03/26/2026
We’re very proud to be serving as architectural consultants for the Quaker House, one of the 20 townhouses that surround the historic Turtle Bay Gardens.
Set mid-block and hidden from the street, Turtle Bay Gardens is a shared private garden enclosed by a row of 19th-century townhouses—an unexpected, almost suburban oasis in the heart of the city. For over a century, residents have quietly shared this green space, creating a rare, backyard-style community in Midtown Manhattan.
Turtle Bay Gardens has long attracted notable figures, including Katharine Hepburn, Bob Dylan, and Stephen Sondheim, all of whom lived in the properties surrounding the gardens. E.B. White the famed author of Charlotte’s Web was also a notable resident in the past. In fact, legend has it that his famous children’s story Stuart LIttle, was set in the garden area directly behind the Quaker House.
We love that our work often leads us to places layered with interesting histories and characters. We’re grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing stewardship of Turtle Bay Gardens: a fascinating corner of the city that most New Yorkers pass by without ever realizing it’s there.
If you’re interested in reading more about the gardens’ history—and the notable names who’ve passed through them over the years—check out this Curbed article from 2024 (subscription required).Â
https://www.curbed.com/article/turtle-bay-gardens-stephen-sondheim-robert-gottlieb-katharine-hepburn.htmlÂ
Photo Caption: A 1920 image of Turtle Bay Gardens taken by Frances Benjamin Johnston.Â
