Founded by The Municipal Art Society and City Lore in 1998, the Place Matters Project fosters the conservation of New York City’s historically and culturally significant places.
These “places that matter” can be as diverse as local bakeries, hidden gardens, neighborhood sandlots and historic churches, all of which hold memories and anchor traditions for individuals and communities.
The Point Community Development Corporation is a nonprofit organization 501c3 dedicated to youth development and the cultural and economic revitalization of the Hunts Point section of the South Bronx.
“For 10 years we’ve been asking New Yorkers about the places that make a difference in their lives,” Place Matters director Marci Reaven said.” Each place they chose has unique and wonderful qualities, yet also represents a way that places matter to us all.”
In 1994, Bronx residents Maria Torres, Paul Lipson, Steven Sapp, and Mildred Ruiz founded The Point to organize for comprehensive revitalization, and social and economic justice in the surrounding Hunts Point neighborhood.
Creatively re-used industrial buildings, one now designated a landmark, after-school programs, theater and dance troupes, photography and art programs, advocacy and planning initiatives, environmental justice efforts, and others, all thrive, as a result of The Point’s creativity, illustrating the positive role in the community that Place Matters recognizes.
The advocacy work of Place Matters is no stranger to the south Bronx.
Casa Amadeo, on Prospect Avenue, the longest running Latin music store in the city, received help from the organization who successfully advocated for its listing to the National Register of Historic Places, a first time for a place associated with Puerto Rican migration.
