East 11th Street, a Slice of East Village History
As both we and the media have recently reported, two months ago GVSHP requested the landmark designation of a potential historic district on East 11th Street between Third and Fourth … Continued
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Category: Tours
Small But Mighty Great Jones Street
On this day in 1734, Samuel Jones, namesake of Great Jones Street in NoHo, was born in Nassau County. At only two blocks long, Great Jones Street isn’t actually all … Continued
Lost Neighborhoods of New York: Goulash Row
New York is renowned for its vibrant immigrant history, and the many diverse neighborhoods born out of years of heavy immigration in the 19th and early 20th-centuries. But for all … Continued
What Style Is It – Turn of the 20th 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 architecture … Continued
Jefferson Market Garden Party
GVSHP holds events with the Jefferson Market Library and the Jefferson Market Garden several times per year, most recently a members only tour, our program marking the 50th Anniversary of the … Continued
A Stroll Through the Garden: GVSHP members only event 6/17
Beside the Jefferson Market Library and behind the wrought iron fence between 6th and Greenwich Avenues and 10th Street lies the Jefferson Market Garden. You probably pass by it all … 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
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
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
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
Save the Village!
That’s the name of Tim McDarrah’s new walking tours. The tours are based on the photographs his late father, Village Voice photojournalist Fred W. McDarrah, took of people and places … Continued
The Busts of Little Germany
On Friday, July 17, 2015, Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation lead tours around the East Village looking at buildings that made up the German immigrant community in the late … Continued
Parks and Gardens
It’s summer and the flowers are in bloom! We are so lucky to have so many parks and gardens in Greenwich Village and the East Village, where we can enjoy … Continued
Community Gardens Need Just One Thing: Gardeners
This past Saturday morning, after a cooling rain shower, a gaggle of curious people went traipsing around a handful of community gardens in the East Village. We visited eight gardens, plus … Continued
2015 Benefit House Tour A Smashing Success!
Yesterday’s 17th Annual GVSHP Benefit Village House Tour and reception was a smashing success. One of our highest grossing benefits ever, we had incredible weather, spectacular houses, a glorious reception … Continued
2015 House Tour Promises To Be Great!
The weather forecast for this Sunday is beautiful — 70’s and sunny — the perfect day for a leisurely stroll through some of the most beautiful homes in Greenwich Village, … Continued
Sunday, May 3rd – Our Village House Tour!
Okay, everyone, if you’ve been considering joining us for our annual house tour, but haven’t yet purchased tickets,then now is your chance! It’s this Sunday, May 3rd from 1 – … Continued
2015 House Tour Preview: The Studio of Jack Levine
We’re just under two weeks away from our annual house tour. We hope you’ll be joining us! Six Village townhouses will be opening their doors to help benefit the work … Continued
Our 2015 House Tour Preview: Bleecker Gardens
We’re excited to announce that individual tickets for our 17th annual house tour are now available for purchase! There are a number of different types; scroll to the bottom of … Continued
Tearooms of the Village
Though a rare surviving architectural element today, the tearoom (also known as a back porch or tea porch) was an original feature of Greek Revival rowhouses throughout New York City … Continued
Flowers and books for a summer day
Two weeks ago our friends at Green Guerillas led us on a tour of some remarkable gardens in the East Village. There are more community gardens in the East Village … Continued
A Greenwich Village Stories Walking Tour of the West Village
This is the latest installment of the Off the Grid series in which we highlight the people, places and events featured in our new book Greenwich Village Stories, available for purchase now. Visit our Facebook … Continued
Map It! Finding the Lost Stuyvesant Alley
Recently, someone contacted us asking about the location of Stuyvesant Alley, which no longer exists. As it turns out, historic maps were able to help shine some light. This long-gone … Continued
East Village Sports Bars
OK, Super Bowl has come and gone, the groundhog says six more weeks of winter, and basketball and hockey don’t do it for me. So I’m focused on February 13, … Continued
Upstairs/Downstairs: A Night Out on MacDougal Street
We’ve been focusing a lot lately here at Off the Grid on the newly designated South Village Historic District and the designation report that allows us to learn much about … 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
Wood-frame houses in the Village
This evening, our friends at the The Wooden House Project, a blog that explores Brooklyn’s wood-frame houses, will be conducting a walking tour of some interesting wooden houses in the … Continued
Pride Week 2013 wrap-up
On the last Sunday of June, since 1970, the New York City LGBT community has celebrated the last day of Pride Week with a march (NOT a parade) that ends … 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
South Village Reminiscing
I am not a native New Yorker, but as a long-time (now former) resident of the South Village, I had the distinct privilege of getting to know many people who … 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
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
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
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
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
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
Take a Peek Into Six Greenwich Village Homes
On Sunday, May 6, GVSHP will present its 14th Annual Village House Tour, a benefit that raises funds to support our work to educate about and advocate for the preservation … 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
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
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
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
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
Walking East 7th Street: Decatur Place to Kleindeutschland
Walking East 7th Street is a collaboration between GVSHP and the students in NYU’s Fall 2011 Intro to Public History course. Each pair of students was tasked with researching the … Continued
Walking East 7th Street: George Pelham & Joseph Buttenwieser
Walking East 7th Street is a collaboration between GVSHP and the students in NYU’s Fall 2011 Intro to Public History course. Each pair of students was tasked with researching the … Continued
Walking East 7th Street: Tompkins Market and Armory
Walking East 7th Street is a collaboration between GVSHP and the students in NYU’s Fall 2011 Intro to Public History course. Each pair of students was tasked with researching the … Continued
On the Square
As we enter the final phase of the holiday shopping season we thought we would continue our look at some of the historic retail establishments in our area. Last week … Continued
East 7th Street: A Foodie’s Paradise
In recent years, the East Village on the whole has come to be known for its budding gastronomy scene. One street in particular that has really hit it big in … Continued
East 9th Street Then and Now
Yesterday we explored some of the history of elevated train lines in the Village. Today we’re going to take a quick look at another elevated part of our neighborhood’s history.
