New York University has abandoned plans to build a 38-story tower in Greenwich Village in University Village between Bleecker and Houston Streets. The move came after architect I.M. Pei, who designed the three other towers adjacent to the proposed site, withdrew his support for the project. The proposed plan has also incited local protests.

NYU is now seeking approval to build on an adjacent site where a Morton Williams Supermarket now stands. While the supermarket is not landmarked, residents have said it is a touchstone for the community and one of the few large grocery stores in the area.

Andrew Berman from the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation said he's happy with the university's decision to withdraw the tower, but says the university is still planning to build too heavily within the blocks around Washington Square Park.