NEW YORK— Within Greenwich resides a classical white rectory with a heavy red door. Push open the door and one finds a sun-filled office building where the floorboards creak with history—an appropriate setting for Andrew Berman’s work.
For 10 years Berman has thrived off a passion for the city, history, and architecture, protecting the architectural heritage and cultural history of Greenwich Village, the East Village, and NoHo, as part of the Greenwich Village Society For Historic Preservation (GVSHP).
“We want change to be things that build upon the strengths of the neighborhood [and] the historical character,” Berman, who is executive director of the organization, said. “That’s respectful of the amazing things that have come before it.”
Greenwich Village is now threatened by gentrification and commercialization, which Berman seeks to balance.
“They are by no means mutually exclusive,” explains Berman.
A study released in 2001 by the City Of New York Independent Budget Office found that from 1997 to 2000 property values in historic districts appreciated much faster than those outside; indicating property owners may benefit from being in a historic district.
During his work, no other project has rewarded Berman more than the South Village landmark push. In 2010, it was the largest expansion in downtown village protection since 1969—almost 250 buildings were landmarked.
It is the “compelling” stories associated with this working-class neighborhood that attract Berman; the immigrants that settled down; those that struggled, and those that succeeded.
“We’ve been pushing to honoring … and noting the lives of average people,” Berman said.
GVSHP’s influence expanding
GVSHP has expanded across lower Manhattan over the last 31 years. However, it continues to face many hurdles in protecting historically significant areas. With limited resources, the forces Berman faces are “exponentially greater” and he feels he is “racing the clock” to protect regions from unrestricted development.
He remains optimistic.
“I’m confident we'll continue to make progress, but also confident we’re going to continue to face huge challenges,” explains Berman.
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