West Chelsea Historic District

Located along the Hudson River waterfront, this area contains a variety of residential and industrial buildings dating from 1885 to 1930 and associated with some of New York's most prominent manufacturing firms.

Some of the earliest development corresponds to the growth of waterfront industries and tenement houses built for the dockworkers. A small stable building at 554 West 28th Street was built by New York Lumber Action Company in 1889. The second period of development occurred at the turn of the twentieth century, when low-scale buildings were replaced with large industrial buildings. The former Cornell Iron Works Building, constructed in 1891 and located at 555 West 25th Street, is a handsome example of the American Rounded Arch style.

Another important warehouse in the district is the R.C. Williams & Co. Building at 259 Tenth Avenue, constructed in 1927-28. The building was used as a storage warehouse for wholesale grocery items. Designed by well-known architect Cass Gilbert, the plain reinforced concrete building was located close to the elevated railroad known today as the High Line.

At present, art galleries and residential complexes characterize West Chelsea, which has become one of New York's most popular art districts. ©2014