In the heart of Greenwich Village, on the corner of 7th Avenue and Christopher Street, lies an unassuming yet intriguing piece of New York City history—the Hess Triangle. This tiny mosaic is more than just a decorative plaque; it’s a symbol of defiance and a testament to one family’s stand against the city’s use of eminent domain.
The Fight Against Eminent Domain
The story begins in 1910, when New York City sought to expand the IRT subway lines along 7th Avenue, which today includes the 1, 2, and 3 trains. To achieve this, the city claimed 11 blocks along 7th Avenue, displacing residents and businesses alike. Among those affected was David Hess, the owner of an apartment building known as the Vorhees. Despite his protests and legal battles, Hess ultimately lost his fight against the city and passed away shortly thereafter.
A Tiny Victory
However, the Hess family’s connection to the property did not end with his death. Upon reviewing the situation, Hess’s children discovered a small oversight by the city’s surveyor—a sliver of land measuring just 500 square inches still legally belonged to the Hess estate. When New York City requested that the family donate this minuscule piece of land for public use, the family refused and pursued legal action to retain ownership.
A Defiant Message
Their victory led to the installation of a mosaic plaque on July 27, 1922, which boldly declares: “Property of the Hess Estate Which Has Never Been Dedicated for Public Purposes.” This defiant message remains a reminder of the family’s resistance.
From Symbol of Defiance to Quirky Landmark
In 1938, the estate sold the triangle to Village Cigars for $1000 (Which, when accounting for inflation, would be roughly equivalent to $17,500 today). Although ownership has since passed to 70 Christopher Street Realty Corp., the iconic mosaic remains a quirky landmark, symbolizing both historical pettiness and the enduring spirit of individual rights in the face of municipal authority.