Picture an urban sanctuary amidst New York City’s towering skyscrapers. That’s Gramercy Park. It is a neighborhood extending from 14th to 23rd Streets and from Park Avenue South to Third Avenue. The park at its center is unique. It’s the only privately-owned park in New York City.
Let’s journey back to when Peter Stuyvesant acquired this land in 1651. He bought a large tract, including what is now Gramercy Park, from the Dutch West India Company. Back then, it wasn’t the serene oasis it is today. It was a swampy marsh. The name Gramercy even comes from the Dutch “krom moerasje”. This translates to “little crooked swamp”.
Fast forward to 1831. Real-estate wizard Samuel B. Ruggles stepped in. He bought and drained the swampy land. Ruggles divided it into 108 lots. The park itself occupied 42 of these lots. Homes were built on the remaining 66. Here’s a key fact: residents of the buildings on those original surrounding lots are co-owners of the park. This gives them exclusive key access.
Around Gramercy Park, architecturally significant buildings stand tall. Take 34 Gramercy Park East. Built in 1883, it is the oldest surviving co-op in the city. It also had the first residential elevator. Then there’s 15 Gramercy Park South. Designed by Calvert Vaux, this Victorian mansion is now the National Arts Club. Next door, in 1888, the Shakespearean actor Edwin Booth founded The Players. Also, lots 27 through 30 house the Friends Meeting House. Now known as Brotherhood Synagogue, it once served as a refuge for fugitive slaves during the Civil War.
Gramercy Park has been home to many celebrated figures. Cyrus Field, Peter Cooper, and Stanford White all lived here. Writers like Herman Melville, Edith Wharton, O’Henry, and Henry James also called Gramercy home. Artists such as George Bellows and Cecilia Beaux added to its significance.
Despite its exclusivity, Gramercy Park offers a glimpse into ideal urban living. As Arlene Harrison says, it embodies what urban living should be. The neighborhood maintains a quiet charm. It is a welcome contrast to the bustling city. Though access to the park is limited, the surrounding streets offer a beautiful stroll. Admire the architecture. Imagine yourself in a Henry James novel. The Gramercy area became a historic district in the 1960s. This designation protects its unique character.
Gramercy Park remains a jewel. It is a testament to New York’s rich history and enduring appeal. Remember, if you want to get inside Gramercy Park, you either need to be a resident or visit during the one day a year when the gates are open to the public.