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Add Texture to GoogleIn the heart of Greenwich Village, behind a wrought-iron gate that seems to freeze time, lies one of Manhattan’s best-kept secrets: MacDougal Alley. This cobblestone alley, a remnant of 19th-century New York, is about to turn a new page in its history. Number 9, a former red-brick carriage house that served as a creative refuge for Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner, has just been listed for $7,995,000. Within these 25-foot-wide walls, American abstract art found one of its most unique havens, at a time when the neighborhood was not yet the real estate sanctuary it has become, but rather the center of gravity for the global avant-garde.
A historic enclave north of Washington Square
The history of this home is inextricably linked to that of its alley. Created in 1833, MacDougal Alley originally served as access to the stables of the sumptuous mansions lining Washington Square North. It was not until the turn of the 20th century, around 1901, that the alley began its artistic transformation under the guidance of sculptor Frederick Triebel. It then became a hub of sought-after studios, frequented by major figures such as Daniel Chester French, who created the models for the Lincoln Memorial there, and Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, whose adjacent studios laid the foundation for the first Whitney Museum in 1930.
The property now being offered by Sotheby’s International Realty embodies this transition from the utilitarian to the artistic. While records differ on its exact date of construction—some archives mention the 1870s or 1879, while others point to 1899—its “carriage house” charm remains intact. Behind its red-brick facade, it spans approximately 139 square meters across three levels, offering a layout rarely found in this protected area of the city.
Pollock’s Legacy and Ossorio’s Shadow
Although Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner never owned the property, 9 MacDougal Alley holds a special place in their lives. Between 1949 and 1952, the house was rented by Alfonso Ossorio, a Filipino-American painter and early patron of the arts. It was during this period—and more specifically during Ossorio’s absences between 1949 and early 1951—that the Pollock-Krasner couple stayed and worked there.
The story goes that Ossorio, aware of the couple’s financial precariousness despite the meteoric rise of “drip paintings,” made sure to provide them with regular supplies of food during their stays. This domestic and sheltered environment fostered a prolific output: it was here that Pollock is said to have created a series of drawings on paper of paramount importance. One of these works, created during this urban interlude, later fetched $4.5 million at a Christie’s auction.
Artists’ Works and Overhead Light
The interior layout retains the features cherished by the artists who have lived within these walls over the years. The central feature remains the studio located on the mezzanine, bathed in light through a large artist’s skylight that provides constant, diffused light. The living area features a working wood-burning fireplace, evoking the warm, bohemian atmosphere of mid-20th-century studios.
The home features two bedrooms and two full bathrooms. In an unusual touch that may reflect a desire for flexibility or independence, the property has two separate kitchens, located on the ground floor and the second floor. The outdoor spaces are no less impressive in this urban setting: a private, tree-lined garden extends from the ground floor, while a south-facing balcony is accessible from the second floor. To top it all off, the rooftop terrace offers unobstructed views of the historic Greenwich Village neighborhood.
A rare find on the New York real estate market
The current seller, Fred Kolo, a theater set designer known for his collaborations with Robert Wilson, is parting with this property after owning it for nearly four decades. According to sources, he acquired the property in December 1988, meaning he has lived there for approximately 45 years. This long tenure explains the care taken to preserve the home’s character, while also offering potential for future renovations for the next owner. The creation of a landscaped rooftop deck or even the addition of an extra floor in the form of a penthouse are mentioned as possible renovations, although they would be subject to strict approval by the relevant heritage authorities.
This listing comes as interest in the work of this Abstract Expressionist couple is reaching a new peak, driven by current museum exhibitions. This fall, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is presenting the exhibition “Krasner and Pollock: Past Continuous”—a coincidence that underscores the historical significance of this address. Beyond the numbers, acquiring 9 MacDougal Alley is like owning a piece of the intimate geography of modern art. Finally, the property includes the ultimate luxury in New York: a private parking space guaranteed by deed right in front of the entrance, capable of accommodating an SUV and a motorcycle, within this cul-de-sac secured by a private gate.
