You’ve seen the purple flags. If you've walked through Greenwich Village lately, specifically near the northeast corner of Washington Square Park, you’ve passed 11 Waverly Place New York. It’s one of those buildings that feels like it’s been there forever, mostly because it has.
It’s old.
Well, "New York old," which means it has seen several different lifetimes before the current crop of NYU sophomores moved in with their mini-fridges and LED light strips. Officially known as the Brittany Residence Hall, this spot is a weird, beautiful mix of high-society history and the chaotic energy of modern student life. Most people just walk by and think "dorm," but they're missing the fact that this place used to be a luxury hotel where the wealthy stayed while the Village was still transitioning from a bohemian haunt to a billionaire's playground.
The Architecture of 11 Waverly Place New York
This isn't your typical glass-and-steel monstrosity. Built in 1929, the building is a classic example of pre-war craftsmanship. It was designed by the firm Farrar & Watmough. These guys knew what they were doing. They gave it that distinct, tiered setback look that was all the rage in the late 20s.
Walk up to the entrance. Look up.
You’ll see intricate stonework and Gothic-inspired details that you just don't get in modern construction anymore. It’s got a presence. Honestly, the lobby still feels a bit like a hotel, even with the security turnstiles and the constant stream of kids in baggy jeans. The building stands 16 stories high, and if you’re lucky enough to get a room on the upper floors facing south, you have one of the best views of the park in the entire city. No joke.
Living in the Heart of the Village
Location is everything. If you’re living at 11 Waverly Place New York, you are basically at the epicenter of everything cool in lower Manhattan. You’re a thirty-second walk from the Arch. You’re steps away from Joe’s Pizza.
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It’s loud.
That’s the trade-off. You have the R/W subway lines right there at 8th Street, and the 6 train isn't much further at Astor Place. Living here means you don't really need a car—nobody has a car here anyway—but you also don't need a bike. You just walk. The building currently houses around 570 students, mostly in suites. It’s not the most modern dorm NYU owns—that title probably goes to Founders or Palladium—but it has "character," which is real estate speak for "the elevators might be slow, but the ceilings are high."
The Brittany's Past Life as a Hotel
Before NYU bought the place in the mid-20th century, it was the Hotel Brittany. Back then, the Village was a different animal. It was the land of jazz clubs and beatniks, but the Brittany was where the "uptown" crowd stayed when they wanted to feel edgy.
Think about the ghosts.
Not literal ghosts—though some students claim the place is haunted—but the ghosts of the jazz age. There are records of famous musicians and writers grabbing drinks in the spaces that are now probably study lounges or laundry rooms. It’s a bit surreal when you think about it. You’re doing your macroeconomics homework in a room where someone might have been nursing a martini in 1935 while listening to live piano.
What to Know Before You Visit (or Move In)
If you're a student or just someone scouting the neighborhood, there are a few things that aren't in the official brochure.
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- The Penthouse Study Lounge: This is the crown jewel of 11 Waverly Place New York. It’s on the top floor. It’s huge. It has massive windows. Even if you aren't studying, people go up there just to stare at the Empire State Building.
- The Basement: It’s a bit of a maze. There are music practice rooms down there, which is a lifesaver for the Tisch students who need to belt out show tunes without getting a noise complaint from their roommates.
- The Laundry Situation: It’s better than most, but still, it’s a 500-person building. Timing is a literal science here.
- The "Haunted" Reputation: Look, every old building in New York has a ghost story. The Brittany is no different. Is it actually haunted? Probably not. But when the wind whistles through those old window frames at 3:00 AM, you’ll definitely start believing in spirits.
The Neighborhood Context
Waverly Place itself is a bit of a geographic oddity. It’s the street that famously intersects itself. If you follow Waverly long enough, you’ll find the spot where Waverly Place meets... Waverly Place.
Classic New York.
At the 11 Waverly Place address, you’re sitting on the edge of NoHo and the Village. To your east, you’ve got the more industrial, trendy vibes of Broadway and Lafayette. To your west, you’ve got the winding, tree-lined streets of the West Village. It’s the perfect transition point.
Why the Location Matters for Real Estate
Even if you aren't a student, keeping an eye on buildings like this is important for understanding Manhattan real estate trends. NYU owns a massive chunk of the Village, and their stewardship of these pre-war buildings keeps the "old world" feel alive while the rest of the city gets bulldozed for glass towers. 11 Waverly Place New York is a protected part of that ecosystem. It ensures that the skyline around Washington Square Park stays consistent.
Practical Insights for Navigating the Area
If you find yourself standing outside 11 Waverly Place New York, don't just stare at the building.
Turn around.
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You’re looking right at the northern edge of Washington Square Park. If you need a break from the city noise, head two blocks north to 10th Street—it’s one of the most beautiful residential blocks in the world. If you’re hungry, avoid the immediate tourist traps on Broadway and walk a few blocks south into Greenwich Village proper.
Next Steps for Explorers and Residents:
Check out the Washington Square Hotel nearby if you want to see what the Brittany probably looked like in its prime. They’ve kept a lot of that 1930s hotel DNA intact.
For those actually moving into 11 Waverly, get a heavy-duty floor fan. The building has steam heat—which is great in the winter—but those old pipes can make the rooms feel like a sauna even when it’s 40 degrees outside. Open the windows, let the Village air in, and enjoy the fact that you’re living in a piece of Manhattan history.
Walk through the park at dusk. The way the light hits the brickwork of 11 Waverly is something you won't forget quickly. It’s quintessential New York.