Washington Square was built in 1826, but the arch didn't appear until 1895. In 1918 two statues of George Washington were added to the north side. The original fountain was constructed in 1852 and replaced in 1872.

Before it was a square, the area on the north side was a German cemetery; the south side was a potter's field and even a public hanging area.

Until 1971, cars were allowed to drive through the arch. That year, Washington Square was redesigned by Robert Nichols. NYU still rents the square for graduation ceremonies, but the park needs some sprucing up. How to do that is the question.

NYC's Department of Parks and Recreation has proposed a park redesign to enlarge the border fencing, to reduce the park's central plaza, replace the large round fountain with an ornamental one, and cut down dozens of mature trees. Since 2005, five lawsuits have been filed challenging the plan. More recently, on December 10, 2007, the Open Washington Square Park Coalition called for an investigation of the Parks Department and released a private report estimating the removal of the fountain will cost about a half million dollars.

However, the city has already won two of those lawsuits and the N.Y. State Supreme Court in Manhattan has now cleared the way for the renovation. Justice Joan Madden declared the city had taken steps to ensure the work would not significantly damage the environment. The renovation is expected to begin by year's end.