Isaacs-Hendricks House

What to know

The Isaacs-Hendricks House, located at 77 Bedford Street on the corner of Commerce Street, is recognized as the oldest extant house in Greenwich Village. Built in 1799 by wholesale merchant Joshua Isaacs, the home was constructed during a time when the area was a leafy suburb north of the city center, before most of the neighborhood's streets had even been laid out. Originally designed as a free-standing Federal-style farmhouse with a yard, the structure was initially wooden. However, in 1836, large sections including the brick facing were added to the building, transforming its appearance. The property's early history is closely tied to prominent figures of the era, such as Harmon Hendricks, a copper merchant who purchased the home a year after its construction. Hendricks was considered the wealthiest American Jew of the early 19th century. In the 1920s, the house faced the threat of demolition to make way for an apartment building. A group of local Villagers stepped in and purchased the property to preserve the character of the block and prevent the erection of a modern apartment house on the site. This collective effort ensured that this rare piece of 18th-century architecture remains standing today as a testament to the early settlement of the West Village.

Visitor tips

• View the brick facing added in 1836 to see the transition from a wooden farmhouse to a row house.
• Take a moment to look for the corner location at Bedford and Commerce Streets for the best perspective.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes as this is a prime spot for a self-guided tour of the West Village's narrow streets.

Nearby context

The Isaacs-Hendricks House is nestled in the heart of the West Village, where the irregular street grid and narrow lanes reflect the early settlement patterns of the early 19th century.