Chelsea
An
eclectic neighborhood offering lofts, rental buildings, and brownstones,Chelsea
is asought-after neighborhood for families, couples, and singles because
of its interesting mix of artistic, cultural, and recreational resources.
Chelsea is the area located between West 14th Street and West 34th Street, west of Fifth Avenue to the Hudson River. Formerly known as the Flower District, Chelsea North, the area above 23rd Street, has become one of the prime areas for conversion of industrial buildings into luxury lofts. Some of these lofts offer space large enough for four bedrooms, and some even have wood-burning fireplaces.
On Sixth Avenue, former flea market lots are being developed into rental complexes. The flower shops are being replaced by trendy boutiques, cafes, and grocery stores to meet the needs of the new residents of this burgeoning neighborhood. In an area that could best be described as West Chelsea or perhaps even the "West West Village," art galleries have sprung up in buildings that were formerly automobile garages and warehouses. Many Soho art dealers have relocated to this lucrative area, turning West 22nd Street into the new Gallery Row.
The Fashion Institute of Technology on West 27th Street offers college-accredited classes. FIT's own art gallery is open to the public. In this "new" neighborhood, between Tenth and Eleventh Avenues in the 20's, luxury condo lofts cater to the influx of young couples and singles, along with trendy cafes and restaurants in the former Meat Packing District, the area closer to 14th Street. The old-world charm of Chelsea can still be found in elegantly restored pre-war garden apartments and brownstones, abundant on tree-lined streets and decorated with flower boxes, wrought-iron railings, and polished oak entries.
The Hudson River Park at Chambers and West Street is planned for extension to Midtown, and the piers along the Hudson River are being rebuilt and developed. The brand-new 1.7 million square foot Chelsea Piers Sports and Entertainment Complex, located between 17th and 23rd Streets at the Hudson River, features a state-of-the-art health club, golf driving range, hockey, ice skating, rock climbing, and more. The McBurney "Y" on 23rd Street offers a swimming pool, sauna, free weights, track, cardiac center, and a variety of classes. North Chelsea also houses the world-famous Madison Square Garden, home of the New York Knicks, Rangers hockey, Barnum and Bailey Circus, championship boxing events, and countless superstar music concerts.
The Pennsylvania Railroad Station is located below Madison Square Garden, which extends from Seventh to Eighth Avenues between West 31st and West 33rd Streets. Sixth and Seventh Avenues in Chelsea are populated by large superstores such as Barnes & Noble; Bed, Bath and Beyond; the Burlington Coat Factory; and Staples. Eighth Avenue has become a haven for a wide variety of ethnic gourmet restaurants.
See also transportation and schools for Chelsea.
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