Join FRIENDS and Village Preservation for a virtual tour exploring the remarkable history and architecture of New York City’s historic tenements.

Often dismissed as eyesores, tenements are an essential part of the city’s architectural and cultural heritage. They reflect generations of immigrant and working-class life and, contrary to popular perception, often feature elaborate ornamentation, innovative design, and influences ranging from ethnic traditions to the grand architectural styles of their time. Andrew Berman, Executive Director of Village Preservation, and Lucie Levine, historian and researcher for FRIENDS of the Upper East Side, will explore notable tenements across the East and South Villages and Yorkville. They’ll share the stories behind these buildings, the communities that shaped them, and the ongoing efforts to document and preserve them. The program will also examine the challenges and successes of historic preservation and why protecting these buildings remains especially relevant today, as New York continues to grapple with housing affordability and development.