One-third down, two-thirds to go: The Landmarks Preservation Commission on Tuesday unanimously voted to extend the Greenwich Village Historic District to the south by 11 blocks and 235 buildings, including Our Lady of Pompei Church on Carmine and Bleecker Sts., and the triangular Varitype Building on the southwest corner of Sixth Ave. and W. Fourth St.
“All of the buildings in this extension represent a thriving neighborhood that reflects 200 years of development and are a critical part of the history and character of Greenwich Village,” said L.P.C. Chairperson Robert Tierney.
Most of the extension is between W. Fourth St. on the north, West Houston St. on the south, Seventh Ave. South to the west and Sixth Ave. to the east. A smaller part of the extension includes the buildings on the west side of Seventh Ave. South between Leroy and Clarkson Sts.
The extension covers only one-third of the South Village Historic District that was first proposed by the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation in 2003.
Andrew Berman, G.V.S.H.P. executive director, said on Tuesday that the L.P.C. action was a cause for celebration, but he lamented the lack of landmark protection for the remaining two-thirds of the proposed South Village district.
Since the society first proposed the South Village district, demolitions have claimed the Circle in the Square Theater, Sullivan Street Playhouse, Provincetown Playhouse and Apartments, Tunnel Garage and 178 Bleecker St., he said.
Berman sent a letter Tuesday urging Tierney to consider the remaining two-thirds of the South Village for landmarks designation as soon as possible.
