West 8th Street in the West Village has now been named after Jimi Hendrix

It took decades, but a section of West 8th Street in Greenwich Village has officially been renamed in honor of rock-and-roll royalty.

Last week, the block was formally co-named “Jimi Hendrix Way.” The dedication honors the legendary guitarist right outside the iconic Electric Lady Studios—the recording haven he commissioned in 1968. Though Hendrix tragically passed away in 1970 just months after it opened, the studio survived financial scares and major modernizations to host everyone from Stevie Wonder and Led Zeppelin to Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo.

Spearheaded by Council Member Harvey Epstein and Jimi’s sister, Janie Hendrix, the unveiling brought out music icons like Stevie Van Zandt, Vernon Reid and Felicia Collins. It marks the triumphant end of a decades-long effort that started with a local petition inside the studio shortly after his death. Now, the green sign stands permanent.

NYC is home to thousands of honorary street names—Joey Ramone Place, Beastie Boys Square, Tupac Shakur Way, Joan Rivers Way, Frank Sinatra Place and so many more—and this latest renaming might have you wondering how the process works. Here's how the city handles these famous street co-namings.

How does a street get renamed in honor of someone in NYC?

A street gets a ceremonial "co-name" through a legislative process that requires community backing, local government approval and an official vote by the New York City Council before being signed into law.

Can anyone request a street name change in NYC?

Yes. Any resident, community group or block association can pitch a street co-naming. However, you cannot just rename a street after yourself, your favorite bartender or that guy who waves at everyone on the corner: the honoree must be deceased for at least one year and have a profound, positive connection to the local neighborhood.

What is needed to request a street name change in NYC?

To get the ball rolling, applicants must submit:

• A formal application detailing the honoree's life and local impact
• A petition showing strong neighborhood support with signatures from more than 60% of the residents and businesses on the block
• Letters of recommendation from local civic groups or block associations

Is there a committee to rename streets in NYC?

Yes, multiple committees handle it. First, the application goes to the local Community Board’s Transportation (or Livable Streets) Committee for a public hearing. If approved, it moves to the City Council’s Committee on Parks and Recreation, which reviews street co-namings.

What is the process for getting a street renamed in NYC?

1. Gather Support: Collect local signatures and compile a detailed biography
2. Community Board Vote: Present the case at a public committee meeting, followed by a vote from the full local Community Board
3. City Council Sponsorship: A local Council Member introduces the proposal as an official bill Legislative
4. Approval: The City Council votes on a package of street co-namings, and the Mayor signs it into law
5. Installation: The Department of Transportation fabricates and mounts the new sign

Will the street co-name remain indefinitely?

Yes. Once the City Council passes the law and the sign goes up, the ceremonial name remains permanently alongside the original street grid name.

Find all the details about getting an honorary street name here.