Features
Gramercy Park and some of the residential buildings encircling it with key access
From Goldilocks Blocks
The keys to Gramercy Park: History and full list of buildings with park access
By CityRealty Staff
Thursday, April 7, 2022
New York's most upscale pre-war residential buildings flaunt the use of high-quality materials: statuary marble floors, bronze door handles, frames, and onyx details. But the rarest and perhaps most highly coveted amenity of all is made from a commonplace nickel alloy: a key to Gramercy Park, the only private park in Manhattan.
History
In 1831, developer and urban planner Samuel Ruggles deeded two acres of his extensive property holdings to be used as a park surrounded by mansions, a practice inspired by London. While the first few years were spent draining the wetlands, the park was fenced in the mid-1830s and locked in 1844. It was the antithesis of Union Square, another of Mr. Ruggles' creations regarded as a park for the people.
Over the first 50 years of Gramercy Park’s existence, the gates were only opened once during the Civil War draft riots. The violence spread north from Lower Manhattan, and the Eighth Regiment artillery camped out in the park while defending the people.
In 1890, the New York State Legislature passed a bill that would have allowed a cable car to pass through Gramercy Park. Local activists shut down that proposal, as well as one to run a street through it connecting Irving Place and Lexington Avenue. The second proposal in 1912 was the last serious attempt at breaching the park, and the gates have been locked ever since.
Present Day
Gramercy Park is considered the unofficial front yard of the 39 buildings surrounding it. According to The New York Times, each building pays a yearly assessment fee of $7,500, which grants them two keys (buildings with more lots get more keys). Fear of having key privileges rescinded keeps the payments coming in.
The first keys to Gramercy Park were made from solid gold, and today’s park keys are treated as reverently as if this is still the practice. Zeckendorf Development intentionally chose 18 Gramercy Park South, a one-time Salvation Army residence, for a condo conversion based on park proximity and paid for the first year of park keys for buyers. The conversion of 36 Gramercy Park East went even further - the sponsor presented buyers with park keys and personalized brass keychains.
Entrance to 36 Gramercy Park East (Nest Seekers)
And while 57 Irving Place is two and a half blocks south of Gramercy Park, developer Madison Equities devised an ingenious strategy to get keys for buyers: If buyers were able to join the Players Club (founded by Shakesperean actor Edwin Booth, whose statue is a centerpiece of the park), which confers keys to members in good standing, Madison Equities owner Robert Gladstone would pay their annual dues for five years.
Of the 383 keys manufactured in 2012, 126 were managed by doormen and concierges in buildings on the park, who allowed residents to sign them out. Residents who do not wish to go through the building pay $350 a year for personal keys. All keys are numbered and coded, and the keys and locks are changed every year. Those who are foolish enough to lose their park keys are charged $1,000 for replacements. If the keys are lost again, the replacement costs $2,000.
Rules and Exclusivity
Nearly 200 years since Mr. Ruggles deeded the land, Gramercy Park remains accessible only to property owners of buildings directly on the park. In addition to the Players Club, members of the National Arts Club (the first private club to admit women on an equal basis as men), the Brotherhood Synagogue, and Cavalry-St. George’s Church are also eligible for keys to the park.
Guests of the five-star Gramercy Park Hotel are also allowed inside the park, but they must be escorted in and out by hotel staffers. Keyholders may be accompanied by no more than five guests at a time. Whoever holds the keys, the precious hardware is required for entering and exiting the park alike.
Guests of the five-star Gramercy Park Hotel are also allowed inside the park, but they must be escorted in and out by hotel staffers. Keyholders may be accompanied by no more than five guests at a time. Whoever holds the keys, the precious hardware is required for entering and exiting the park alike.
View of Gramercy Park South from the Gramercy Park Hotel (Christie's Real Estate
Mr. Ruggles described the park as ornamental as opposed to recreational, a mindset that remains in place well into the 21st century. The park closes at dusk every night. During the day, visitors are not permitted to ride bicycles, bring lawn furniture, play Frisbee or “hardball” sports, drink alcohol, smoke, walk dogs, or feed the birds.
The surrounding clubs, churches, and hotels make gorgeous wedding venues, but photography in the park is not allowed. Nor is commercial photography - witness the ado when an Airbnb guest with a key posted pictures of Gramercy Park to Google Maps in 2014. And for those unfamiliar with the park’s rules, “Mayor Arlene” Harrison, park trustee and founder of the Gramercy Park Block Association, is one of its fiercest protectors.
