One of the doorways of “the Row” on Washington Square North, once a center of gentility in NYC in the 1830s and a good example of one of our best eras for architecture and decorative arts, now remains one of the last survivors of that era and is still in constant use. It is considered one of the finest rows of Greek Revival houses in the country. Romanticized in novels such as Washington Square by Henry James and Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton, this row started out as the home of the wealthiest and later became inhabited by Village bohemians and many legendary artists, such as Edward Hopper and Albert Pinkham Ryder, who were inspired by the environs.
In 1939, the row of townhouses numbered 7-13 were gutted and converted to an apartment house, retaining the facades, with a common entrance on Fifth Avenue around the corner. They are now NYU residences. Number 8 in the photo was once the former residence of the mayor. You can see these doorways from the park, and it is peaceful to look on such a strong reminder of the past still vibrant in the present.
I love it! I assume it is very pricey!
Sorry – they are owned by NYU and used as residences for their faculty, etc.
None of the residences on Washington Square are for sale.
Brian
Great photo and story.
http://kansascitydailyphoto.blogspot.com/
I tought there were a lot of these kind of doors in NY, at least is the image i get from movies.
Wow that’s a beautiful door step! Love it!
Yes, just like Nuno I often see this doors at movies. Very charming!
Hi Lucy and Brian,
Thanks for yours photos of NYC. I’ve been there last year and I will never forget your city.
I try to send you an email but I can’t find your address.
Can we exchange links ? I try to publish, weekly, a photo about Paris (France). Have a look on http://www.spirit-of-paris.com and if you like to, send me a email on contact@spirit-of-paris.com
Bye, Michel
This could have easily been taken in Richmond as well!