Various recent condo conversions of historic buildings in the Village
The Greenwich Village Historic District was one of the first to be established in New York City, and has been extended twice in the decades that followed to encompass almost the entirety of the neighborhood. While there’s no question that this has preserved the unique architectural character, it has inadvertently led to a housing shortage: The area is in ever-increased demand thanks to its rich history, thriving cultural scene, and easy access to other popular neighborhoods, but longtime residents understandably want to stay, and the historic district designation means that no new construction can take place without the approval of the Landmarks Preservation Commission (“Landmarks”).
As such, some developers find it easier to adapt existing Village buildings for residential use rather than try to erect something new. While such endeavors also require Landmarks approval, this is anecdotally easier to get than that for new construction. Indeed, as these conversion projects often involve restoring the original architecture to its former glory, even the staunchest preservationists tend to look favorably upon them. Additionally, these buildings' multi-faceted history and original architectural details add another degree of character to the buildings to further appeal to luxury buyers. This article looks at the most ingenious examples of adaptive reuse in the West Village and Greenwich Village.
In this article:
Then: Hotel, circa 1898 | Now: 24-unit condominium developed by William Gottlieb Real Estate and Aurora Capital
4 availabilities from $2.35M
The Keller (Compass)
The Keller is one of the West Village's more recent adaptive reuse projects, and one of the most successful: Shortly after sales officially launched in spring 2023, a total of over $55 million in contracts was signed. Apartments benefit from views of the Hudson River and historic West Village streets, not to mention thoughtful interiors and bespoke kitchens, and amenities include an attended lobby, gym, and lounge with access to a landscaped courtyard. How far it's come from its past as an SRO and "leather bar"!
The Keller, #6C (Compass)
Then: Printing factory, circa 1912 | Now: 35-unit condominium developed by Brack Capital Real Estate
1 availability for $19.95M
90 Morton Street
Located where the West Village meets Hudson Square, a printing factory was expanded and converted to residential use. Interiors feature high ceilings and expansive windows, not to mention top-of-the-line finishes and appliances. Apartments on the eighth floor and higher enjoy private outdoor space, and all residents have access to amenities like a state-of-the-art fitness center, spa pool, library lounge, and rooftop terrace.
90 Morton Street, #PH9A (Modlin Group LLC)
Then: Warehouse, circa 1896 | Now: 54-unit condominium developed by Naftali Group
1 availability for $7.4M
The Shephard (Compass)
During the Landmarks-approved conversion of the warehouse at 275 West 10th Street, the building was beautifully restored inside and out – residents enjoy abundant natural light through arched windows, not to mention barrel-vaulted ceilings and oak floors. Amenities at this full-service building include a gym, Pilates studio, basketball court, library, children's playroom, and courtyard garden. Comedian/author Trevor Noah was recently spotted touring an apartment in the building.
The Shephard, #10C (Compass)
Then: St. Vincent's Hospital, circa 1849 | Now: Condominium complex developed by Rudin Management and Global Holdings
2 availabilities from $7M
The Greenwich Lane (Douglas Elliman)
Throughout its rich history, St. Vincent's Hospital has treated survivors of the Titanic and housed the first and largest AIDS ward on the East Coast. Following the hospital's bankruptcy and closing in 2010, its next incarnation is as a highly coveted condominium that has attracted the likes of Howard Schultz, Jon Bon Jovi, Tamara Mellon, and Michael C. Hall. Some of the buildings in the hospital's complex were torn down to make way for townhouse units, and all residents have access to an amenity suite that includes a state-of-the-art fitness center, a 25-meter lap pool and hot tub, a dining room, a screening room, and lush gardens.
The Greenwich Lane, #11W
$7,950,000
Greenwich Village | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 2,079 ft2
The Greenwich Lane, #11W (Compass)
Then: Industrial loft, circa 1890 | Now: 184-unit condominium developed by Belvedere Capital Management
1 availability for $2.495M
The Printing House (Corcoran Group)
With its 1979 conversion to condos, the Italianate Renaissance-style loft building at 421 Hudson Street was a harbinger of what was to come in the following decades. The building is home to the flagship Printing House Equinox fitness center, and additional amenities include a private landscaped mews and rooftop sun deck.
