From Warehouse to New York Chelsea Townhouse

A former warehouse in West Chelsea, New York has been spared from the wrecking ball and converted into a modern Chelsea townhouse. The historic property has 20-foot ceilings, a 750-square-foot private garden and is now on the market for $18,500,000 USD. Welcome to 536 West 29th Street!

Warehouse Converted Into New York Chelsea Townhouse
Image: Christie’s Real Estate / Seth Watsky

New York Chelsea townhouse

The four-story studio on 536 West 29th Street was built in 1904 and was once the domain of famed Broadway set designer John H. Young. Back then, the property was surrounded by warehouses and horse stables and right up until the 1970s, the area was a very industrial, gritty neighbourhood. That time is over, and the Manhattan area known today as West Chelsea is a luxury residential area with high-rises, upscale restaurants and galleries.

Warehouse Converted Into New York Chelsea Townhouse
Image: Christie’s Real Estate / Seth Watsky

Restoring to avoid the wrecking ball

For the past 20 years, the townhouse has been home to a fashion studio and the current owners have spent more than a decade to restore the building and spare it from the wrecking ball. “I would cry if someone tore down the building”, said Nadine Knudsen, who, along with her business partners, moved their fashion and textiles business into the building about 20 years ago.

Warehouse Converted Into New York Chelsea Townhouse
Image: Christie’s Real Estate / Seth Watsky

Modern features and original characteristics

The careful restoration process included new modern features as well as peeling back layers of paint to find the original red brick walls, which now have a beautiful blue-grey patina.

From living room to kitchen
Image: Christie’s Real Estate / Seth Watsky

Relics of the past are venerated in the rear garden, which is decorated with giant gears that were once part of a pulley system for hauling Mr. Young’s stage settings.

The property has lots of natural light coming from the oversize windows and skylights and is currently divided into a fashion studio on the lower level; a kitchen with over 20-foot ceilings on the mezzanine that leads to a terrace overlooking a 750-square-foot private garden; a combined great room and dining area; a top-floor library, two bedrooms, four bathrooms and an office.

The kitchen with all the elements exposed
Image: Christie’s Real Estate / Seth Watsky

The master bedroom has 13-foot wooden doors that were salvaged from a convent’s motherhouse in California. The upstairs library is made of walnut wood that was crafted and sourced from upstate New York.

Warehouse Converted Into New York Chelsea Townhouse
Image: Christie’s Real Estate / Seth Watsky

The open-concept kitchen, dining and living area have cabinetry custom designed from California redwood and salvaged Cabernet Sauvignon wine barrels.

Price: $18,500,000 USD
Address: 536 West 29th Street, New York, New York, 10001 United States

  • 3 bedrooms
  • 3 full baths (1 partial)
  • 6,400 sq ft.
  • Villa/townhouse
  • Built 1904
  • Annual property taxes $42,790

Learn more

Checkout: Rebuilding a barn to a modern country home

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Sara Hansen
Sara Hansenhttps://oldnewsclub.com
Sara Brand Hansen is a car and motorcycle enthusiast by heart. She has a passion for classic designs and authentic retro styling in everything from crafts, furniture, watches, architecture and motorized vehicles. Not racing herself but often cheering at the finish line and always looking for great pictures and the best stories.

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