122. Greenwich Village Historic District
Manhattan, New York, 1969. Plan

Between 1965 and 1967, hearings were held by the Landmarks Preservation Commission to establish the size, scale, quality, and character of the proposed Greenwich Village Historic District. A single district of about 90 blocks composed of 9 separate subareas was accepted as the Greenwich Village Historic District in 1969. Because of its interesting mixture at a low scale of residential, commercial, artisan, and entertainment facilities in a pleasing ensemble of predominantly 19th century buildings, it remains a vital district in a city where many neighborhoods have languished. Protection of the physical appearance of the area, of the historic character of the buildings, and of the scale and quality of the public and semi-public transactional spaces has been good for residents, good for real estate owners, good for business, and good for the region. At the same time, the popularity of the "Village" has induced commercial exploitation and an influx of transient visitors that compromise the stability and quality of life in the district.