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Patchin Place

A secluded, gated cul-de-sac in Greenwich Village featuring ten 19th-century brick row houses and one of the city's last remaining historic gaslamp posts.

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What is Patchin Place known for?

Patchin Place is a gated cul-de-sac in Greenwich Village featuring ten 3-story brick row houses. It is known for its architecture, its history as a residence for notable writers like E. E. Cummings and Theodore Dreiser, and for housing one of the city's remaining original gaslamp posts.

Where is it located?

It is located in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of Manhattan, off West 10th Street between Greenwich Avenue and Sixth Avenue.

Who has lived at Patchin Place?

Past residents include famous writers such as E. E. Cummings, Theodore Dreiser, Djuna Barnes, and John Cowper Powys, as well as Marlon Brando.

What is the history of the area?

Created in 1848 or 1849 by Samuel Milligan, the alley was named after his son-in-law, Aaron Patchin. One tradition suggests it was intended to house Basque waiters from the nearby Brevoort House Hotel.

Is it worth visiting for architecture fans?

Yes, it is part of the Greenwich Village Historic District and is frequently featured on architectural walking tours. It is described as a one-lane stretch of circa-1850 brick walk-ups blocked from traffic by a wrought-iron fence.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Patchin Place is a hidden, gated cul-de-sac located off West 10th Street in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of Manhattan. Created in 1848 or 1849 by Samuel Milligan, the alley was designed as a series of ten 3-story brick row houses facing each other across a narrow lane. The street was named after Aaron Patchin, the surveyor and son-in-law of Samuel Milligan. This one-lane stretch of brick walk-ups is shaded by ailanthus trees and protected from city traffic by a wrought-iron fence. The area is designated as part of the Greenwich Village Historic District and is a frequent stop on architectural walking tours. It is particularly noted for its preserved mid-19th-century atmosphere, which makes it feel like a time capsule of old New York. Over the decades, the alley has become a sanctuary for literary figures. Notable residents have included writers such as Theodore Dreiser, E. E. Cummings, John Cowper Powys, and Djuna Barnes, as well as actor Marlon Brando. A plaque at 4 Patchin Place commemorates the poet E. E. Cummings, who lived there in the early 1900s. Recent history has brought challenges to this historic enclave. In January 2026, a fire originating on the second story of the townhouse at 4 Patchin Place caused major damage to the building that once housed E. E. Cummings.

Visitor tips

  • Look for the commemorative plaque dedicated to poet E. E. Cummings at number 4.
  • Observe the historic gaslamp post, though it was wired for electricity in the 1920s.
  • Be respectful of the residents as this is a private gated community.

Nearby context

Patchin Place is situated where Greenwich Village meets the West Village, tucked away off West 10th Street between Greenwich Avenue and Sixth Avenue.

Sources

Evidence and links