Mobile users, you may need to rotate your device or click the + sign above to see the full list of neighborhoods.

Stuyvesant Town / Peter Cooper Village - Manhattan - NYC

Stuyvesant Town, and its sister complex Peter Cooper Village, represent a massive (and comfortable) cooperative housing complex on Manhattan's East Side.

Stuyvesant Town slideshow (Coming Soon)

The neighborhood

East of 1st Avenue, between East 14th and East 23rd streets are the twin developments of Stuyvesant Town and Peter Cooper Village. Built to replace the old Gas House District, these two developments create quiet, secluded residences - shielded from the hectic pace of life in the Big Apple.

Stuyvesant Town - Peter Cooper Village, often referred to as StuyTown, is a unique and expansive residential community situated in the heart of Manhattan. Developed in the late 1940s as a response to the post-World War II housing shortage, StuyTown was a pioneering project aimed at providing affordable housing for middle-class New Yorkers. The neighborhood was named after Peter Stuyvesant, the last Dutch governor of New Amsterdam, and the philanthropist Peter Cooper, who contributed to the project. Stuyvesant Town - Peter Cooper Village encompasses a vast area with numerous buildings, beautifully landscaped green spaces, and a range of amenities. The red-brick buildings and tree-lined streets create a peaceful and suburban-like atmosphere within the urban landscape of Manhattan. The community offers a wealth of recreational facilities, including parks, playgrounds, sports courts, and even ice skating rinks. StuyTown is home to a diverse mix of residents, fostering a vibrant and inclusive community spirit. With its central location, convenient amenities, and emphasis on community, Stuyvesant Town - Peter Cooper Village has remained a beloved and sought-after residential destination in Manhattan.

Stuyvesant Town - Peter Cooper Village has a rich history that dates back to the post-World War II era. The neighborhood was developed by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company as a response to the housing shortage faced by returning veterans and the growing population of New York City. Construction of Stuyvesant Town began in 1945, and it was completed in 1947. The project aimed to provide affordable housing options for middle-class families, and it was considered a groundbreaking development in terms of scale and planning. The neighborhood was named after Peter Stuyvesant, the Dutch governor of New Amsterdam, and Peter Cooper, an American industrialist and philanthropist. Stuyvesant Town - Peter Cooper Village was designed to be a self-contained community, offering spacious apartments, modern amenities, and a variety of recreational facilities. The development became a symbol of post-war urban renewal and was celebrated for its innovative planning and design. Over the years, Stuyvesant Town - Peter Cooper Village has evolved while still maintaining its commitment to providing quality housing and fostering a sense of community for its residents.

Stuyvesant Town - Peter Cooper Village has been home to several notable individuals who have made their mark in various fields. One such figure is actress Anne Hathaway, known for her roles in films like "The Devil Wears Prada" and "Les Misérables." Hathaway spent her childhood in the neighborhood, and her talent and versatility have earned her critical acclaim and numerous accolades. Another prominent resident is acclaimed author and journalist Tom Wolfe, whose works, including "The Bonfire of the Vanities" and "The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test," captured the essence of American society and cultural movements. Notable musician and composer David Byrne, best known as the frontman of the band Talking Heads, also resided in Stuyvesant Town - Peter Cooper Village during his formative years. Byrne's innovative music and artistic vision have influenced generations of musicians. These individuals, among others, have called Stuyvesant Town - Peter Cooper Village home and have contributed to the cultural fabric of the neighborhood and beyond.

Highlight Gallery

Click here for the full Stuyvesant Town photo gallery:

Explore Every New York City Neighborhood:

All photography provided by Samuel Walters