North-facing windows look out over the low building across the street, so the light is open, and the skyline sits uninterrupted in view, including the Empire State Building. The prewar architecture shows the beamed ceilings, crisp crown molding, and warm oak floors, with custom built-in shelving flanking the window wall.
The renovated, windowed kitchen, has white Shaker cabinetry with brass hardware, honed stone counters, a glazed tile backsplash, and a farmhouse apron sink set beneath that skyline view. The sleeping alcove sits back from the living space, comfortably holds a queen, and leaves room alongside for a desk. Storage is where this home quietly outclasses its neighbors - beyond the custom-fitted walk-in dressing closet with a full-length mirror, 11C carries an additional closet most studios in the building simply don't have. The bath is Art Deco: black-and-white mosaic floor, tiled walls with a fine black border, a deep soaking tub, and a rain shower.
Designed by Farrar & Watmough, the architects behind London Terrace, and completed in 1930 by developer Henry Mandel, 161 West 16th Street, the former Barneys Building, is a 20-story Art Deco cooperative of 155 homes. Behind the restored lobby is a full-time staff: a 24-hour doorman, live-in superintendent, and porter. Residents share a refurbished roof deck with panoramic skyline and Hudson River views, along with central laundry, bike storage, and basement storage. In-unit washer/dryers are permitted with board approval.
Three blocks from the High Line, the building puts the West Village, Meatpacking, Flatiron, and Union Square within an easy walk, with the 1/2/3, A/C/E, F, and L trains all close by. The building is pet-friendly; pieds-à-terre and gifting are welcome, and sublets are permitted after one year of ownership with board approval. Heat, water, cooking gas, and Verizon internet are included in the maintenance. There is a 2% flip tax paid by the buyer.
Quick Profile
The row houses portray the world-class architecture of Greek Revival, Italianate and Georgian styles. The population is both ethnically and socially diverse, which is reflected in the restaurants and retail businesses in the neighborhood.
Western Chelsea is the center of the NYC art world, where you will find more than 200 art galleries housed in rehabbed factories and warehouses, as well as in newly-constructed buildings.
While people of many different cultures call Chelsea home, it has been a mecca over the years for people in the LGBTQ community. One census reported that as many as 22% of its residents were gay couples. Eighth Avenue is a trendy area for LGBTQ-oriented dining and shopping. Although it no longer draws the LGBTQ population that it once did, Chelsea still has many popular alternative bars.
Chelsea is primarily residential, consisting of a mixture of diverse complexes, low-rise apartment blocks, tenements, townhouses, renovated row houses, and luxury high-rises.
Chelsea is an interesting and sought-after place to live, with unique clothing boutiques, restaurants, and delis representing cultures from around the world. In addition to its quirky establishments, Chelsea has fine dining restaurants and a vibrant, hip nightlife, which adds to its allure.
Chelsea is well-served by public transportation. At least six city bus routes traverse Chelsea. There are three NYC subway routes with stops on Seventh Avenue, three on Eighth Avenue, and two more on Sixth Avenue. The 34th Street - Hudson Yards Station opened in 2015 with its main entrance in Chelsea.