About Us

Designated Landmark (August 11, 1981): Astor Row (Nos. 8-62) Photo: Melanie Nanez

Historian and preservationist Michael Henry Adams, center, leading a demonstration against razing the Renaissance Theater and Casino in Harlem. Photo: Bryan R. Smith for The New York Times (December 19, 2014)

Our Vision

Save Harlem Now! is dedicated to protecting, preserving, and celebrating Harlem’s irreplaceable heritage.

Our Mission

Save Harlem Now! advocates for the designation of individual landmarks and historic districts in Harlem, for contextual zoning in Harlem, and educates the public about Harlem’s built heritage, history, and culture.

Our Goals

  • ADVOCATE

    for greater landmark protections in Harlem through additional designations and contextual zoning.

  • COLLABORATE

    with local organizations, elected officials, neighbors, faith-based institutions, and other stakeholders to increase landmark protections in Harlem.

  • SUPPORT

    elected officials and partner organizations on issues relevant to affecting Harlem’s built environment and quality of life.

  • EDUCATE

    the general public about historic preservation, real estate development, tax credits, and affordable housing in Harlem.

Save Harlem Now! Founding Meeting in April, 2015
L-R: The late Gene Norman, Arlene Simon, Dennis Decker, Angel Ayon, Henrietta Lyle, Michael Henry Adams, Valerie Jo Bradley, Musa Jackson, Leslie Jill Hanson, Bruce Simon, Jelena Pasic

Why We Exist

Save Harlem Now! was founded in 2015 to address the urgent need to preserve historic properties in Harlem. The NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission has designated 66% of Greenwich Village, more than 50% of the Upper East and West Sides, but less than 20% of Harlem. Our work continues, and is more important now than ever.

Save Harlem Now!’s board and staff at Preservation Conference 2022
Rear l-r: Angel Ayon, board vice president; Valerie Jo Bradley, board president; Leslie Jill Hanson, board member; James Singletary, former Executive Director | Front l-r: Carey King, board secretary; Lisa Rachel Nickie, board member; Roberta Washington, board member; Lynn Kilgore Hendy, board treasurer

Board of Directors & Staff

The Board and Staff of Save Harlem Now! form a team of interesting professionals, volunteers, and historic preservationists. Read their brief bios to get acquainted.

Our Awards

  • Preservation League of New York State | 2023

    Pillar of New York State Award to our President, Valerie Jo Bradley

    For more than 25 years, the Preservation League of New York State has been honoring corporations and individuals who have taken extraordinary action to protect, preserve, and promote New York’s artistic and architectural heritage.

    L-R: New York State Senator Cordell Cleare, PLNYS President Jay DiLorenzo, SHN! President Valerie Jo Bradley, PLNYS Chair Frank Sanchis

  • Guides Association of New York City | 2023

    Apple Award for Outstanding Achievement in Support of New York City - Preservation

    The GANYC Apple Awards celebrate those who make New York City great. More than a dozen awards are given each year to individuals and organizations from across the five boroughs. In addition to Preservation, the categories include Culture, Tourism, Website, Photography, Audio/Spoken Word, Fiction, Non-Fiction, Essay/Article/Series, Food, and Museum Exhibitions.

    President Valerie Jo Bradley and Board Member Roberta Washington

  • New York Landmarks Conservancy | 2020

    Lucy G. Moses Preservation Award

    The Lucy G. Moses Preservation Awards, sometimes referred to as the “Oscars of Preservation,” are the Conservancy’s highest honors for excellence in preservation. The Awards recognize individuals, organizations, and building owners for their extraordinary contributions to New York City. The awards are supported by the Henry and Lucy Moses Fund.

    Rear L-R: Board Member Lisa Rachel Nickie, Vice President Angel Ayon, Treasurer Lynn Kilgore Hendy
    Front L-R: President Valerie Jo Bradley, Board Member Roberta Washington

  • New York City Historic Districts Council | 2019

    Grassroots Preservation Award

    Since 2000, HDC has honored more than 150 individuals, community groups, coalitions, elected officials, and press outlets for their achievements. Grassroots Award recipients work on the ground, in public service, in communities, and online to bring attention and resources to saving the heart and soul of New York City.

    L-R: Board Member Lisa Rachel Nickie, Board Member Leslie Jill Hanson, President Valerie Jo Bradley, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, Vice President Angel Ayon

Learn More About Save Harlem Now!

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