New York’s Gramercy Park is a tremendous example of vision,
strategic planning, and entrepreneurship.
Gramercy Park is the only surviving private park in New York
City. It was developed by Samuel Ruggles who bought the land in
1831 from one-time mayor James Duane. Ruggles drained the marshy
site and laid out 66 building lots around a central park.
This pattern of development enabled Ruggles to sell lots on
the premise that homeowners would have access to a private park
- an exclusive privilege which still draws residents to this location
today.
Today, Gramercy remains one of the City’s greatest neighborhoods.
Gramercy Park is an inspiration to draw upon for businesses and
organizations. Great vision, strategic planning, and hard work
can lead to great things for many years to come.