“Defiance in a triangle” is the phrase that comes to mind when facing the Heffernan Triangle. This small patch of land holds a story far larger than its modest size suggests.
The Heffernan Triangle, a tiny plot at the corner of Christopher Street and Seventh Avenue South. It stands as a testament to one man’s stubborn resistance against the relentless march of city development.
Let’s step back to the early 1900s. New York City was rapidly expanding. The city planned to extend Seventh Avenue and build the IRT subway line. This required the demolition of numerous buildings. Among them was The Voorhis, owned by David Hess.
Hess fought to save his property. He resisted the city’s eminent domain claim. Despite his efforts, the city condemned his building. But a survey error occurred. The city missed a tiny triangle of land, a mere 500 square inches. This small triangle was all that remained of Hess’s property.
The city asked Hess to donate the triangle for sidewalk incorporation. But Hess refused. Fueled by frustration, Hess took his battle to court. He won. The court declared him the rightful owner.
In 1922, Hess marked his victory. He had the triangle covered with yellow and black mosaic tiles. The message was clear: “Property of the Hess Estate Which Has Never Been Dedicated for Public Purposes.” This defiant statement was his way of telling the city: “You may have taken my building, but you won’t take this.”
For years, the Hess family held onto this tiny piece of land. Pedestrians walked over it. The mosaic served as a constant reminder of Hess’s defiance. In 1938, the Hess estate sold the triangle to Village Cigars for $1,000.
Today, the Hess Triangle remains. It is a quirky landmark in Greenwich Village. It is a symbol of individual resistance against overwhelming power. It reminds us that even the smallest piece of land can hold a powerful message. The message is clear: You can fight City Hall.