Village Preservation - Greenwich Village Society For Historic Preservation

We take a look back at how the Godfather of Corporate modernism got his start in Greenwich Village. You’ll be especially surprised as to where:

Gordon Bunshaft: the Godfather of Corporate Modernism, in Greenwich Village - Village Preservation Architect Gordon Bunshaft (May 9, 1909 – August 6, 1990) is credited with creating the style of corporate modernism that defined office tower, bank, and even apartment building construction (at least…

Happy ! We think every day of the year is a great one to celebrate the accomplishments and experiences of women, but in this anniversary or the adoption of the 19th Amendment we let you know how you can explore, celebrate, and advocate for women’s history right here in our neighborhoods:

Join Us To Explore, Celebrate, and Advocate to Preserve Women’s History - Village Preservation Women’s Equality Day is a time when special focus is placed on celebrating women’s history — from accomplishments across a multitude of fields to struggles for equality and against discrimination. We’…

Check out the video from our latest program, a book talk with author Seth Borenstein about his new novel, “Swimming to Jerusalem,” inspired in part by his time living in Greenwich Village:

Book Talk: Swimming to Jerusalem with Author Seth Bornstein Swimming to Jerusalem is a new novel by Seth Bornstein, inspired in part by his many years living in the West Village, which he’ll discuss along with other i...

The latest collection added to our historic image archive contains some great images of West Village storefronts from the 1970s to the 1990s. Our archive of over 4,000 images contains many more of some of our favorite neighborhood storefronts, from the recent past to the early 20th century and even earlier. Check out a few highlights, and explore further yourself:

Small Businesses in the Historic Image Archive - Village Preservation Linda Yowell, architect and preservationist, recently donated a wide assortment of photos to Village Preservation’s Historic Image Archive, covering the 1970s through the late 1990s.

Our September programs are filling up quick! But this webinar about black gay writers in Greenwich Village in the 1980s has no limit on capacity. Reserve your spot now for the September 14 lecture: https://www.villagepreservation.org/event/to-be-heard-in-print-black-gay-writers-in-1980s-new-york/

Thank you City Club of NY for your support of our efforts to save the imminently endangered Theatre 80 and the original Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.

You can join in urging city officials to landmark and save these incredibly important historic sites. Go to https://p2a.co/yd94kou and https://p2a.co/gelj1kt to help!

On this day in 1970: Lou Reed plays his last show with the Velvet Underground. We look back at how it all came together, and then all came apart:

Lou Reed and the Velvet Underground’s Last Show and Album at Max’s - Village Preservation The Village’s misfits, we know quite well, are very dedicated, special kinds of misfits. Lou Reed and the Velvet Underground certainly fall into this category. Everyone remembers when they were…

Seindenberg Antiques (36 East 12th Street) is one of the premiere dealers in antique ornamental objects in the world, located in what was long the antique dealing capital of the world. You can find their a remarkable inventory of 18th, 19th, and early 20th century ornamental artwork and the expertise and charm of merchants from the old school. Learn more:

The Antique Business District South of Union Square: Seidenberg Antiques, 36 East 12th Street - Village Preservation The area South of Union Square was once the antique center of the country. During the second half of the 20th century, dozens of freight trucks would converge in the neighborhood every weekday to…

On this day in 1813: the Bowery is born.

August 23, 1813: “The Bowery” is Born - Village Preservation It was August 23 of 1813 when the Common Council of New York City officially put the name "The Bowery" on the books as a city street name. But New Yorkers had already been calling it by that name for…

August 22, 1972 was a swelteringly hot and muggy day. But the tension and pressure felt throughout New Yorkers was increased significantly when a botched bank robbery, which would become the most infamous in the city’s history, went down in Brooklyn. The legendary caper, executed on this dog day afternoon in 1971, had some deep roots in Greenwich Village. More:

Dog Day Anniversary - Village Preservation The wedding of John Wojtowicz and Ernest Aron (later Elizabeth Eden). On August 22, 1972, what may be the most legendary bank robbery in New York City history took place. And it had some interesting…

In the early 1980s, shows at The Ritz at Webster Hall helped expose nascent hip hop music and culture to broader audiences, helping it to eventually become one of the world's most popular forms of art. Read about these early shows and the people that made them happen:

Hip Hop’s 2nd Birthplace, Part 3: Webster Hall - Village Preservation Hip-Hop at 50 This is the third in a series of posts that celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Birth of Hip Hop. Our exploration takes us to the seminal places of Hip Hop’s early days in our…

Check out the video from our great recent in-person program about how preservation battles have played out in relation to the law, and a new podcast that covers the beat:

Wrecking Ball: How Government Has Shaped New York’s Defining Preservation Battles “Wrecking Ball”: A Conversation with Adrian Untermyer About How Government Has Shaped New York’s Defining Preservation Battles, with V.P. Exec. Dir. Andrew B...

