Gramercy Park and some of the residential buildings encircling it with key access
New York's most upscale residential buildings flaunt the use of high-quality materials: statuary marble floors, bronze door handles and 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.
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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 Fear of having key privileges rescinded keeps the payments coming in.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.
When the five-star Gramercy Park Hotel was open, guests could use the hotel's keys to the park but were required to be escorted in and out by hotel staff. Whoever holds the keys, the precious hardware is required for both entering and exiting the park. Additionally, keyholders may be accompanied by no more than five guests at a time.
As an aside, Gramercy Park Hotel shuttered in the pandemic, but MCR Hotels acquired the lease to the property in August 2023 and announced plans to reopen it as a luxury boutique hotel in 2025, following renovations. These include restoring the lobby, the guest rooms, the rooftop bar, and the first-floor restaurant (Danny Meyer's Maialino, which is expected to reopen). But for all the updates, the hotel is expected to keep keys to the park.
As an aside, Gramercy Park Hotel shuttered in the pandemic, but MCR Hotels acquired the lease to the property in August 2023 and announced plans to reopen it as a luxury boutique hotel in 2025, following renovations. These include restoring the lobby, the guest rooms, the rooftop bar, and the first-floor restaurant (Danny Meyer's Maialino, which is expected to reopen). But for all the updates, the hotel is expected to keep keys to the park.
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 December 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.
Residential buildings with keys to the park:
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19 Gramercy Park South
10 Gramercy Park South
Homes for sale with Gramercy Park access
60 Gramercy Park North, #LOFT1 (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)
3 Gramercy Park West, #1F (CORE Group Marketing LLC)
Gramercy Towers, #9B (Compass)
48 Gramercy Park North, #1B (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)
Gramercy Towers, #18G (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)
60 Gramercy Park North, #8H (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)
36 Gramercy Park East, #8ST (Corcoran Group)
The Gramercy, #9AF (Nest Seekers LLC)
50 Gramercy Park North, #5A
$3,950,000
$24,950 (-10.9%)
Gramercy Park | Condop | 2 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 2,150 ft2
50 Gramercy Park North, #5A (Compass)
24 Gramercy Park South, #12E (Compass)
36 Gramercy Park East, #2N
$5,100,000 (-4.7%)
Gramercy Park | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths | 2,285 ft2
36 Gramercy Park East, #2N (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)
1 Lexington Avenue, #5A/6A (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)
18 Gramercy Park South, #PENTHOUSE
$39,995,000
Gramercy Park | Condominium | 5 Bedrooms, 5.5 Baths | 6,329 ft2
18 Gramercy Park South, #PENTHOUSE (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)
Homes for rent with Gramercy Park access
50 Gramercy Park North, #8AB (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)
3 Gramercy Park West, #PARLOR (CORE Group Marketing LLC)
Would you like to tour any of these properties?
Just complete the info below.
Or call us at (212) 755-5544
Would you like to tour any of these properties?
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