSHP’s work with the community is our Preservation Watch program —a way to help ensure that landmarks, buildings, and zoning violations are reported and the law enforced, and … Continued
It’s Back to School at GVSHP’s Lecture Tonight!
Feeling the end-of-summer/back-to-school blues? Get back in the academic spirit this evening with our free lecture- C. B. J. Snyder’s School Design in the Village. Urban public schools are some … 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
NYC Department of City Planning launches new census data map
The real estate blog Curbed featured a look late last week at the Department of City Planning’s revamped census data map, a useful new tool for serious researchers looking to … Continued
Mapping the Italian South Village
It’s no secret that preservationists often turn to maps for inspiration and research, but it isn’t all the time that a map can can lead to an extremely revealing discovery. … Continued
Come Out to Weigh In on East Village Landmarks
Tomorrow, July 12th, marks a big day for landmark review in the East Village. That’s because Community Board 3‘s Landmarks Subcommittee will be holding its first public hearing regarding proposed … 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
Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony Pictures Now Available
On Thursday, June 7, GVSHP presented its 32nd Annual Meeting and 2012 Village Awards. The 2012 Awardees and a full recap are all featured on Off The Grid. Be sure … Continued
Villagers Feted at GVSHP’s Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony
Last evening, 400 guests celebrated the accomplishments of the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation and eight Village businesses, people, and organizations at GVSHP’s Annual Meeting at The New School’s … Continued
Viva Loisaida!
This year marks the 25th Anniversary of the Loisaida Festival, a celebration of Latino culture, community, and the arts. Marlis Momber, a commercial photographer who moved to and began documenting … 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
What’s Happening Here? Eighth Avenue and 13th Street
Walking near Jackson Square in the West Village, you may have wondered what will become of the site of the former Lukoil gas station. Located at the southwest corner of … 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
Congratulations to the 2012 Village Award Winners
On Thursday, June 7th, eight Village businesses, people, and institutions will be presented a Village Award by the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation.We received hundreds of nominations, and the … Continued
2012 House Tour Highlights
We had a beautiful day for our 14th annual house tour benefit on Sunday, May 6th! The sun was shining and hundreds of people came out to visit six wonderful … Continued
Join Us this Sunday for GVSHP’s House Tour Benefit
It’s not too late to purchase tickets for our Spring House Tour Benefit, taking place this Sunday, May 6th from 1:00 to 5:30 P.M. Your ticket will give you exclusive … Continued
What’s Happening on Washington Mews?
One of the resources that GVSHP offers to the community is its Preservation Watch program- a way to help ensure that serious landmarks violations are reported and the landmarks law … Continued
Partners in Preservation Sites Announced
Last week, the National Trust for Historic Preservation and American Express revealed 40 preservation projects up for grants through their annual Partners in Preservation program. This program seeks to increase … Continued
Life, Out of Balance and On Film
On April 28th, 1982, the landmark film Koyaanisqatsi: Life Out of Balance had its world premiere. A stunning, wordless, 86 minute visual collage featuring images of natural beauty, urban decay … Continued
AIDS Memorial Design Process Underway
Last night, the Parks, Recreation & Open Space Committee of Community Board 2 held the first public discussion of the design for the AIDS memorial in the new St. Vincent’s … Continued
Come Downtown and Make Your Voice Heard about NYU!
Tomorrow morning one of the most important public hearings on NYU’s massive expansion plan will take place. We hope you can join GVSHP, neighbors, and friends to let the City … Continued
Save World of Video
The World of Video at 51 Greenwich Avenue, the oldest and longest-running video rental store in the West Village, has been an important film archival resource for the public, the three … Continued
Tomorrow Marks an NYU Anniversary, But Come to the Rally TODAY!
On April 21, 1831, New York University was chartered as the University of the City of New York by a group of prominent New York residents who believed the city … Continued
A View to a Historic Restoration
Any restoration of a historic site within our neighborhoods is exciting. But when that project is a stone’s throw away from our office space at the Neighborhood Preservation Center, we … Continued
Our Newest Federal-Era Landmarks
At their March 27th public meeting, the Landmarks Preservation Commission designated four individual landmarks located in Hudson Square. These new landmarks – 32 Dominick Street, 34 Dominick Street, 36 Dominick … Continued
Researchers Rejoice 1940 Census Released!
Yesterday, the National Archives released its records of the 1940 Census. And that’s a big deal because census records remain sealed for 72 years. So historic researchers, genealogists and family … Continued
What’s Your Neigborhood “Best Of?”
