On Grove Street in the West Village, lies a narrow gate (left photo) leading to Grove Court. This private courtyard (right photo), with its row of 6 houses, is the quintessential NYC cul-de-sac, not that there are many contenders. The irregular property lines of early NYC left this parcel of land - and a passageway between 10 & 12 Grove Court gave access. So in 1848, Samuel Cocks, owner of grocery store Cocks and Bowron at 18 Grove Street, decided to develop the property into backhouses for tradesmen and thereby improve his grocery trade. The properties were completed in 1854. At the time it was nicknamed Mixed Ale Alley - ironic that a row of backhouses like this would be considered undesirable for those with money. Today, of course, it's a "secluded court"; quite exclusive and rarely available ...
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Grove Court
On Grove Street in the West Village, lies a narrow gate (left photo) leading to Grove Court. This private courtyard (right photo), with its row of 6 houses, is the quintessential NYC cul-de-sac, not that there are many contenders. The irregular property lines of early NYC left this parcel of land - and a passageway between 10 & 12 Grove Court gave access. So in 1848, Samuel Cocks, owner of grocery store Cocks and Bowron at 18 Grove Street, decided to develop the property into backhouses for tradesmen and thereby improve his grocery trade. The properties were completed in 1854. At the time it was nicknamed Mixed Ale Alley - ironic that a row of backhouses like this would be considered undesirable for those with money. Today, of course, it's a "secluded court"; quite exclusive and rarely available ...
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5 comments:
Brian, that is quite an inviting spot. It is strange how property values turn around. Man, you manage to find surprising shots in NY.
I hope to dig deeper yet and surprise you more.
Brian
I love it! I would be interested in knowing how much it costs to live there....
I was in NYC earlier this year - from New Zealand - my partner is on transfer - long story. Short story is that I walked right past these houses and admired them. It is a fabulous photo. I will be sending a link to your site to my now NYC resident partner.
This is a very interesting post. Love the history you gave us. NY is a place i should love to visit. One day perhaps i will. UKDAILYPHOTO.
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