Chelsea, 30th Street Between Seventh and Sixth Avenues

Mary Sargent © 2010 ………………….…………… ………………….. click to enlarge

Here is the landmarked building I promised.  It is the Cass Gilbert, only recently named after its architect, upon being converted to condominiums.  You may know Cass Gilbert as the architect of the Woolworth Building, at one time the world's tallest building.  Also the U.S. Courthouse.  This building, then, built in 1927-28, was unusual for him, in that it was really a manufacturing loft building, built for the fur industry which had recently begun developing in this area.

In 2003, the developer, Henry Justin, divided the building into 45 condominium units and it sold out within 60 days.  He had received permission from the architect's grandson to use the name.  According to the New York Times, Justin said that if the grandson had refused, he might have named it the "Beaver Pelt Building."

Had that occurred, it may have taken longer than 60 days to sell out.




Mary Sargent © 2010 ………………….…………… ………………….. click to enlarge

Here's a close-up of one of the entrances showing terra cotta reliefs of chariots and roaring lions, part of the reason for its landmarked status.  Those of you interested in stuff like this should go to the report of the Landmarks Preservation Commission.  I love those reports; this one talks about the neighborhood, the architect, why it makes sense that he designed this building (it was a social connection), the design, what a loft building requires, the zoning law which required setbacks, architectural terra cotta, and finally, why they gave it landmark status.  Every question I could possibly have, they answer.

By the way, this is right next to the also landmarked 23 Police Precinct Station House, seen here at the beginning of this walk on June 29.