Apr 4, 2025

The Hess 'Estate' New York

Sheridan Square Estate

""The Hess 'Estate'" in New York is a tiny 500 square inches of unusable property along with a mosaic. Mr. Hess sure didn't give up..."

I’d read about this piece of land, decided I would never make a special trip to see it and never did.

One day I was in the Village retracing routes I walked while a student at NYU, along 8th Street which in the 70s, was like a beehive --- people everywhere, just everywhere. The old Waverley Theater (named in Hair---remember Frank Mills?) was abuzz, the street was chock-a-block with record stores, shoe stores, Jimi Hendrix's Electric Lady Recording Studios was a going concern and over at Sheridan Square where the Stonewall Riot had occurred things were no different.

Well, that’s where I found myself and I remembered to look for that small triangle-shaped piece of property.

Don’t make a special trip but if you are in the neighbourhood, maybe at Stonewall, just across the street, or the AIDS Memorial, two blocls uptown, it’s worth a peek just so you can say you’ve seen it. Here’s the story:

In the early 20th century, a swath was cut across the Village to extend the IRT subway farther downtown. Under eminent domain, the city condemned and demolished 300 properties, including a five-story building, The Voorhis Apartment, owned by Mr. Hess.

Mr Hess was left owning only this small triangle of land. He defied municipal bullying and in court asserted his rights by retaining ownership of the approximately 500 square inches of unusable land. He made the most of it: on July 27, 1922, workers used black and yellow tile to create the mosaic in place today.

Amsterdam
Antwerp
002-building
Art & culture
002-building
Art & culture
002-building
Art & culture

About this spot

1, Sheridan Square

US$

no-price

Find your way with 304 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our New York guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in New York

Bach Vespers

Candlelit Bach

A concert was held within the aura of candle light—each congregant holding one—which, combined with the many candelabra, created a calming atmosphere.

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

May 29, 2025

Music Mondays

UWS Free Chamber Music

The Artistic Director Aaron Wunsch says “We believe this music is for absolutely anyone and everyone—it uplifts us and brings us together, as a community”.

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

May 29, 2025

Apple Bank

Samuel Yellin Ironwork

His malleable, buttery creations are a sight to behold! They can be seen closeup outside on the buildings massive iron doors, and inside where floral motifs adorn the central teller’s 'pen' and customer desks that line the walls.

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

May 29, 2025

Birria-Landia Tacos

NYTimes 2 Star Food Truck

Choose: tacos, quesadillas, tostados or a hot, chunky beef based soup called consommé composed of birria, chopped onion, cilantro and squeezed lime.

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

May 27, 2025

The Old Print Shop

Flatiron District Gallery

"The Old Print Shop" in New York is my hands-down, hands-on museum/gallery of choice. I love mid-twentieth century 'industrial' or 'city' art...

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

May 24, 2025

Sea & Sea

Fried fish takeout

"Sea & Sea " in NYC is a traditional-looking fish shop with wet, tiled floors, cool air, grated ice on every hand, busy with customers from near and far...

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

May 23, 2025

Modern Bread and Bagel

Extreme gluten-free bagels

"Modern Bread and Bagel" in NYC has surfaced as exemplary, using criteria such as size and texture, seed and salt density. Here are some more top picks...

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

May 22, 2025

Pain d’ Epices

French / American patisserie

"Pain d' Epices" is a French bakery in NYC that makes croissants so flaky & buttery, the only way to avoid the crumbs is to 'put your back to the wind...'

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

May 21, 2025

Django

Tribeca jazz boîte

"Django" in NYC is proof that the city's jazz club world is recovering. I celler/cavern is intimate enough that after performances I walk over to engage...

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

May 21, 2025

The Dublin House

Irish Bar Centenarian

"The Dublin House" in NYC has been around since Prohibition and it still is neighborhood-sized. By the end of the night, everyone speaks Irish here...

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

May 21, 2025

Pastrami Queen

Traditional kosher Jewish deli

"Pastrami Queen" in NYC has if not the best, among the very best pastrami sandwiches in the city. It's the kind of American excess you just can't miss...

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

May 21, 2025

Grandma's Place

Inclusive Books and Toys

I stumbled across a store about which I had read but never visited—the very inviting and colourful playground of Dawn Harris-Martine), retired teacher, now famous—named Grandma’s Place.

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

May 19, 2025

Heading to New York?

304 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

304 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture

Our team loves New York

Get to know our other Spotters from New York

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
63
Filters