My Favorite Things: Gone But Not Forgotten 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
Seen and Heard Around the Village 11.9.11: For Food Lovers
Gothamist goes inside the vault at Pfaff’s, the 19th century beer cellar turned cocktail loungs….and inside the new Veselka Bowery….and inside Prima, the new East Village seafood-centic cafe/bar First look … Continued
Seen and Heard Around the Village 11.9.11: East Edition
Demolition permits on file for historic 316 East 3rd Street (EV Grieve) New York’s most loathed architect is no stranger to the East Village (NY Post) EV Grieve looks at … Continued
Seen and Heard Around the Village 11.9.11: West Edition
image courtesy of Bob Estremera On the market: a loft/antique store hybrid and St. Vincent’s condos (Curbed) Gothamist goes inside the new Greenwich Village Country Club Off-Off Broadway theater, Manhattan … Continued
Seen and Heard Around the Village 11.5.11: West Edition
…asking 7M …. and Marc Jacobs exec swaps one Village townhouse for another (Curbed) Gothamist has all your Greenwich Village Halloween Parade pics HERE and HERE Village Emigrant Saving Bank…
Seen and Heard Around the Village 11.5.11: East Edition
Cooper Union may charge tuition (NY Times) Villa Capri condos coming to Avenue C (Curbed) Public Theater renovations boosted by $2 Million donation (NearSay) Zip code 10003 has 169 chain … Continued
Ready, Set … Nosh!
This past weekend we were caught off guard when Jack Frost paid us a visit before the Great Pumpkin! Wonder what Linus would have made of that? While the weather … Continued
Seen and Heard Around the Village 10.29.11: East Edition
Former 13th Street crack house may become housing for homeless LGBT youth (EV Grieve) Cooper Union said no to St. Mark’s Bookshop, but Jeremiah’s Vanishing New York tells you how … Continued
Seen and Heard Around the Village 10.29.11: West Edition
Jeremiah’s Vanishing New York has more on disappearing newsstands High Line gets record $20 million gift (DNAinfo) Marc Jacobs exec sells Bank Street townhouse for $7 million (IBT) OWS protests…
Seen and Heard Around the Village 10.26.11: West Edition
Former Harry Chong Chinese Laundry space for rent again (Jeremiah’s Vanishing New York) Epic rooftop spread awaits at $10.5 million West Village house (Curbed) The “chopped out” city from Greenwich … Continued
My Favorite Things: West Village Edition
Today Off the Grid ushers in a new series, “My Favorite Things.” In it we will showcase some of our very favorite spots around the neighborhood, highlighting the incredible architecture, … Continued
Our House is on Open House This Weekend!
Since 1999, GVSHP’s office has been housed on the second floor of the Neighborhood Preservation Center (NPC) at 232 East 11th Street. The entire building housed the rectory of the … Continued
Fourth Arts Block tour redux
This weekend, tour guide Lawrence Frommer and Fourth Arts Block executive director Tamara Greenfield led a tour of East 4th Street between the Bowery and 2nd Avenue for GVSHP. (Want … Continued
A Beautiful Benefit!
On Sunday, GVSHP held it’s 13th annual House Tour Benefit in Greenwich Village. The sun was shining and the turnout could not have been better. Attendees were able to tour … Continued
See You on Sunday at the House Tour!
Ever taken refuge in a treehouse in the middle of a bustling New York City neighborhood? Or climbed through a narrow horsewalk into a private, secret courtyard? Or been in … Continued
Seen and Heard Around the Village: 4.18.11 – 4.22.11
City to Consider East Village Historic District Containing Nearly 300 Buildings (DNA Info) Up Next: House Tour (Manhattan Users Guide) ‘Last’ Mafia hangout now dainty tea shop (NY Post) Piece … Continued
This Weekend, GVSHP is Going Green!
Tomorrow we’re teaming up with Green Guerillas and the Manhattan Land Trust to host a self-guided walking tour of the East Village’s varied and remarkable community gardens. Today there are … Continued
Purchase your tickets for GVSHP’s Annual House Tour!
Spring means many wonderful things for Greenwich Village: Wisteria is in full bloom, Washington Square Park is full of life, and during our annual house tour several lucky people get … Continued
Save the Date! May 1st is our Annual House Tour
Each year, in anticipation of our annual house tour, we scour the Village in search of its most interesting, fun, and fascinating residential spaces. Some of the history we’ve uncovered … Continued