LPC Releases Story Map to Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of its Designation of the Greenwich Village Historic District

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Press Release

For Immediate Release: April 29, 2019

Contact: lpcpressoffice@lpc.nyc.gov, 212-669-7938

LPC Releases Story Map to Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of its Designation of the Greenwich Village Historic District

This interactive map illustrates how the district was created and how LPC regulation has guided the protection and enhancement of its special character over the past 50 years.

New York – Today, the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) released Fifty years in the Greenwich Village Historic District, an interactive story map to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its designation of the Greenwich Village Historic District. It illustrates how the district was created and how LPC regulation has guided the protection and enhancement of its special character over the past 50 years.

"This story map reflects the importance of the Greenwich Village Historic District's designation as a turning point for preservation in New York City, and how the district has thrived over the past 50 years" said Landmarks Preservation Commission Chair Sarah Carroll. "When the Commission designated the district, it included a policy statement on preservation and regulation that helped guide LPC's regulatory approach in historic districts across the city. Today, after 50 years, we can see how the Greenwich Village district has thrived while retaining its historic character."

The Greenwich Village Historic District, one of the Commission's earliest designations, was designated on April 29, 1969. It was unique for its range of building types, its diverse history and for the very process it took to designate it. It was also the largest district designated at the time with more than 2,000 buildings stretching over 65 blocks. It remains the largest district in New York City today.

Through this story map, which includes text, photographs, maps and video, the public can learn about the making of the district, including the preservation movement and the public process for designation; the architectural, social and cultural significance of the district, including the people and institutions that shaped its diverse history and culture; and the evolution and growth of the district over the last five decades, including restoration and adaptive reuse projects, new construction, as well as later designations that expanded or enhanced the district.

"Representing the Greenwich Village Historic District is one of the great honors of my job and I am so thrilled people will now be able to explore it virtually," said City Council Speaker Corey Johnson. "A big part of historical preservation is education and I believe this new map will help people understand more about the history of Greenwich Village in particular and the importance of preserving the history that makes our city special throughout the five boroughs. I congratulate LPC on making this exciting new tool available to all New Yorkers."

"The Greenwich Village Historic District is itself historic," said U.S. Representative Jerrold Nadler. "The Greenwich Village Historic District continues to set national standard for what a historic district should be and demonstrates how they can preserve our architectural and cultural history while balancing community needs. I hope people will enjoy using this new map to learn more about this truly wonderful historic district."

"This new online interactive story map will give more New Yorkers the opportunity to experience the very best of Greenwich Village and its preservation as one of New York's most cherished neighborhoods, thanks to the work of LPC, GVSHP, and countless local activists," said State Senator Brad Hoylman. "I encourage everyone to go online and see the story of 50 years of the Greenwich Village Historic District in action."

"The Greenwich Village Historic District is inextricably tied the history of the founding of New York City and is part of many significant moments in American history, culture, and progress," said Assembly Member Deborah Glick. "This notable district offers in-depth insight into understanding our unique histories as a community and as a nation. The interactive map, as developed by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission, will deepen that insight and give further clarity to our dynamic community. History remains a foundational aspect of our lives and deserves to be interpreted in a way that is accessible to the most people possible. I look forward to seeing how this interactive map will make the historic district real to the public and bring to life the significant sites and stories that define our community."

"As the Council Member for Lower Manhattan, I know firsthand the unique architectural, cultural and social history of the Greenwich Village," said Council Member Margaret S. Chin. "The neighborhood was at the epicenter of New York City's 1960s counterculture movement, and several leaders from the LGBTIQ rights movement emerged from the area. I am pleased that the Landmark Preservation Commission is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the designation of the Greenwich Village Historic District with a new interactive story map, which by utilizing photographs, video, and text, will educate New Yorkers about this iconic neighborhood and the historic designation process."

"The Greenwich Village Historic District and the subsequent districts and landmarks in the neighborhood have helped make the Village one of the best-preserved treasures in the city," said Council Member Carlina Rivera. "This tool will not only help New Yorkers appreciate the special character of Greenwich Village, but also help in the fight for future preservation efforts as well."

About the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC)

The Landmarks Preservation Commission is the mayoral agency responsible for protecting and preserving New York City's architecturally, historically and culturally significant buildings and sites. Since its creation in 1965, LPC has granted landmark status to more than 36,000 buildings and sites, including 1,415 individual landmarks, 120 interior landmarks, 11 scenic landmarks, and 144 historic districts and extensions in all five boroughs. For more information, visit www.nyc.gov/landmarks and connect with us via www.facebook.com/NYCLandmarks and www.twitter.com/nyclandmarks.