Patchin Place

Patchin Place is a little dead end street in Greenwich Village across from the Jefferson Market Library off West 10th Street. The buildings on it were originally built in 1848 to house lower-class hotel workers. In the early 20th century, it became a home for bohemian writers in the growing artistic community of the neighborhood. The author Theodore Dreiser and poet E. E. Cummings lived here, among many others.

Nowadays, it still retains a charming time-capsule atmosphere, set apart from the rest of the city. From it’s humble lower class origins, it’s now an expensive desirable location and is home to 15 psychologists’ offices.

One particular historical artifact of note is the lamp post at the end of the street, which is an original 1860s gas light. It’s one of only two left in the city, the other being in the Bronx, and has since been converted to electricity.

Step back in time on Patchin Place on our Secrets of Greenwich Village Tour.