Chelsea is on Manhattan’s West Side and its boundaries are from 14th to 29th Streets and from Broadway to the Hudson River. Chelsea is within walking distance to several other New York iconic spots--the Meatpacking and Flatiron Districts and Union Square.
The late 1980s brought about a influx of artsy interest when the Dia Arts Foundation set up a facility on West 22nd Street and unattractive warehouses were converted into art galleries galore. There’s several galleries between 10th and 11th Avenues, from 22nd to 26th Streets and the vibe remains the same--trendy, hip and cool like its nearby West Village and Soho neighbors.
Chelsea’s humble beginnings and working class past are evident from some of the high-rise public housing here and there, but there’s multi-million dollar brownstones and ultra-modern condos as well. There’s a definite and diverse mixture here; from very affordable rental units to large lofts where artists, celebrities and wealthy patrons make this charming neighborhood their home. Nicole Kidman and husband Keith Urban and Domenico Dolce of Dolce & Gabbana have apartments in West Chelsea at the 200 Eleventh Avenue that boasts car elevators.
100 11th Avenue is an over-the-top luxury condominium building that sits on Architect’s Row along the Hudson River. Designed by world-renown French designer Jean Nouvel, these residences are steps away from some of Chelsea’s best restaurants, parks, entertainment venues and thriving art district. Seventy-two Manhattan luxury apartments offer residents floor-to-ceiling windows, some with terraces and balconies.
From West 23rd to West 24th Streets are the 1930 apartments known as London Terrace. The 1,665 brick and terra cotta apartment buildings were converted to co-ops and rentals and are in a desirable area, with easy access to galleries, shops, restaurants and the High Line, the 1.45 mile-long elevated park that was once used as a freight rail line. The park, still undergoing some renovation, gives residents a beautiful green space that rises above city streets with views of the Hudson River and New York’s skyline. The Caledonia at 450 West 17th Street is the first luxury residential building on the High Line and residents can rent or buy these luxury units that have open air gardens with bamboo trees.
Brownstones are nestled among lots of green on 20th and 23rd Streets, some with backyard spaces, a rare and much-desired treat for urban dwellers. Steps away on West 20th Street is the General Theological Seminary where Law & Order films some of its scenes.
Chelsea has its share of luxury hotel accommodations, one of the most famous being the historic Hotel Chelsea, that was originally co-ops in the late 1800s and then converted into a hotel in the early 1900s. Creative bohemians and introspective intellectuals have found their muse here--Arthur Miller, Thomas Wolfe, William S. Burroughs, Bob Dylan, and Jimi Hendrix--to name a few, stayed or resided at Hotel Chelsea. This Victorian Gothic-inspired building remains a hotspot for the same and continues to be a backdrop for numerous films and photo shoots.
Architect Frank Gehry designed the magnificent IAC Building at 550 West 18th Street, the world headquarters of IAC, a leading internet company. This architectural marvel has views of Chelsea Piers, the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty. The building’s exterior is constructed entirely of unique shapes and twists of glass that reflect light and gives it its stunning, white appearance. At night, the interior lights cause the glass curtain to become transparent and shows the building’s concrete skeleton. Inside the lobby are giant video walls that allow visitors a massive touch-screen experience.
For play and entertainment, residents go to Chelsea Piers, where long ago, the rich and famous along with European immigrants arrived. Today it’s the Chelsea Piers Sports and Entertainment Complex, a $100 million dollar center for public recreation and waterfront access between Piers 59 through 62.
The Chelsea Market, once a Nabisco factory, is an enormous food court and shopping mall. The complex takes up two blocks from 9th and 11th Avenues and 15th and 16th Streets. Iron chef Masaharu Morimoto’s restaurant, Morimoto is there as well as a host of other retail boutiques and eateries. The market has year-long events as well, such as wine tastings, chili-fests and cultural events that help participants discover the “Real New York.” Nearby is Mario Batali’s Del Posto, one of New York City’s best Italian restaurants.
Although larger in size than some of its neighboring communities, Chelsea has a cozy village vibe with all the luxuries and amenities of a busy, urban metropolis.
Take a look at the extensive list of Chelsea’s art galleries here, for more info about NYC’s High Line, visit their website and for inquiries about Chelsea condos or co-ops, visit Keller Williams New York City!
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