Behold the Hess Triangle. A tiny defiant monument to a long-ago feud. Right here on this seemingly unremarkable sidewalk. It’s a testament to stubbornness. A 500-square-inch slice of private property. Embedded in the public walkway.
This isn’t just any piece of land. It’s a legendary two-foot wide triangle. The story begins in the early 1910s. The city planned to expand Seventh Avenue. They needed to demolish buildings. Including the Voorhis building. Owned by the Hess family. The family fought the city’s eminent domain claim. They lost their building. But they cleverly discovered a tiny plot had been missed during the survey.
A tiny corner of Plot 55 remained. The Hess heirs refused to donate it. They defiantly installed a mosaic. This proclaims it “Property of the Hess Estate which has never been dedicated for public purposes”. A bold statement on July 27 1922. It is said to have been the smallest plot in New York City.
The mosaic is more than a marker. It’s a symbol of defiance. A tiny act of rebellion against overwhelming power. It has endured through changing ownerships. Village Cigars bought it in 1938 for $100. Then Yeshiva University owned it. In 1995 70 Christopher Realty Corporation bought the property. Each owner kept the mosaic intact.
The Hess Triangle remains a quirky landmark. It’s a constant reminder of a family’s stubborn refusal to yield. It’s a testament to private property rights. A strangely captivating bit of history embedded in the very fabric of New York City. This tiny triangle continues its silent protest. It’s a conversation starter. A legend whispered on the city’s bustling streets. A unique footprint in the heart of Manhattan. A story you won’t easily forget.