McDonald Triangle

Beneath the towering buildings of Manhattan, a small patch of defiance holds its ground. This is McDonald Triangle, a quirky testament to one man’s determination. McDonald Triangle, nestled at the corner of Seventh Avenue and Christopher Street, isn’t your typical park. It’s a tiny triangle, barely 500 square inches. Yet, this unassuming piece of land carries a big story. In the early 1900s, the city of New York embarked on an ambitious project to widen Seventh Avenue and extend the subway. This involved demolishing numerous buildings. One such building belonged to David Hess. As the city claimed eminent domain, Hess fought back. He lost battle after battle. But, a surveying error gave Hess one final victory. The city overlooked a tiny triangular piece of his property. The Hess estate clung to this sliver of land. They refused to donate it to the public. In 1922, they cemented their victory. A mosaic was installed, boldly proclaiming, “Property of the Hess Estate which has never been dedicated for public purposes.” McDonald Triangle stands as a symbol of resistance. It demonstrates a small landowner’s defiance against the powerful city. This tiny plot has changed hands several times. It was sold to Village Cigars in 1938. Later, Yeshiva University and then 70 Christopher Realty Corporation owned it. Each owner has preserved the mosaic. They have respected the triangle’s unique history. McDonald Triangle’s story underscores the Village’s unique character. It embodies the spirit of nonconformity and resistance to overwhelming forces. So, next time you’re strolling through the West Village, look down. You might just spot McDonald Triangle. This tiny patch of land tells a big story about one man’s fight. It highlights the enduring spirit of the West Village.