Locals to Protest Demolition of Colorful Townhouses

EAST VILLAGE, NY — Dozens of community members will protest Friday in front of a row of historic East Village townhouses on East 7th Street that the city plans to demolish in the coming months.

The protest, called "Stop the Demolitions!" will celebrate the historic value of the five late 19th Century houses that "have rare and beautiful intact Greek Revival ornament, and are linked to the history of the early development of New York’s waterfront and to critical political figures of the 19th and early 20th century in New York," according to the protest's announcement.

Last week, the city rejected a plea by locals to save the houses, including the pale periwinkle staple, 264 E. 7th St., where the beloved children's book "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" was illustrated.

The line of townhouses are some of the only remaining historic buildings in the neighborhood — their nearby counterparts have been dropping like flies to make way for luxury condos and hotels. These particular townhouses are painted in pastel colors, breathing some color into the street.

The famous illustrator Felicia Bond lived in 264 E. 7th St. when she drew the famous illustrations for "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie," according to EV Grieve.

In 2008, the city said the row of houses, from 258 to 266 E. 7th St., "appear to be an LPC-eligible historic district."

The protest is planned for Friday, Nov. 4 at noon at 264 E. 7th St.

Photo credit: Google Maps