For one hour on Christmas Eve, the gates of Gramercy Park traditionally open for caroling hosted by Cavalry-St. George’s Church. For the rest of the year, most of us can only admire it from the fenced perimeter. Availabilities are naturally few and far between, but we take a look at listings that provide keys to the park as well as the apartments.
Peek inside the park from the west gate (Wikipedia)
From the northwest corner (Wikipedia)
Residential buildings with keys to the park:
1 Gramercy Park West
19 Gramercy Park South
10 Gramercy Park South
Listings in Buildings with Gramercy Park keys
From the Listing: Furnished rental at 32 Gramercy Park South - Tenant can qualify for the Gramercy Park Association and KEY to GRAMERCY PARK!
See floor plan and full details here.
See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: Great Gramercy Park Views, with access to the Park! Live on the charming top floor of a historic 1900 townhouse that faces Gramercy Park, plus enjoy access to this exclusive private 2-acre park with your own key available. Rarely does an opportunity like this come along! This exceptional two bedroom offers soaring 16' ceilings, a beautiful skylight, a dramatic wall of windows with direct park views and a decorative fireplace. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: **Available furnished for $35,000/month. A stunning 3 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom home overlooking the famous Gramercy Park. This chic residence boasts 12' floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the apartment with sunlight, a grand entrance gallery adorned with custom wood paneling and a wood burning fireplace with a limestone mantle. Residency comes compete with a key to Gramercy Park. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: This stunning full-floor, 3,809 sq ft residence embraces 75 feet of uninterrupted views of Gramercy Park, the only private park in Manhattan. An exceptional layout, great for entertaining, the living areas open to a large sunken loft great room with floor-to-ceiling windows and a wood-burning fireplace. Enjoy the benefits of home ownership - including a key to the park - with all the amenities of the 5-star hotel including housekeeping, room service, gym, concierge service, massage and spa services, catering services, babysitting services, pet walking services, valet parking and access to the hotel's rooftop garden, meeting rooms, and much more. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: COMES WITH A PRIVATE KEY TO THE ONLY PRIVATE PARK IN NYC, GRAMERCY PARK!!!
Welcome home to this fully renovated studio apartment that has protected views of New York City landmarks, townhouse gardens and iconic Gramercy Park! This residence features golden western light through oversized windows and the serenity of an exceptionally quiet home facing away from the street. See floor plan and full details here.
Welcome home to this fully renovated studio apartment that has protected views of New York City landmarks, townhouse gardens and iconic Gramercy Park! This residence features golden western light through oversized windows and the serenity of an exceptionally quiet home facing away from the street. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: KEY TO GRAMERCY PARK! 39 Gramercy Park North #2A is a large and quiet one bedroom apartment in the exclusive, full-service co-op, 39 Gramercy Park North. As a resident of the building you get access to a key to the only private park in Manhattan, a New York City landmark. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: KEY TO THE ONLY PRIVATE PARK IN MANHATTAN! This over-sized one bedroom, in exclusive Gramercy Park, is waiting for you. Upon entering the home, you are graced by a long foyer with two excellent sized closest. The expansive living room is large enough for a dining table and a nice living entertainment space. Included in the large space is a fabulous solid wood built-in, which can accommodate two work spaces. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: World famous address and Private KEY to GRAMERCY PARK! Spacious, quiet 1-bedroom apartment has western exposure with partial views of townhouse gardens. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: An arched doorway in the graciously sized foyer leads to an exceptionally large one-bedroom apartment with an unusual layout. 60 Gramercy Park North is truly one of the landmark buildings on Gramercy Park. A key to Gramercy Park, the only private park in the city, plus proximity to trendy restaurants of Park Avenue South, Union Square and all major subway lines, are added benefits. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: Beautifully gut renovated two-bedroom, one-and-a-half bath apartment with wall of 9 South facing windows and 1 West facing window at 60 Gramercy Park North.
Built in 1924 and designed by Emery Roth with Renaissance-inspired terra-cotta details and Spanish and Italian architectural motifs, 60 Gramercy Park North is truly one of the landmark buildings on Gramercy Park. A key to Gramercy Park, the only private park in the city, plus proximity to the newly restored Gramercy Park Hotel, trendy restaurants of Park Avenue South, Union Square and all major subway lines, are added benefits. The building offers two full-time doormen, a fully equipped exercise room, central laundry, individual storage, a bike room and a live-in super. There are two beautifully landscaped central courtyards. The building allows parents to co-purchase with kids, is pied a terre friendly, allows washer dryers in apartments, and is pet-friendly. See floor plan and full details here.