Join us in welcoming aboard our new Programs and Research Associate, Chloe Gregoire:

Welcome Aboard, Chloe Gregoire - Village Preservation Today we welcome Chloe Gregoire aboard as our new Research and Preservation Associate (pronouns: she/her). Chloe has been an intern at Village Preservation since September of 2022. In that role…

We are so proud to have been awarded a Shelby White & Leon Levy Archival Assistance Grant from New York Preservation Archive Project. This grant will allow us to expand our collection of oral histories, which currently includes 65 interviews with some of the great artists, activists, business owners, community leaders, and preservation pioneers of Greenwich Village, the East Village, and NoHo. These interviews capture their first-person perspectives on the important histories they witnessed or which they were a part of. Read more and listen to them here:

Oral Histories - Village Preservation Village Preservation's Oral History Project includes interviews with some of the great artists, activists, business owners, community leaders, and preservation pioneers of Greenwich Village…

Happy birthday to Gilbert Moses, the great theater director and activist, born this day in 1942. We take a look back at his career and legacy, as well as that if a dozen other great African American artists of Westbeth Artists Housing and Center for the Arts:

In Memoriam: African American Artists of Westbeth - Village Preservation Westbeth is the first subsidized housing for artists in the United States, offering affordable housing and work space in New York City.

On this day in 1927, the New York Times publishes this article about plans to demolish some of Greenwich Village’s oldest and most historic landmarks on Washington Square South for a new apartment building. The construction never came to pass, and the houses survived for another two decades, until NYU took a sledgehammer to them. More: https://www.villagepreservation.org/2012/01/12/the-ghost-of-preservation-battles-past-the-house-of-genius/

On this day in 1800, the reclusive millionaire James Lenox was born. Though Lenox is most associated with the Upper East Side neighborhood which bears his name, he actually lived in Greenwich Village , in a (since-demolished) mansion that was the grandest in NY at the time, and which made Lower Fifth Avenue the most sought-after address in the city. In this grand hole he amassed one of the largest book collections in the world, laying the foundation for the formation of the NYPL The New York Public Library. More:

#SouthOfUnionSquare Tour — Libraries and The Formation of the NYPL - Village Preservation In 1754, there was no library in New York. Can you believe it? Today we are taking a wonderful journey through our neighborhoods to trace the beginnings of the New York Public Library which came to…

Happy birthday to David Rothenberg, Greenwich Village civil rights and social justice pioneer, born on this day in 1933. Find out more about how David helped transform theater, LGBTQ+ activism, and criminal justice reform, and explore his oral history:

David Rothenberg, Civil Rights and Social Justice Pioneer - Village Preservation Civil rights and social justice crusader David Rothenberg, the founder of the Fortune Society and a 2015 Village Award winner, has now been added to the GVSHP Civil Rights and Social Justice Map.

Check out the video from our great recent program with On This Spot NYC about the pioneering women artists of Greenwich Village, and the new group’s efforts to document and celebrate them:

On This Spot NYC: Stories of Pioneering Women Artists in Greenwich Village Did you know that only 11% of all major museum art acquisitions in the last decade were works by women artists?On This Spot NYC is a nonprofit digital mappin...

