The Historic Districts Council (HDC), New York’s city-wide advocate for historic buildings and neighborhoods, is pleased to announce the 2022 Six to Celebrate, its annual program honoring historic New York City neighborhoods and cultural sites and the local community groups working to preserve and enhance them.
You can read the press release here
The Parkchester Project – Parkchester, The Bronx
Parkchester is an extraordinary complex of more than 50 buildings, located on 129 acres of land, three-quarters of which is left to open space. This pioneering housing development influenced mid-twentieth-century thinking on the planning and design of large apartment complexes and is considered a model of good high-density housing. Parkchester features an extraordinary collection of terra cotta details and public sculptures designed by leading artists. In 1978, the Landmarks Preservation Commission conducted a Bronx survey that recommended the designation of Parkchester as a historic district. More than 40 years later, that designation has yet to happen. HDC will continue working with HDC Board Director Susan Tunick and Sharon Pandolfo of The Parkchester Project. The Parkchester Project aims to save the historic character of Parkchester and advocate for its landmark designation.
I AM CARIBBEING – Little Caribbean, Brooklyn
Based in the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn, I AM CARIBBEING is dedicated to showcasing Caribbean culture, particularly along the corridors of Flatbush, Church, Nostrand, and Utica Avenues, aka “Little Caribbean.” I AM CARIBBEING is led by Kennya Cummings and Shelley Worrell, two community activists dedicated to highlighting the most culturally iconic places of the area. I AM CARIBBEING is a leading force in this thriving community, where West Indians live, work, and play. HDC will work with I AM CARIBBEING to promote their work commemorating the history of the Caribbean diaspora in New York City.
Crown Heights North Association – Crow Hill, Brooklyn
The Crown Heights North Association (CHNA) is dedicated to the preservation of the historic buildings of the Crown Heights North community in Brooklyn. Its focus is the revitalization, economic advancement, housing stabilization, and cultural enhancement of the area’s residents. The group is particularly concerned with new construction taking place on Franklin Avenue. Working with HDC, CHNA plans to educate residents on the landmarking process, as well as highlighting buildings within the proposed Phase 4 of the Crown Heights North Historic District, including St. Marks Avenue, Dean, Bergen and Pacific Streets and the enclaves of St. Francis and St. Charles Places, between Bedford and Franklin Avenues.
East Bronx Forum – Van Nest, The Bronx
Located in the East section of The Bronx, Van Nest started developing as a family community by the 1890s. Much of its architecture is in the Queen Anne, Italianate, and Art Deco styles and includes brick construction from the 1950s, and a few tenements. Richard Vitacco, leader of the East Bronx History Forum, will work with HDC to promote the overlooked, architecturally significant buildings of the neighborhood.
Save Chelsea – Penn Development Area, Manhattan
The Empire State Development Corporation’s Pennsylvania Station Project seeks to remove multiple blocks of important historic buildings around Penn Station. Working with Andrew Cronson and David Holowka of Save Chelsea, HDC will highlight and advocate for the landmarking of these threatened buildings. In addition, Save Chelsea aims to expand outreach efforts to residents of the neighborhood and elected officials to call attention to the need to preserve the area’s historic fabric.
Preservation League of Staten Island – Bayley Seton Campus, Staten Island
Dating back to 1831, the Bayley Seton Campus was Staten Island’s first public health facility, originally known as Seaman’s Retreat. The original Seaman’s Retreat building is a designated NYC landmark that is seriously threatened by demolition by neglect. The site also contains the first U.S. Public Health Service Hospital, a Mayan Revival style building built in 1931, and smaller contributing doctors residences. Working with John P. Kilcullen of the Preservation League of Staten Island, HDC will help advocate for landmarking, stabilization, and preservation of the hospital complex.
The Six to Celebrate is generously supported in part by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature. Additional FY22 support is provided by New York City Council Members Margaret Chin, Corey Johnson, Ben Kallos, Stephen Levin, Mark Levine, and Keith Powers.