This spring, Greenwich Village business Your Neighborhood Office was named best “doorman substitute” in 2012 by New York Magazine. We hate to say I told you so, but . . … Continued
Tonight — The Hudson Square Rezoning and You
Trinity Real Estate, the major property owner in the Hudson Square neighborhood, is proposing to rezone more than a dozen blocks in Hudson Square, stretching from Houston to Canal Street, … Continued
NYU 2031: Crowd Calls on Stringer to Vote No
Last Thursday, GVSHP led a rally on the steps of City Hall calling on Borough President Scott Stringer to hold a public hearing before he votes on the NYU 2031 … Continued
Tell Borough President Stringer to Vote ‘No’ on NYU’s Expansion Plans
Please join GVSHP, NYU faculty and students, and Village, SoHo, NoHo, Union Square, and Chelsea Community groups for a press conference calling upon Borough President Stringer to vote ‘NO’ on … Continued
This St. Patrick’s Day, Celebrate in the Village!
New York City has no shortage of Irish watering holes, but if you’re looking to escape the parade crowds there are plenty of Village pubs where you can celebrate St. … Continued
Eating in the East Village
The Village Voice recently released its annual 10 best picks for the best restaurants in the East Village. Check it out and see how it compares to your personal list … Continued
My Favorite Things: East Eleventh Street Baths
One of my favorite things about historic architecture research is uncovering the fascinating histories of lesser-known buildings (and then sharing those facts with anyone who will listen!). When I worked … Continued
Peruse These Village Bookstores
Last year, Off the Grid featured a look at some of the Village’s more specialized bookshops, including shops featuring cookbooks, comics, and mystery books. If you didn’t catch it, be … Continued
Happy (Almost) Birthday Off the Grid!
This week marks the one year anniversary off GVSHP’s blog Off the Grid. We launched Off the Grid to engage new audiences in the dynamic history of the neighborhoods we … Continued
Village Sweet Spots
Calling all procrastinators! It’s not too late to buy your special someone a tasty chocolate treat. To make your last-minute Valentine’s shopping easier we’ve put together a list of our … Continued
Map It! Bleecker at Christopher Street
Have you ever come across a peculiar street pattern in the city and wondered how it became that way? It’s a topic that’s especially prevalent in the Village, where street … Continued
February Long on New and Old News
February may be the shortest month, but that does not mean that there is any shortage of important things happening this month on the Village Preservation calendar. Far from it. … Continued
My Favorite Things: Archive Edition
A recent inquiry by a researcher looking to document the emerging folk scene in the Village had me looking through the archive of Robert Otter, a photographer who captured the … Continued
The Jefferson Market Library: A Striking Landmark Shines Again
To those who had grown accustomed to keeping time by glancing at the four-faced clock on the grand tower of the Jefferson Market Library, the past several years have been … Continued
Variety, East Village Style
As EV Grieve recently reported, the final credits may be on the way for a movie theater turned grocery store on Avenue A. As the end may be coming for … Continued
Welcome East 10th Street Historic District
Last week, the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission voted to landmark East 10th Street, from Avenue A to Avenue B. So we thought we would welcome our newest district … Continued
A Nearly One Century “Encore!” for the Cherry Lane
A research request by a New York Times writer regarding the Cherry Lane Theatre at 38 Commerce Street unearthed a rich history of entertainment in the West Village. (For a … Continued
What’s in a Name: Bleecker Street
It is hard to imagine Bleecker Street, with its high fashion boutiques, small businesses, cafes, and food shops as farmland, but then again it is hard to visualize any part … Continued
Welcome Amanda Davis – Village Preservation’s Newest Staff Member
Today we are thrilled to welcome Amanda Davis – our new Director of Preservation and Research – to the Village Preservation team! Among many others, Amanda’s projects will include design … Continued
Don’t Forget – LPC Hearing for East 10th Street Historic District
As a reminder on Tuesday, January 17, the Landmarks Preservation Commission will have a hearing for the proposed East 10th Street Historic District. It is very important for you … Continued
It’s Crunch Time in the Fight Against NYU’s Massive Expansion Plan
Tonight will be a critical first public hearing in the public review and approval process for NYU’s massive proposed twenty-year expansion plan. Come to Community Board #2’s Zoning Committee tonight … Continued
Seen and Heard Around the Village 1.6.12: For Food Lovers
Friends of Eater seem to agree that the West Village was the best dining neighborhood of 2011! Puddin’ by Clio to open on St. Mark’s and serve all pudding based … Continued
Seen and Heard Around the Village 1.6.12: West Edition
The Downtown Piano Queen played at the space of the former Circle in the Square Theater (Bowery Boogie)…and Van Halen played at Cafe Wha! (NY Times) The Thompson Street location … Continued
Seen and Heard Around the Village 1.6.12: East Edition
After 28 years Polonia, Polish restaurant, closes due to small-business-killing landlords (The Local East Village) PS 64 principal wages dress code war on teachers (DNAinfo) EV Grieve notes many neighborhood … Continued
My Favorite Things: Poets Edition
This is the latest installment of Off the Grid’s series, “My Favorite Things,” in which we showcase some of our very favorite spots around the neighborhood, highlighting the incredible architecture, … Continued