On this day in 1979, Chic’s disco-era anthem, “Good Times,” reaches No. 1 on the U.S. charts. We look back at how the classic sprung from the creative talents of a Greenwich Village native, inspired by the heady bohemian mix in which he was raised, and how the song itself went on to launch the global phenomenon of hip hop, a style with many roots in and connections to our neighborhoods:

Chic’s “Good Times” Reverberates Across the Village, and the World - Village Preservation The song “Good Times” by disco-funk band Chic is more than just a catchy tune that encapsulates the carefree party spirit of the late 1970s. Rated number 68 on the list of all time great songs of the…

On this day in 1920, the 19th Amendment is adopted, ending sex-based discrimination in voting in America. Celebrate the anniversary with our women’s suffrage history map, looking at the many women, men, organizations, and locations in Greenwich Village, the East Village, and NoHo responsible for achieving women’s suffrage:

Women’s Suffrage History Map - Village Preservation A remarkable number of people and places in Greenwich Village, the East Village, and NoHo played key roles in the women’s suffrage movement. These neighborhoods were long centers of political ferment…

Tuesday, September 12, 5:45 - 8pm, VERY IMPORTANT public meeting on the planned affordable housing development at 388 Hudson Street at Clarkson Street. This may be your ONLY CHANCE to provide input before the city sends out is request for proposals. More details:

Public “Visioning” Meeting for Planned Affordable Housing and Community Facility Development at 388 Hudson Street: Tuesday, September 12, 5:45-8pm - Village Preservation The City has scheduled its long-promised public meeting about a planned affordable housing and community facility development to be built at 388 Hudson Street (at Clarkson Street), on what is now…

It's and we at Village Preservation are honored and humbled to serve our unparalleled communities. Together we have succeeded in designating more than 1,250 buildings in our neighborhoods and have helped secure zoning protections for nearly 100 blocks. With your support and participation, we are a mighty force!

Did you know that over 75% of our operating budget comes from donors like you? Our work can only continue successfully with the strongest support of you, our engaged and wonderful community!

Please consider making your most generous contribution today!
https://www.villagepreservation.org/get-involved/donate/

Here at Village Preservation, we cherish history of all kinds, including the history of fashion! To celebrate Thrift Shop Day, we’re rounding up some of the funkiest, most unique shops in our neighborhoods. Read about these neighborhood gems here:

Thrift Store Round-Up! - Village Preservation Here at Village Preservation, our love of preserving history and adaptive reuse extends beyond buildings to all manner of objects and materials that came before us. Luckily, our area is full of small…

Some good news! Thank you to the hundreds of you who wrote letters and submitted comments.

Damaging Proposal for Alterations to and Excavations Under 131 and 131 1/2 Charles Street Rejected! - Village Preservation We are pleased to report that the revised proposal for inappropriate and potentially damaging alterations to, and excavation under, the landmarked 131 Charles Street (1834) and its 19th-century rear…

Join us next Tuesday at Hudson Park Library for this fascinating book talk with author Seth Bornstein about his new novel, inspired in part by his time living in the West Village. Copies of the book will be available for sale for $20, with 25% of proceeds donated to Village Preservation. Register now!:

Book Talk: Swimming to Jerusalem with Author Seth Bornstein - Village Preservation Swimming to Jerusalem is a new novel by Seth Bornstein, inspired in part by his many years living in the West Village, which he’ll discuss along with other inspirations for and stories behind his new…

The newest addition to our Historic Image Archive is a fantastic array of photographs from the 1970s-1990s by architect, preservationist, and Village Preservation Trustee Linda Yowell. Here are a few of the highlights, featuring small businesses in the West Village (some of which are still around to this day!):

The Linda Yowell Image Collection: Capturing the West Village’s Charm and Evolution Over the Decades - Village Preservation Village Preservation’s Historic Image Archive is a treasure trove of photographs that display the visual history of our changing neighborhoods and notable New York City landmarks and sites.

Happy 65th birthday to , born this day in 1958. We look back at the Material Girl/Queen of Pop’s formative days launching her career in the East Village: https://www.villagepreservation.org/2017/08/16/happy-birthday-madonna/

Happy 50th anniversary of Hip Hop! We are celebrating all year! The late 1970s and early 80s saw hip hop undergo a tremendous transformation, largely in our neighborhoods, that helped propel it into the worldwide phenomenon it is today.

