Village Preservation was founded in 1980 to preserve the architectural heritage and cultural history of Greenwich Village, the East Village, and NoHo. We are a leader in protecting the sense of place and human scale that define the Village’s unique community. Our programs include: Educational outreach in the form of public lectures, tours, exhibitions, and publications; a school program that teach
es children about Greenwich Village history and architecture; leadership on expanding landmark and zoning protections in our neighborhoods and fighting inappropriate development; preservation projects that promote an understanding of the Village's historic importance, such as the Village Preservation Archive, our Oral History Project, and our Historic Plaques Program; small business promotion, through our business of the month program; recognition of the community leaders, institutions, businesses, and additions to our streetscapes which add to the special quality of our neighborhoods through our Annual Village Awards; and our Continuing Education program, which teaches real estate professionals about the value of historic preservation. Village Preservation has successfully advocated for the landmark designation of more than 1,250 buildings in our neighborhoods, and has helped secure zoning protections for nearly 100 blocks. Each day we monitor more than 6,500 building lots in our neighborhood for demolition, alteration, or new construction permits, so the organization can notify the public and respond if necessary. And each day we also monitor the more than 3,000 landmarked properties in our neighborhood for applications for changes which must go through a public review and approval process, to also notify the public and respond as needed. We also report and advocate for appropriate resolution of landmarks and zoning violations in our neighborhood, to help protect the special built environment and character. Each year on the first Sunday in May, Village Preservation holds an Annual Village House Tour and reception, both to raise funds to support our work and to highlight and celebrate the incredible irreplaceable architecture of our neighborhoods.
