University Village is one of the finest examples of a mid-20th century residential complex in New York City. It occupies a five-acre “superblock” in Greenwich Village, between West Houston and Bleecker Streets. The buildings fall into the general stylistic category known as “Brutalism,” influenced by the Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier, whom I.M. Pei, the architect, admired. Each tower has four or eight deeply-recessed horizontal window bays, as well as a 22-foot wide sheer wall, creating dramatic juxtapositions of light and shadow.
STATUS Designated Individual Landmark
The Neighborhood
Greenwich Village
Greenwich Village became a village after the American Revolution. The 1807-11 gridiron street plan bypassed the Village and the area kept its low scale nature. The district is known for its collection of early New York row houses in a variety of styles including Federal,...
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