GVSHP is deeply gratified that phase II of our proposed South Village Historic District is moving ahead, which includes nearly 250 buildings on almost a dozen blocks, and about 85% of the non-landmarked buildings we proposed in the area the city is now considering.
However, we are very concerned that two NYU buildings and a row of 1840s houses were excluded by the City from the draft proposed district. The NYU buildings, Vanderbilt Hall and the Kevorkian Center, are among the most contextual and respectful of their surroundings of any of the university's buildings, and are directly tied to the development of Washington Square South. The houses on the north side of Houston Street between MacDougal and Sullivan Streets, next to the MacDougal Sullivan Gardens Historic District are among the oldest houses in the neighborhood and an integral part of the historic fabric of the South Village. Each could easily be replaced with out-of-scale new construction, and in the case of Vanderbilt Hall, the zoning would allow a 300 ft. tall tower on the site!
 |
South Village Historic District proposed by GVSHP in 2006 and current landmark designations (l.); LPC's draft proposed "phase II" historic district, with critical sites left out noted (r.) |
GVSHP has urged the Landmarks Preservation Commission to include these sites in the district before they finalize their proposed boundaries in May, and have supplied the Commission with strong arguments for their inclusion. Six area elected officials have joined us in urging the Commission to include these sites, but it seems more pressure is needed.
This landmarking proposal was the result of a deal between Speaker Quinn and the City to approve the entire Hudson Square Rezoning and part of the proposed South Village Historic District. Especially in light of the recent approvals by the City Council of NYU’s massive expansion plans nearby, it is imperative that the Speaker ensures that the landmarking fought for by the community is as comprehensive as the rezoning recently granted to developers.
HOW TO HELP:
Write to the City and to Speaker Quinn to say that these sites MUST be included in the South Village Historic District >>
|
