Photo credit: Paul Rocheleau
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I know that I am not alone in thinking that the historic West Village is the best neighborhood in New York City!
If you have ever wandered around in the West Village it is likely that you have walked right past one of my favorite houses in New York City – hiding in plain view!
I have had the pleasure of visiting this house on more than one occasion and want to share some of the things that make it so special….
The house sits at the crossroads of Christopher St, West Fourth Street and Seventh Seventh Avenue South, overlooking Christopher Park (you can see it ‘hiding’ behind trees in the back of this photo.)
This is a very busy and visually stimulating spot!
In addition to the park itself, there is a lot of automobile and foot traffic; a variety of bars, restaurants, shops, and historic buildings in the immediate vicinity.
Christopher Park is perhaps best known as the location of the now legendary Stonewall Inn – the birthplace of the modern Gay Rights movement. On June 28th, 1969, the patrons of the Stonewall Inn fought back against what had become regular, city sanctioned harassment by the police department of bars frequented by gay men and women. In March 2000, the Stonewall Inn was designated a National Historic Landmark.
In the park itself is a striking sculpture entitled ‘Gay Liberation’ by artist George Segal (1924–2000) of two sitting women, and two standing men in relaxed poses, casually ‘engaging’ with members of the same sex.
At the East end of the park is the 1827 Neo-Georgian ‘Northern Dispensary’, a medical clinic building founded by local citizens to provide health care for the poor.
Now let’s go inside 90 Grove Street!
Photo credit: Paul Rocheleau
In 1893, the painter Robert Blum purchased 90 Grove Street and hired Carriere & Hastings (who would later design the New York Public Library) as his architect. The peaked roof was removed, making the second floor into this spectacular double-height studio space for Blum, who was a well known illustrator.
Photo credit: Paul Rocheleau
The current owners are involved in the contemporary art world, so the house is filled with a fantastic collection of art – including this stunning oil stick drawing on the ceiling of the front parlor by Viennese artist Otto Zitko.
Photo credit: Paul Rocheleau
In the 1920’s the ‘backhouse’ was modified by Helen Stokes into an Italian inspired studio connected to the main house by a loggia – now used as bedrooms overlooking a truly magical and transportive garden shared with the neighboring house.
This brings up an important topic concerning the future of the West Village: historic preservation.
Local residents and preservation groups have been concerned about development in the Village and have fought to preserve the architectural and historic integrity of the neighborhood since the 1960’s. The Houses of Greenwich Village by Kevin D. Murphy with beautiful and evocative photographs by Paul Rocheleau, celebrates and documents many of the wonderful houses in the Village.
Not a moment too soon, the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation (GVSHP), was founded in 1980 dedicated to the architectural and cultural character and heritage of the neighborhood.
Carefree and careless developers beware,
GVSHP is watching!
Oh my, I wish I were living in NYC again! Chicago is a livable city but just doesn’t compare. Thanks for sharing this neighborhood gem.
It is nice to hear from you Linda! NYC is a remarkable place to live indeed however the pace of development and the fancification of the entire city is worrisome to me.
I deeply appreciate the efforts of organizations like the GVSHP for working and fighting to hold onto buildings and neighborhoods of great historical, cultural, aesthetic and humanistic value.
Come (re) visit soon! XX GG
The double-height studio is amazing! Thank you for an “insider’s” glimpse into one of our city’s treasures.
Thank you for your comment Lisa. It is an experiential rich and magical home hiding in plain view – a true gem.
I am unaware of this cluster of houses?! It sounds incredible! I am not picturing where the peek-a-boo gate is – is it hiding in plain view? 1978 was certainly another time in New York City – I would be interested to learn more. Thank you for your comments. GG
This brings back memories. In 1978 I lived one block over on Christopher Street and worked as a draftsman for Bill Turner a well known decorator at the time. Bill had just completed the renovation of One Grove Court a series of tiny townhouses built around the civil war. Set back from Grove street and beyond a locked gate you can get a glimpse of the landmarked row houses from that point. I remember the interiors were just covered by House Beautiful. Lester Dundee the editor of Interior Design introduced Bill to Bernard Auf fray of Auf fray and Co. the French Furniture company on East 54 th street. Together they formed Design Alternatives where I worked.
Hi Glen,
Sorry it took so long to respond. I just shared Walking Gotham blogspot.on li. If you didn’t get it google it. Ok some more info Grove Court/gate address is 13 Grove Street, NYC. One over from Barrow. I did a little more research. The owner/ builder was a merchant and developed housing set – back without the glamor of street frontage popular at the time. The tiny townhouses offered housing to second class laborer and potential customers of the merchant. A reversal now makes the private court most sought after. I remember when Bill completed the house there was some flap about the A C Condensers on the roof visible from the back next street over. Because Turner partnered with Auf fray Furniture Bernie Auf fray made everything inside for the GC Interiors. Naturally nothing could be altered on the facade. The insides were fitted with a melange of architectural details and furniture by Auffray. Bill had just left a partnership with Joseph Braswell and alumni of Parish Hadley. He was a psychologist turner decorator. One project I remember working on in his offices above Auffray was Huntington Hartford s great great granddaughter Olivia Switz. Switz had an apartment in the Carlisle and mansion in Red Bank NJ. All the big shots of the day Mark Hampton, etc got a room in the Carlisle but Bill and Bernie Auffray got the Mansion. Anyway, that’s another story. I enjoy your blog and work.
Bestest,
Kevin
http://Www.kevinjmaher.com
I was lucky enough to be the designer on an apt. on Grove St. right across from the park. I love that neighborhood. So full of history and gorgeous old buildings. It was a joy to head down there each day.