The industrial heritage of Williamsburg and Greenpoint to be named to Preservation League of New York State’s 2006 “Seven to Save” list
WHEN: Wednesday, February 22, 2006 at 10:30 a.m.
WHERE: the former Esquire Shoe Polish Building
330 Wythe Avenue
between South 1st and South 2nd Street, Brooklyn
The announcement will take place on the rooftop, weather permitting, which will provide excellent views of the waterfront and neighborhood. (In case of inclement weather, the news conference will be moved indoors.) Directions will be provided in the building lobby.
CONTACT: Ward Dennis
landmarks at waterfrontalliance.org
The Waterfront Preservation Alliance of Greenpoint & Williamsburg is a group of neighborhood residents dedicated to preserving the architectural heritage of north Brooklyn. WPA is pleased to announce that the Preservation League of New York State has listed the industrial heritage of Williamsburg and Greenpoint as one of its “7 to Save” list of threatened historic resources in New York State.
Each year, the Preservation League of New York State spotlights historic properties that exemplify challenges facing historic places across the state. These seven valued historic places are in danger of disappearing because of lack of funding and financial incentives, insensitive public policies, general neglect, and disinvestment. Through the “7 to Save” program, the Preservation League pledges to work with local partners to provide legal assistance, technical services and advocacy support, with the goals of eliminating the threats to these places and to reaching meaningful solutions.
The historic buildings of Williamsburg and Greenpoint are a standing monument to the neighborhood’s former industrial glory and provide housing and business space for many area residents. Despite their continued viability, many of these buildings are in danger of being demolished or inappropriately altered.
Because of its location on the East River, the Williamsburg and Greenpoint neighborhoods were once among the most prosperous industrial areas in New York City. Many large-scale factories remain, together with the low-rise residential buildings that housed workers and managers. Many areas, such as Grand Street, retain their mixed-use 19th-century character.
Members of the Waterfront Preservation Alliance of Greenpoint & Williamsburg welcome the support of the Preservation League and its staff in developing tools to promote the preservation existing built resources and the need for development that is appropriate to the historic character of this area.
See what we are talking about after the jump. For additional images and locations of threatened buildings, please contact WPA at landmarks at waterfrontalliance. org.
