‘Locals Only’ features notable New Yorkers, innovators and friends of CORE and their chosen neighborhoods. We hope to share the magic and uniqueness of New York City’s local areas through the eyes of those who know it best.
Fran Gormley, an abstract aerial photographer, branding consultant and Adjunct Associate Professor at NYU Stern School of Business, knew and loved New York’s Greenwich Village many years ago. After several years away, Gormley finds herself back in her favorite neighbhorhood. And it’s no wonder why!
Why did you choose to live in Greenwich Village?
I raised my daughter in Greenwich, Connecticut, but had a pied-a-terre at 41 Fifth Avenue while she was growing up. Last September, my daughter moved to California to attend Stanford, so I decided it was time to live in the city full time. I’ve always liked the Village and instantly fell in love with an unusual, light drenched apartment at the Breevort East that Lawrence Treglia had shown me. It has an enclosed, all glass dining room with quintessential New York views looking south toward Washington Square Park. I saw it online one Sunday morning in May and had an accepted offer within days.
Tell us your 3 neighborhood haunts.
The legendary Knickerbocker for comfort food, Margaux at the Marlton Hotel for their great fish and cozy fireplace and Agata & Valentina which has a wonderful selection of fresh fruits, vegetables and prepared food.
What’s your favorite street in your neighborhood?
It’s hard to pick, but the beautiful prewar buildings on University Place between 9th and 10th have always caught my eye. My favorite lingerie store, La Petite Coquette, is also on that street.
What do you value here that other neighborhoods don’t have?
The heart of the Village is Washington Square Park, where I go twice a day with my miniature Australian Shepherd, Blu. It’s always vibrant and has a great dog park.
What’s one thing that most people don’t know about Greenwich Village?
At times, the Village can feel like two parallel worlds: one for the students and one for everyone else. As a professor, I find life is more interesting if you look at the world through the lens of students too.