As home of the likes of Allen Ginsberg, Dylan Thomas, Jack Kerouac, Edna St. Vincent Millay, Jackson Pollock, e.e. cummings, Maurice Sendak, Bob Dylan, and Leonard Cohen (to name but a few), it is little wonder that Greenwich Village and Chelsea garnered reputations as some of the most creative neighborhoods in New York City, if not the world. The extra cachet has brought extra-high prices, though - with average condo prices of $1.9 million and $1,813 per square foot (per CityRealty data), it’s clear that today's artists have been priced out of the Village.
However, in spite of some preservationists’ grim predictions, the area retains its artistic character. Luxury condo The Greenwich, located on the cusp of the Village and Chelsea at 65 West 13th Street, is the result of a condo conversion of a one-time department store, as opposed to a garish new construction. Its base-level retail space is hosting Banksy: Genius or Vandal?, a multi-sensory exhibition of the enigmatic street artist’s work, until February 27, 2022 (tickets may be found here).
However, in spite of some preservationists’ grim predictions, the area retains its artistic character. Luxury condo The Greenwich, located on the cusp of the Village and Chelsea at 65 West 13th Street, is the result of a condo conversion of a one-time department store, as opposed to a garish new construction. Its base-level retail space is hosting Banksy: Genius or Vandal?, a multi-sensory exhibition of the enigmatic street artist’s work, until February 27, 2022 (tickets may be found here).
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As is the case with immersive art events like the Van Gogh exhibition at Pier 36 and the incoming Hall des Lumieres at 49 Chambers Street, the Banksy exhibition takes place in a historic setting that enhances the artwork: Department store Macy’s was established on the east side of Sixth Avenue between 13th and 14th Streets in 1858, and later built a nine-story structure at 55 East 13th Street. After moving to its present location at 34th Street and Sixth Avenue in 1902, Macy’s sold its previous site to retail magnate Henry Siegel. Mr. Siegel had architects Cady, Berg & See work out a design for the Sixth Avenue blockfront, which included giant limestone portal entrances and large electric signs. The 14th Street Store would offer lower-priced merchandise in contrast to the Siegel-Cooper Store further up Sixth Avenue; but for all the enticements, it closed in 1914.
Decades later, the Urban Outfitters location in the building's first-floor retail space would become a staple for NYU students; it closed in May 2021. And coincidentally enough, before the current exhibition was ever conceived, Banksy struck up the street with a rat stencil on a clock face at 14th Street and Sixth Avenue in spring 2018. The building was demolished to make way for new condominium 101 West 14th Street, but the clock face was carefully removed. Its whereabouts are unknown.
Decades later, the Urban Outfitters location in the building's first-floor retail space would become a staple for NYU students; it closed in May 2021. And coincidentally enough, before the current exhibition was ever conceived, Banksy struck up the street with a rat stencil on a clock face at 14th Street and Sixth Avenue in spring 2018. The building was demolished to make way for new condominium 101 West 14th Street, but the clock face was carefully removed. Its whereabouts are unknown.
The Greenwich is located just outside the boundaries of the Greenwich Village Historic District and the Ladies Mile Historic District; however, during the condo conversion, the most significant changes by architect Franke Gottesegen Cox Architects involved carving out a 40-square-foot interior court to provide windows for rear apartments and relocating the floor areas of two penthouses. The building’s facade was beautifully preserved, and the oversized windows and high ceilings from its time as a store would prove in high demand — they truly don’t make them like they used to!
With only a small handful of resale units currently on the market, it’s clear that the authentic lofts of The Greenwich continues to stand out amidst flashy new construction nearby (ahem, 101 West 14th Street and Forena). Among the availabilities is #10B, a 4-bedroom, 4.5-bath apartment now listed for $15.3 million. The 4,535-square-foot home was gut-renovated by Workshop/APD in 2018, and features an open layout, generous wall space, and tasteful interiors that complement any art collection.
↓ The corner living room boasts 12’ ceilings, abundant natural light, and sweeping views.
↓ The home’s prewar interiors are underpinned by a high-tech infrastructure that includes a fully integrated Control4 home automation system and built-in speakers that connect to Wi-Fi throughout.
↓ A gracious foyer extends through the heart of the home.
↓ Glass-paneled and steel sliding doors in the den, dining room, and living room allow for a large, versatile entertaining space.
↓ The grand living room is complemented by a cozier den.
↓ The chef’s kitchen has been fully renovated with custom Shinnoki millwork, Calacatta quartz countertops and backsplash, state-of-the-art appliances, and a dining alcove with custom banquette.
↓ The primary suite boasts a home office area, massive walk-in closet, and three additional closets.
↓ The primary bath features a free-standing tub, separate glass-enclosed shower, double sink vanity, and radiant heated floors.
↓ All secondary bedrooms feature northern exposure, generous closet space, and en suite baths.
↓ A separate children’s playroom can become a home gym, home office, or whatever else the buyer can dream up.
↓ Residential amenities include a landscaped roof deck, full-time doorman service, fitness center, children’s playroom, bike room, and storage for purchase.
Would you like to tour any of these properties?