Gyde
Open prototypeProto
Back to all New York City places

New York City, New York / History

Pomander Walk

A hidden, gated community of 27 Tudor-style cottages on the Upper West Side, evoking an English village atmosphere in the heart of Manhattan.

Open prototype Official site Get directions
Pomander Walk
www.nyctourism.com, og_image_www.nyctourism.com

What is Pomander Walk known for?

Pomander Walk is a private, gated co-op apartment complex on Manhattan's Upper West Side featuring 27 Tudor-style homes. It is a New York City Landmark designated in 1982 and is described as a micro-neighborhood that evokes an English village atmosphere.

Can I visit Pomander Walk?

No, Pomander Walk is private and not open to the public. Access is by invitation only, and the gates are locked; casual viewing is discouraged.

Where is it located?

It is located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, extending through the middle of the block between West 94th and West 95th Streets, between Broadway and West End Avenue.

What is the history of Pomander Walk?

Built in 1921–22 by Thomas H. Healy, the complex was named after a play set in London. It was originally intended as a temporary project to generate income until Healy could build a hotel, but the hotel was never built after his death in 1927.

Who has lived there?

Notable residents over the years have included Lillian Gish, Rosalind Russell, and Humphrey Bogart.

What should I check before going?

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

What to know

Pomander Walk is a private, cooperative apartment complex located on Manhattan's Upper West Side, situated between Broadway and West End Avenue. The complex consists of 27 Tudor-style homes, which are arranged around a narrow central courtyard that runs through the middle of the block between West 94th and West 95th Streets. This architectural anomaly creates a micro-neighborhood that feels like a secluded English village rather than a typical Manhattan block. Built in 1921-22 by developer Thomas H. Healy, the project was originally intended as a temporary income-generating venture. Healy bought a large portion of the block in 1920 and planned to raze the cottages to build a large hotel. However, the hotel was never built because Healy died in 1927, allowing the complex to survive into the present day. Originally, each of the small buildings housed three separate flats, with one flat on each floor. In recent years, many of these units have been reconfigured into single-family townhomes. The complex was designated a New York City Landmark in 1982 by the Landmarks Preservation Commission, ensuring its unique character is preserved. Because the site is a private residence, the interior walk is gated and locked, and casual viewing is discouraged. Visitors can only enter the interior courtyard by invitation, and the community remains one of the York City's most discreet neighborhoods.

Visitor tips

  • Be respectful of the residents' privacy as the complex is a private residence.
  • Avoid 'gaping' or lingering too long at the gates, as casual viewing is discouraged.
  • Allow about 15 minutes to view the architecture from the outside of the gates on West 94th and 95th Streets.

Nearby context

Pomander Walk is tucked away in a quiet residential area of the Upper West Side, bounded by Broadway and West End Avenue, providing a sharp contrast to the busier commercial corridors of the same neighborhood.

Sources

Evidence and links