Metro Triangle

Did you ever imagine stumbling upon a tiny triangle in the heart of New York City, a symbol of defiance against the relentless march of progress? This, my friends, is the Hess Triangle, a quirky little landmark nestled at the intersection of Seventh Avenue South and Christopher Street. The story of Metro Triangle begins, ironically, with the construction of the Seventh Avenue subway line in the early 1900s. The city, using eminent domain, demolished hundreds of buildings to widen the avenue. In this grand scheme of urban development, a tiny sliver of land was overlooked. This plot belonged to David Hess, owner of the Voorhis apartment building. When the city realized its oversight, they asked the Hess family to donate the triangular piece. The family, however, refused to yield to the city’s demands. They fought for their right to this minuscule plot, a triangle measuring a mere 27 ½ inches by 27 ½ inches by 25 ½ inches. This David and Goliath battle ended with the Hess family triumphant, owning the smallest piece of private property in New York City history. To cement their victory, in 1922, they installed a mosaic tile plaque. It boldly declares, “PROPERTY OF THE HESS ESTATE WHICH HAS NEVER BEEN DEDICATED FOR PUBLIC PURPOSES.” The Hess Triangle remains a testament to one family’s refusal to be steamrolled by the city’s expansion. It’s a quirky reminder that even in the face of overwhelming odds, small acts of resistance can leave a lasting mark. This seemingly insignificant triangle represents the spirit of the Village. It is a symbol of its nonconformity and its fight to retain its unique character.