The Printing House, #807
$2,495,000 (-15.4%)
West Village | Condominium | 1 Bedroom, 2 Baths | 1,218 ft2
The Printing House, #807 (Corcoran Group)
Then: Washington Square United Methodist Church, circa 1860 | Now: 8-unit condominium
1 availability for $3M
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Novare (Compass)
One block west of Washington Square Park, the Romanesque-style building still looks much the same as it did when services were in session. The impressively proportioned interiors remain rich in beautifully preserved original details like soaring ceilings, stained glass windows, architectural beams, and plank flooring.
Novare, #3E (Compass)
Then: Department store, circa 1904 | Now: 67-unit condominium
3 availabilities from $6.25M
The Greenwich (Evan Joseph Images)
Decades after this building on the cusp of Greenwich Village and Chelsea was constructed as a department store, The Greenwich serves as a prime example of how commercial buildings can be turned into residential: The facade was beautifully preserved amidst the conversion by Franke Gottesegen Cox Architects, and they carved out a 40-square-foot interior courtyard to provide windows for rear-facing apartments. The result is a full-service building that marries original details with state-of-the-art finishes, not to mention offers easy access to popular restaurants, designer shopping, and the green space and transportation hub at Union Square.
The Greenwich, #PH11C
$6,250,000 (-10.7%)
Greenwich Village | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 2,223 ft2
The Greenwich, #PH11C (Kleier Residential Inc)
Then: Garage, circa 1931 | Now: 7-unit condominium developed by Alf Naman Real Estate
No public availabilities
125 Perry Street (Compass)
Before sales officially launched at 125 Perry Street, the building proved itself to be in high demand: The building has already reported three contract signings, including a townhouse and penthouse, that came to an aggregate asking price of over $110 million. The penthouse was asking $57,500,000 in the highest Downtown contract of 2024 to date. Indeed, if it sold for that price, it would come in just behind the record-setting, $72.5 million townhouse that sold in February 2024.
Few details are available about 125 Perry Street’s interiors and, as is typical for boutique condominiums all over the city, it is not an especially amenity-rich building, offering only doorman service, a private driveway, a gym, and an indoor sports court. The greatest perk may be its West Village address on a Belgian block street near Hudson River Park’s Piers 45 and 46, acclaimed restaurants, and historic Village sites.
Few details are available about 125 Perry Street’s interiors and, as is typical for boutique condominiums all over the city, it is not an especially amenity-rich building, offering only doorman service, a private driveway, a gym, and an indoor sports court. The greatest perk may be its West Village address on a Belgian block street near Hudson River Park’s Piers 45 and 46, acclaimed restaurants, and historic Village sites.
Then: Eugene Lang College dormitory, circa 1930 | Now: 8-unit condominium developed by Slate Property Group
No current availabilities
Completion estimated for 2025
Rendering of 118 West 13th Street (CityRealty)
In September 2021, Slate Property Group bought 118 West 13th Street from The New School for $22.85 million. More recently, a site visit saw work underway to transform the interiors into condominiums with the context-sensitive BKSK Architects as architect of record. An offering plan has not yet been filed, but it is worth noting that the dorm once attracted notoriety for being the country's most expensive - the forthcoming condos could follow suit.
Honorable Mentions
Greenwich Village is one of New York's most highly coveted neighborhoods, and true loft apartments all over the city are getting fewer and farther between as they get snapped up. The following buildings do not currently have any availabilities, but still stand as prime examples of adaptive reuse.
Then: Nursing home, circa 1906 | Now: 10-unit condominium developed and designed by FLAnk
The Abingdon (Christie's International Real Estate)
Delos Residences (Brown Harris Stevens)
Then: Dress factory, circa 1897 | Now: 5-unit condominium developed by Delos
Then: Garage, circa 1896 | Now: 9-unit condominium developed by Rigby Asset Management
17 East 12th Street (CityRealty)
Would you like to tour any of these properties?
Just complete the info below.
Or call us at (212) 755-5544
Would you like to tour any of these properties?
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