Built in 1924 and designed by Emery Roth with Renaissance-inspired terra-cotta details and Spanish and Italian architectural motifs, 60 Gramercy Park North is truly one of the landmark buildings on Gramercy Park. A key to Gramercy Park, the only private park in the city, plus proximity to the newly restored Gramercy Park Hotel, trendy restaurants of Park Avenue South, Union Square and all major subway lines, are added benefits. The building offers two full-time doormen, a fully equipped exercise room, central laundry, individual storage, a bike room and a live-in super. There are two beautifully landscaped central courtyards. The building allows parents to co-purchase with kids, is pied a terre friendly, allows washer dryers in apartments, and is pet-friendly. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: Introducing 36 Gramercy Park East #5W. In one of New York City's trophy historical landmark pre-war luxury condominium building designed by James Riely Gordon in 1910, Residence 5W is directly facing Gramercy Park and filled with the plenitude of afternoon day light, massive charm and volume.
Bring both your architect and your sunglasses to envision this bright future. White-glove Full-Service, 24 hours attendance, pets friendly, key/membership to the Gramercy Park, bicycle storage; conveniently located close to the finest downtown restaurants, coffee shops, bars, Flatiron and 5th Avenue shopping. Short walk to Madison Square Park and Union Square Park. All showings by appointment only. See floor plan and full details here.
Bring both your architect and your sunglasses to envision this bright future. White-glove Full-Service, 24 hours attendance, pets friendly, key/membership to the Gramercy Park, bicycle storage; conveniently located close to the finest downtown restaurants, coffee shops, bars, Flatiron and 5th Avenue shopping. Short walk to Madison Square Park and Union Square Park. All showings by appointment only. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: Mint 2 Bed Tranquility with 1,000+ SF of Private Outdoor Space and Key to Gramercy Park
See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: This rarely available south-facing A-line apartment in excellent condition has been sparingly used as a pied a terre by its current owners. Dramatic eye-level views of Gramercy Park and landmark townhouses on West Gramercy Park whether you are seated on your living room sofa or one of the two main bedrooms. A large separate dining area with a table that seats eight is located off the fully equipped double windowed kitchen with a Miele dishwasher, Bosch cooktop and oven, and a washer/dryer. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: This stunning full-floor, 3,809 sq ft residence embraces 75 feet of uninterrupted views of Gramercy Park, the only private park in Manhattan. The generous master bedroom has a large dressing room and an en-suite bath of spa proportions with an over-sized oval tub, stall shower, double sinks and a closet designed and installed by Mary Kate Olsen!
Only 23 residences, 50 Gramercy Park North offers the services of the adjacent Gramercy Park Hotel. Enjoy the benefits of homeownership - including a key to the park - with all the amenities of the 5-star hotel including housekeeping, room service, gym, concierge service, massage, and spa services, catering services, babysitting services, pet walking services, valet parking and access to the hotel's rooftop garden, meeting rooms, and much more. This unique home offers a spectacular lifestyle of effortless luxury living. See floor plan and full details here.
Only 23 residences, 50 Gramercy Park North offers the services of the adjacent Gramercy Park Hotel. Enjoy the benefits of homeownership - including a key to the park - with all the amenities of the 5-star hotel including housekeeping, room service, gym, concierge service, massage, and spa services, catering services, babysitting services, pet walking services, valet parking and access to the hotel's rooftop garden, meeting rooms, and much more. This unique home offers a spectacular lifestyle of effortless luxury living. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: KEY TO GRAMERCY PARK! Here's your opportunity to live in one of the most highly sought-after locations, 18 Gramercy Park South, one of New York's most unique and elegant neighborhoods. This gracious Georgian Revival building was reimagined by Robert A.M. Stern Architects and Zeckendorf Development. It has been designated a historic district and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Residence 10 is a full floor, meticulously designed home, with 3-view exposures that occupy more than 4,200 square feet with spectacular convergence of light, space, and privacy with 40 feet of frontage on Gramercy Park and rooms on Irving Place encompassed by an abundance of over-sized windows in every room. This full-service, pre-war condominium residence is accessed directly via two key-locked elevators. See floor plan and full details here.
Residence 10 is a full floor, meticulously designed home, with 3-view exposures that occupy more than 4,200 square feet with spectacular convergence of light, space, and privacy with 40 feet of frontage on Gramercy Park and rooms on Irving Place encompassed by an abundance of over-sized windows in every room. This full-service, pre-war condominium residence is accessed directly via two key-locked elevators. See floor plan and full details here.
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