Washington Sq South, Greenwich Village

Washington Square South is a beautiful street -- much like the rest of the surrounding streets of Washington Square Park. It is filled with old townhouses, churches and century old NYU buildings. There are trees lining the street; and, it's quite lively because of university students and the park. I love this area. It's so rich with history, beautiful and full of energy.

The entire block between Sullivan and MacDougal was inhabited by John Reed at some point. He lived on one building when he was a graduate, moved into the building next door after he moved in with socialite, Mabel Dodge, and it didn't work out. And, then he moved next door to that when he married Louise Bryant (who later had an affair with Eugene O'Neill just down the street). Needless to say, Reed, along with many other prominent writers, really liked this street.

Weirdly, this street has just about every kind of church all within a few blocks. I suppose that's what happens on the ground around a university; but, none of the churches are really all that aesthetically appealing (in my opinion). St Marks on the Bowery is a far more appealing church to visit and it's just down the street. Holy Trinity Chapel on the corner of Wash Sq South and Thompson replaces the former residence of the executioner for Washington Square Park. He would just walk to work at the hangman's tree and execute someone and walk home. I'll bet that church has some unhappy ghosts. Nextdoor to the church is a NYU student center where Bob Dylan played his first gig.

A number of famous writers lived around Washington Square South and LaGuardia. There was a boarding house for the literary genius where the student center is now, and, according to lore, just about every prominent literary figure has lived there at some point.

Washington Square South is a unique area, that is for sure. The park is lively and there are always a good deal of performers in the area providing free entertainment. New York University has taken over a good part of the area with it's library and catholic center so students are the most common demographic in the area. While that is fine, NYU students have a tendency to be interesting people. The street has a lively vibe, but overall it just feels a bit disjointed and strange. I don't have anything against it, per say, but it can feel a bit strange at times.