Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
MacDougal Alley
These 19th-century stables for the fine homes on Washington Square North were
converted into studios by artists early in the 20th century, causing the street to be
known as “Art Alley de Luxe.” Among the residents were painter Guy Pene du Bois
and sculptor Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, who established the first Whitney Mu-
seum in 1914 at 8 West 8th Street, adjoining her studio.
• East of MacDougal St, between 8th St & Waverly Pl
Washington Mews
Another group of stables turned into houses around 1900, the Mews attracted both
writers and artists. No. 14A housed, at various times, author John Dos Passos and
artists Edward Hopper, William Glackens, and Rockwell Kent. Writer Sherwood
Anderson often stayed at No. 54 with his friend and patron, Mary Emmett. In con-
trast to the modern buildings in much of Manhattan, this type of quaint enclave is
the reason many find the Village so appealing.
• University Place to 5th Ave
Grove Court
This group of six town-houses in a bend in the
street was developed by grocer Samuel Cocks,
whothoughtthathavingresidentsnearbywould
help his business at No. 18. But while such
private courts are prized today, they were not
consideredrespectableinthe1850s,andthedis-
reputabletypeswhomovedinearneditthenick-
name “Mixed Ale Alley.” O. Henry used the
block as the setting for
The Last Leaf
.
• Grove St near Bedford St
Grove Court
