Chelsea
Geographic Boundaries
Chelsea's boundaries are generally defined as 14th Street to the south, the Hudson River and West Street to the west, Sixth Avenue to the east, and 34th Street to the north. The neighborhood spans parts of Manhattan Community Board 4, extending west of Eighth Avenue north of 26th Street and west of Sixth Avenue south of 26th Street.
Businesses and Retail
Chelsea is a commercial hub featuring a mix of art galleries, boutique shops, and renowned dining establishments. The iconic Chelsea Market anchors the area with its food halls and specialty retailers. High-end fashion boutiques and design showrooms line the streets alongside tech startups and coworking spaces. Fine restaurants range from Michelin-starred venues like Del Posto (now closed but indicative of the area's caliber) to innovative farm-to-table concepts.
History of Major Attractions
The neighborhood's historic roots trace back to Clement Clarke Moore's 19th-century estate, later developed into a residential district. The Chelsea Historic District, designated in 1970, preserves Greek Revival and Italianate row houses. Key attractions include the High Line, a repurposed elevated railway turned public park, and the Rubin Museum of Art. Chelsea Piers, originally a passenger ship terminal, now serves as a recreational complex.
Building Types
Chelsea features a blend of converted industrial lofts, historic brownstones, and modern high-rises. The Chelsea Historic District showcases 19th-century architectural styles including Federal, Greek Revival, and Gothic Revival row houses. Newer developments include luxury condominiums and glass-fronted office towers concentrated along the Hudson River Park corridor.
Significant Buildings
Notable structures include the Starrett-Lehigh Building, a landmark Art Deco industrial complex; the General Theological Seminary; and the Liveright Building. The Joyce Theater, housed in a former 1941 movie palace, is a key performing arts venue. The London Terrace Apartments, spanning an entire city block, represent one of Manhattan's largest residential complexes.
Transportation
Chelsea is served by multiple subway lines including the A, C, E, 1, 2, F, M, and L trains at stations along Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Avenues. Citi Bike stations and bus routes along major avenues provide additional connectivity. The West Side Highway offers quick access to other Manhattan areas and New Jersey via the Lincoln Tunnel.
Zip Codes
Primary zip codes include 10011 (east of Tenth Avenue) and 10001 (northern areas). Adjacent areas use 10018 (Garment District to the northeast), 10014 (West Village to the south), and 10019 (Hell's Kitchen to the northwest).
Prominent Companies
Tech firms and media companies dominate Chelsea's office inventory, including Google's New York headquarters and IAC's headquarters. Advertising agencies and fashion showrooms cluster near the Meatpacking District border. The neighborhood also hosts numerous architecture firms and non-profit organizations, particularly along the West 20s near the High Line.