Gramercy Park is a non-public fenced-in park found between East 20th Street and East 21st Street in the Manhattan part of NYC. The history of Gramercy Park is quite as rich and varied as the city itself. The area that's now Gramercy Park New York started out as swamp land. In 1831, a developer named Samuel B. Ruggles (1800-1881) proposed the concept of a park on the property then owned by James Duane called Gramercy Farm.
Gramercy Park began with the draining of the swamp land and the creation of parcels of land around what would become the park. Initially the landscaping of the private park began, encircled by a fence erected in 1833 that still exists today, happened over the next fifteen years. Further planting in 1916 softened the park's proper and formal design. Gramercy Park NY was opened to Union soldiers in 1863 to express thanks for shielding the park during the Civil War.
Gramercy Park history comprises the districts surrounding the park. The Player's Club and two of New York City's first residences are among the prominent architectural structures in the area. A statue of 19th century actor Edwin Booth as Hamlet was placed in the park by The Player's Club in 1916. Plenty of New York City's oldest churches are found in the area along with a former Underground Railroad location. A Victorian mansion that once served as a home for previous NY governor Samuel J. Tilden. It is also home to a few charity foundations that are also situated in the consequential areas surrounding the park.
There had been an attempt to run a cable car through Gramercy Park in 1890, though it was defeated by those looking to preserve the park. In 1966, part of the neighborhood was appointed a historic district. The area incorporating the park was officially placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. A 4.5 ton bronze sculpture known as Fantasy Fountain was added in 1983. The park remains one of New York's two privately held parks, owned by the owners of the encompassing properties as intended by Mr. Ruggles when he first suggested the idea for a park in 1831. Today, Gramercy Park is still renowned for its flowers that bloom in early spring and lush greenery that liven up the park well into autumn.
The area surrounding the park has kept its sense of style, frequently compared to London's West End. Zoning laws mean no building in the area can be built higher than 20 stories tall. Nonetheless, the majority of the buildings in the area are under six stories tall. Gramercy Park Hotel was added to the location in 1925 and remains a popular place for Big Apple visitors to stay. A set of cafes and bars known as Irving Place remains a favored place for New Yorkers and visitors to assemble. The history of Gramercy Park is as rich and diverse as New York City itself and continues to provide a great place for all who enjoy the park.
Gramercy Park began with the draining of the swamp land and the creation of parcels of land around what would become the park. Initially the landscaping of the private park began, encircled by a fence erected in 1833 that still exists today, happened over the next fifteen years. Further planting in 1916 softened the park's proper and formal design. Gramercy Park NY was opened to Union soldiers in 1863 to express thanks for shielding the park during the Civil War.
Gramercy Park history comprises the districts surrounding the park. The Player's Club and two of New York City's first residences are among the prominent architectural structures in the area. A statue of 19th century actor Edwin Booth as Hamlet was placed in the park by The Player's Club in 1916. Plenty of New York City's oldest churches are found in the area along with a former Underground Railroad location. A Victorian mansion that once served as a home for previous NY governor Samuel J. Tilden. It is also home to a few charity foundations that are also situated in the consequential areas surrounding the park.
There had been an attempt to run a cable car through Gramercy Park in 1890, though it was defeated by those looking to preserve the park. In 1966, part of the neighborhood was appointed a historic district. The area incorporating the park was officially placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. A 4.5 ton bronze sculpture known as Fantasy Fountain was added in 1983. The park remains one of New York's two privately held parks, owned by the owners of the encompassing properties as intended by Mr. Ruggles when he first suggested the idea for a park in 1831. Today, Gramercy Park is still renowned for its flowers that bloom in early spring and lush greenery that liven up the park well into autumn.
The area surrounding the park has kept its sense of style, frequently compared to London's West End. Zoning laws mean no building in the area can be built higher than 20 stories tall. Nonetheless, the majority of the buildings in the area are under six stories tall. Gramercy Park Hotel was added to the location in 1925 and remains a popular place for Big Apple visitors to stay. A set of cafes and bars known as Irving Place remains a favored place for New Yorkers and visitors to assemble. The history of Gramercy Park is as rich and diverse as New York City itself and continues to provide a great place for all who enjoy the park.
About the Author:
Jeff Myers has been interested in parks in New York City like Gramercy Park for a long time. He has written many articles about this parks in NYC, including transient histories and the top most engaging facts, please visit his site.
