Gramercy Park is the final destination for all our student contributors. Our commutes–from outer boroughs or other states–lead us to Baruch College in the center of this area. Thus, our central location plays a pivotal role in our everyday lives and makes it an important place to explore in more detail!

Brief History

          In the 1840s and 50s, during its initial stages of neighborhood development, the Gramercy Park Historic District was filled with brick and brownstone houses and mansions, as well as institutional buildings—churches, etc. In pre-Civil War New York City, Gramercy Park was among the most prestigious places to live.

In the later 19^th century, the opening of the nearby Stuyvesant Apartment building on East 18^th, which has been since demolished, sparked the conversion of those single-family homes into apartment buildings. ³ Though this transformation opened up the area to more residents, it also resulted in the flight of some wealthy residents. Throughout the years, apartment buildings continue to be constructed, including those more accessible to the middle class in the 1920s. In 1924, the Gramercy Park Hotel was built and from that point on the neighborhood began to revamp its character. More philanthropic companies moved in like the Manhattan Trade School for Girls (1915-1919), the Children’s Court (1912-1916), the Domestic Relations Court Building (1937-1939), and Washington Irving High School. It wasn’t until April 12, 1966 that the small region with borders at East 18^th St., East 21^st Street, Lexington Avenue, and Third Avenue, was designated the Gramercy Park Historic District.⁴

Food

Gramercy Park is known for both its trendy-yet-affordable dining areas and its high-end restaurants.  Gramercy residents, students, and tourists have the opportunity to dine on burgers and fries for lunch, and then walk one block to eat at an upscale restaurant for dinner.  Even celebrities have raved about various restaurants in Gramercy (Miranda Kerr – Pure Food and Wine, ⁶ Kim Kardashian – Dos Caminos ⁷).

 

One cannot walk through Madison Square Park without stopping at the original Shake Shack ⁹ at least once.  Danny Meyer opened this popular burger chain’s first stand in Madison Square Park in 2004.  After its opening, the stand earned shining recognition from a variety of media outlets, including New York Magazine and TimeOut New York. ¹⁰  Shake Shack’s most popular menu items include the ShackBurger, Hot Dog, and Frozen Custard.

 

Gramercy Tavern is another popular Danny Meyer restaurant, ¹² located at 42 E. 20th St. between Broadway and S. Park Ave.  This upscale dining establishment offers contemporary American cuisine, with Michael Anthony as executive chef. ¹³ New York Magazine ranked it as #6 on its annual list of “New York City’s Best Restaurants.” ¹⁴

 

Education

  Gramercy is an ideal place for those wishing to continue their education at one of the senior colleges at the City University of New York (CUNY). Located on East 25^th Street in Gramercy, Baruch College offers the opportunity for both undergraduate and graduate study at one of the most diverse colleges in the United States.  The college’s 23^rd St campus was originally known as “The Free Academy” and the current school became known as Baruch College in 1953. In 1968, the college earned its “senior” status at CUNY. ¹⁶ Today, approximately 16,000 students attend Baruch College, studying at the Zicklin School of Business, Weissman School of Arts and Science and the School of Public Affairs. ¹⁷  In additional to providing students with opportunities to excel academically, Baruch offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including 14 sports teams and over 160 clubs. ¹⁸  Within a short distance of the school, students have great access to a myriad of both professional and recreational facilities.

 

Entertainment

Gramercy is largely known for its ability to cater to those looking to enjoy a night out on the town. What better way to enjoy New York City than to have lunch/dinner at an upscale restaurant, do some shopping, and then see a band or maybe even a movie. Since 1937, Gramercy Theater has provided residents, tourists, and frequent city-goers with a pleasant escape from bustling city life. On an almost nightly basis, numerous acts grace the stage and strut their stuff for the people of New York City. After hearing some live music it’s always fun to go out, grab some drinks and some late night food. Various bars such as The Hairy Monk, Fitzgerald’s, Bull’s Head Tavern, and Barfly line the streets of Gramercy for those looking to have a good night. For those that find entertainment in shopping, Gramercy is home to a vast variety of retail stores; Armani Exchange, Sephora, American Apparel, Michael Kors, and H&M are just a few names. 

 

 

 

Page Contributors: Stephanie, Michelle, Johanna, Ryan