Today we explore the incredible collection of hip hop graffiti and ephemera of Martin Wong who opened the first Museum of American Graffiti in NoHo, and two important fashion outlets for the hip hop culture:

Hip Hop’s 2nd Birthplace, Part 2: NoHo Edition - Village Preservation Hip-Hop at 50 This is the second in a series of posts that celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Birth of Hip Hop. Our exploration takes us to the seminal places of Hip Hop’s early days in our…

On this day in 1926, artist Willem de Kooning arrives in America as a stowaway on a British freighter. He would eventually make his way to New York, to Greenwich Village and the East Village, where he and a small circle of fellow artists would transform the art world forever, changing prevailing forms and styles, and shifting its center from Paris to New York:

Why Isn’t This Landmarked?: 88 East 10th Street - Village Preservation This post is part of our blog series Why Isn’t This Landmarked?, where we look at buildings in our area we’re fighting to protect that are worthy of landmark designation, but somehow aren’t landmarked.

Fifty-four years ago today, the Woodstock Festival begins in Bethel, New York. We take a look back at the epoch-making event, and how Greenwich Villagers opened it, closed it, lit it up, and brought the house down:

Woodstock: Three Days of Peace, Music, and Greenwich Villagers - Village Preservation On a farm far from the city on August 15, 1969, the Woodstock music festival entered into history and helped define a generation. The “Aquarian Exposition: 3 Days of Peace & Music" was held at Max…

Learn more about the nearly two hundred years of history behind the blockfront slated to be demolished, including connections to great 20th century artistic figures like Berenice Abbott, Andy Warhol, Jonas Mekas, Roy Lichtenstein, and Keith Haring:

Historic Block Slated for Demolition - Village Preservation In August 2023 news broke that a row of six historic buildings on 3rd Avenue south of Union Square were scheduled for demolition. 50-52, 56, 58, 60, and 64 3rd Avenue comprise almost the entire block…

Demolition planned for nearly this entire blockfront on Third Avenue between 10th and 11th Streets. Get the full story and find out what you can do: https://www.villagepreservation.org/campaign-update/demolition-planned-for-blockfront-on-third-avenue-south-of-union-square/

On this day in 1966, the Lovin’ Spoonful’s classic ode to the dog days, “Summer in the City,” hits No. 1. Learn about the song’s Greenwich Village roots:

Summer in the City - Village Preservation On August 13, 1966, the classic ode to the trials and joys of summer days and summer nights, Summer in the City by the Lovin' Spoonful, reached number one on the American Pop Singles Charts.

A lovely salute to the man behind the beloved “The Fantasticks,” which graced the stages of the Sullivan Street Playhouse for more than 40 years:

Tom Jones, Half of Record-Setting ‘Fantasticks’ Team, Dies at 95 He wrote the book and lyrics to a little show that opened in 1960 in Greenwich Village and became “the longest-running musical in the universe.”

On this day in 1964, the groundbreaking for what would come to be called 505 LaGurdia Place and Silver Towers, as designed by I.M. Pei:

A Groundbreaking Groundbreaking - Village Preservation On August 12, 1964, ground was broken for the construction of 505 LaGuardia Place (then known as 505 West Broadway), the first of the three towers which, along with the giant Picasso sculpture…

On this day in 1882, Yiddish Theater is born in our neighborhoods. Find out how, why, and where, and what’s happening there today:

Mazel Tov! Yiddish Theater is born - Village Preservation On August 12th, 1882, the very first Yiddish theatrical performance in New York City was held in a building which still stands at 66 East 4th Street, between the Bowery and Second Avenue.

Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of the great Joan Kaplan Davidson, the longtime champion of historic preservation and of many progressive causes. Joan was incredibly generous to us in so many ways, from helping to fund our Greenwich Village Stories project to our successful efforts to have Westbeth Artists Housing and Center for the Arts listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places and landmarked. She also graced us with this wonderful oral history, which can be read or listened to:

Joan Davidson - Village Preservation Daughter of J.M. Kaplan and President of the J.M. Kaplan Fund, Joan Davidson (1927-2023) coordinated the founding of the Westbeth Project, an artist’s residence in the West Village.

For decades in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, parishioners of St. Anthony of Padua Church in the South Village used to gather every August 11th around a giant shrine in a festival celebrated in devotion to a thirteen-year-old martyr. Learn more about this long standing tradition, how it came about, and why it mysteriously disappeared:

Filomena: the thirteen-year-old martyred virgin once celebrated in the South Village - Village Preservation The veneration of a martyred-thirteen-year old virgin once brought residents of the South Village together in celebration every August 11th. A special mass would kick off the event…