Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 10, 2023

CONTACT: lpcpressoffice@lpc.nyc.gov, (212) 669-7938

LPC, Council Member Salamanca, NYLPF, The Point CDC, and Local Residents Celebrate the Designation of the Manida Street Historic District with Historic District Markers

Historic district markers feature a map highlighting the boundaries of the district and a brief description of its historic importance. 

NEW YORK – Today, New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) Chair Sarah Carroll, Council Member Rafael Salamanca, Jr., New York Landmarks Preservation Foundation (NYLPF) Chair Tom Krizmanic, and THE POINT Community Development Corporation President Maria Torres unveiled two historic district markers that commemorate the history of this block of Manida Street in the South Bronx and its designation as a historic district. The newly installed markers, located in front of 814 and 860 Manida Street, highlight the boundaries of the district and its historic significance.

“In designating this section of Manida Street as a historic district, the Commission hailed it as an impressive example of the early 20th century residential development in the South Bronx, and noted the local community’s remarkable stewardship of their neighborhood amidst decades of disinvestment in Hunt’s Point,” said Landmarks Preservation Commission Chair Sarah Carroll. “With the installation of the district markers today, we commemorate the historic character of this very special district, and celebrate the residents of Manida Street, whose dedication to the beautiful homes that line this block has helped ensure they are preserved for generations to come.”  

“The history of the Bronx cannot be told without understanding the significance of the Hunts Point community,” stated Council Member Rafael Salamanca, 17th Council District, The Bronx. ‘With the economic boom brought on by the opening of the American Bank Note Company Printing Plant building at the onset of the 20th century, residential neighborhoods were created for the Bronx’s newest residents. While many of these communities did not survive the period of disinvestment in the 70s and 80s, the classic, Renaissance Revival row houses on Manida Street stood the test of time and remained a connection to the borough’s vibrant past. Understanding the historic importance of these homes, I was proud to work with longtime homeowners to get the Manida Street Historic District, New York City’s 150th designation, approved in 2020. I applaud the Manida Street homeowners for their resolve in preserving their community, and the Landmark Preservation Commission for ensuring the legacy of the Manida Street Historic District remains for generations to come.”

“The New York Landmarks Preservation Foundation looks forward to the unveiling of the Manida Street District Marker which honors the strong sense of place and community signified by the handsome and more than hundred-year-old Renaissance Revival style row houses. Lining both sides of the block, the consistent homes create a frame for the activities of the neighborhood,” said Tom Krizmanic, New York Landmarks Preservation Foundation Chair. “And it is neighborhoods like this, throughout the City, where block by block generations of New Yorkers have contributed to the life of the City and now this block will be preserved and marked for future generations.”

“As a representative of Manida Street, I am so proud for it to be designated New York City's 150th Historic District,” said Maria Torres, President of THE POINT Community Development Corporation. “This designation is especially meaningful for the families that remained here throughout the "burning of The Bronx" in the 1970's and 80's and took pride in their homes and neighborhood. We have families that have resided here since the 1950's and can tell stories of a different time in Hunts Point and the city. I am proud to have lived here for the past 25 years and raised my sons on this block along with my neighbors and am excited that The Landmarks Preservation Commission and New York Landmarks Preservation Foundation have chosen to honor Manida Street and the homes here. We would also like to thank Councilmember Rafael Salamanca, Jr. and his office for advocating tirelessly on our behalf.” 

“When planners, bureaucrats, elected officials, banks, insurance companies, landlords, developers and Whites abandoned the South Bronx, when this abandonment led to fires destroying up to 80% of our neighborhood, there were those who refused to move. That resistance, by people committed to this neighborhood, is the reason why we are here today. Preservation, affordable housing, and local control over land and buildings – these are the hallmarks of my organization, Banana Kelly Community Improvement Association,” said Hope Burgess, President of the Banana Kelly Community Improvement Association. “We join our group and all the hard-working, brave, committed and visionary people of Hunts Point and Longwood, to celebrate an important legacy of that community preservation struggle – the dedication of the Manida Street Historic District.”

The marker installation is part of the NYLPF’s Historic District Marker Program, which fosters public awareness and civic pride in designated historic districts in the five boroughs through signage. A total of two markers have been installed in the Manida Street Historic District.

The newly installed markers are 19-by-36-inch terra cotta-colored signs and feature a map on one side and a brief description and history of the district on the other. The marker text reads as follows:

“The Manida Street Historic District, designated in 2020, is a rare example of the early residential development of Hunts Point. The arrival of expanded transportation and manufacturing in the 1900s, including the landmark American Bank Note Company Printing Plant (1909-1911), led to rapid development in Hunts Point. Architect James F. Meehan developed these two-family houses in 1908-1909, designing those on the west side and hiring Daube & Kreymborg to design those on the east side. Executed primarily in the Renaissance Revival style, several houses feature Flemish Revival-style parapets. Residents of the block have preserved its historic character through the devastating impacts of economic and infrastructure changes throughout the 20th century. The block remains a picturesque residential enclave within the South Bronx.”

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About the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC)

The Landmarks Preservation Commission is the mayoral agency responsible for protecting and preserving New York City’s architecturally, historically, and culturally significant buildings and sites. Since its creation in 1965, LPC has granted landmark status to more than 37,900 buildings and sites, including 1,456 individual landmarks, 121 interior landmarks, 11 scenic landmarks, and 156 historic districts and extensions in all five boroughs. For more information, visit www.nyc.gov/landmarks and connect with us via www.facebook.com/NYCLandmarks and www.twitter.com/nyclandmarks.

About the New York Landmarks Preservation Foundation (NYLPF)

The New York Landmarks Preservation Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that supports work that relates to the designation of New York City landmarks, including the well-recognized Bronze Plaque Program for individual landmarks, the Street Sign Program, and the Historic District Marker Program. For more information, visit http://www.nylpf.org/.