Hard though it is to believe, Gramercy Park started out life as little more than a swamp. Indeed, its name is thought to derive from the Dutch for “crooked little swamp.” And how it has bloomed! The area is now one of NYC’s greenest, most desirable neighborhoods; people will do just about anything to live in a no-fee rental here. Read on, as we delve into Gramercy Park’s history, and discover how it flourished into prestige — starting with the touch of one man.

Samuel B. Ruggles: The Man Who Made Gramercy Park

They say that one million horse carts of earth were shifted when developer Samuel B. Ruggles oversaw the transformation of Gramercy Square in the early 1830s. Perhaps he’d gotten the idea to create an urban haven from observing the model of Hudson Square — it’s the only private square in New York City older than Gramercy Park. At any rate, 66 moneyed New Yorkers were lucky enough to purchase a parcel of the reclaimed land. And so, the area’s prestige was born. Since then, of course, new streets, churches, apartments, hotels, and bars have sprung up, burgeoning into the wider area of the current Gramercy Park neighborhood. But be sure to visit the flagstone at the west of the original gated park, which quietly remembers this area’s savvy founder.

Famous Gramercy Park Residents

As you might imagine, a neighborhood as appealing as Gramercy Park boasts its fair share of celebrity locals. Shakespearean actor Edwin Booth presides over Gramercy Park in statue form — perhaps keeping an eye on The Players, the club he founded in 1888. A young Preston Sturges — the man who would go on to become one of the great filmmakers of his time — stayed at The Hotel Irving. (His mother stayed uptown at the Ritz-Carlton!) Among the contemporary residents of the area are “Kill Bill” lead Uma Thurman, “The Tonight Show” host and funnyman Jimmy Fallon, singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright, and one of Hollywood’s true superstars, Julia Roberts. Have a no-fee apartment here, and, rest assured, you’ll be in good company.

Explore Historical Gramercy

Today’s Gramercy Park throbs with all the vibrancy of modern-day NYC — and has all the modern conveniences, to boot. Yet, throughout the neighborhood, you can still sense the history. Stroll the leafy streets, and find 19th century brownstones rubbing shoulders with former carriage houses. Marvel at the Gothic Revival Calvary Church, known for its charitable work in the community. Catch a show at Gramercy Theatre, a former cinema turned decadent music and comedy venue. When you’ve tired yourself out, call in at Pete’s Tavern — one of the oldest drinking establishments in the city — for a cold beer. The celebrated watering hole has been featured in everything from “Seinfeld” to “Sex and the City.” Of course, if you require some more upmarket refreshment, you can always order a whiskey at The Players. Provided they accept you as a member, of course.

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