| Bulding Address: | 135 W 18th St, New York NY 10011 |
| Building Alternate address: | 135 W 18th St |
| Zip Code: | 10011 |
| Neighborhood: | Chelsea |
| Borough: | Manhattan |
| Stories: | 5 |
| Year Built: | 1917 |
| Building Class: | B |
135 through 143 West 18th Street in Manhattan, NYC, was originally the site of the old Germania Brewery and a one-story brick stable building. After the brewery failed in 1893, the property was sold in a foreclosure sale. By 1896, bachelor merchant Benjamin Altman, who owned the massive B. Altman dry goods store on Sixth Avenue, sought to expand and modernize to meet increased business demands.
The building at 135-143 West 18th Street was acquired to accommodate this expansion. The architecture was described as “Spanish Renaissance,” characterized by the grouping of windows, towers at the angles, and commodious street entrances, aiming for a dignified exterior with ample light and a sense of solidity.
The architects were tasked with designing a new stable building on the site of the existing brewery and stable, not a typical stable but a grand structure suited to the needs of the business. In 1906, Joseph B. Greenhut and Henry Morgenthau purchased the Altman store, including the new granite-front stable on 18th Street, for $2.5 million, recognizing its significance in the Ladies’ Mile shopping district.
In 1910, architect G. W. Springsted was hired to remodel and improve the stable building, signifying ongoing investment in the property’s maintenance and modernization. Despite these efforts, the decline of the Ladies’ Mile led to the failure of the Siegel store and Greenhut company by 1915. The stable building, then valued at about $2 million in today’s terms, was sold to Philadelphia-based William R. Warner & Co.
In 1916, the firm Buchman & Fox renovated the old structure for $125,000. Over the 20th century, the district suffered economic decline, and the former B. Altman stables were repurposed into loft spaces for small factories, offices, and workshops. By 1996, the lower floors of 135-143 West 18th Street were used as factory space, while the upper floors housed commercial offices.
In 1998, the building was renamed the Altman Building and transformed with 15,000 square feet converted into an event space. Renovated office spaces attracted modern tenants, blending historical charm with contemporary use. The building, once bustling with horses and deliverymen, retains much of its original exterior appearance today.
Altman Building
135 West 18th Street, Chelsea, Manhattan, New York, NY 10011
Established in 1896 as the carriage house for the famed B. Altman and Company department store, the Altman Building is a historic landmark in Chelsea, NYC. It is now a versatile private event venue featuring 14,000 square feet across two floors with state-of-the-art audio-visual capabilities, VIP rooms, and hotel concierge amenities.
The main floor is virtually column-free, showcasing original custom hardwood floors, vaulted exposed brick ceilings, and expansive arched windows that fill the space with natural light. The street-level entrance features original mahogany French doors allowing seamless access.
The building covers a lot size of approximately 10,444 square feet, with a total building area of about 52,500 square feet. It is a 5-story office and commercial building built in 1940 and last altered in 1989.
Neighborhood - Chelsea
Chelsea is a vibrant Manhattan neighborhood known for its art galleries, museums, waterfront views, historic brownstones, and walkability. It extends from 14th Street to 34th Street between the Hudson River and 6th Avenue, offering a rich cultural and entertainment scene.
The Altman Building Amenities at 135 W 18th St, Manhattan, NYC
- Event Space: 14,000 square feet over two floors
- A/V Equipment: State-of-the-art audio-visual capabilities
- Seating and Standing Capacity: Up to 740 seated and 970 standing
- VIP Rooms: Available for exclusive events
- Hotel Concierge Amenities: Enhanced guest experiences
- Custom Floors and Ceilings: Custom hardwood floors, vaulted exposed brick ceilings
- Natural Light: Expansive arch windows
- Street-Level Entrance: Original mahogany French doors
- Catering Options: Work with approved external caterers or use in-house services
- Bar Services: Fully licensed with customizable bar experiences
- Parking: Nearby garages and options for curb-lane permits
- Sustainability Practices: Reduced carbon footprint, use of eco-friendly products
- Accessibility: Handicap accessible
- Wi-Fi and Media Facilities: Available for events
135 West 18th Street, Manhattan, NYC
Office Building Overview
The Altman Building at 135 West 18th Street is a Class B office building located in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. Built in 1940, the building comprises 52,500 square feet of space across 5 stories, offering approximately 50,680 square feet of rentable office space. The property holds a LEED Gold certification, highlighting its commitment to sustainability.
Building Features
- Class B Office Building
- 5 Stories
- 52,500 square feet total size
- Approximately 50,680 square feet of rentable office space
- LEED Gold Certified
- Located in the Chelsea neighborhood, zip code 10011
Office Tenants
Currently, the building is primarily vacant for office tenancy, with multiple floors available for lease. Specific tenant information is not disclosed publicly.
Internet Providers Available at 135 W 18th St, Manhattan, NYC
Residents and businesses at 135 W 18th St have access to several high-quality internet providers known for their reliable and fast services:
- Verizon Fios: Offers fiber-optic internet with speeds up to 2 Gbps, known for its high reliability and competitive pricing.
- Astound Broadband Powered by RCN: Provides cable and fiber internet services with unlimited data usage and plans starting at affordable prices.
- Spectrum: Ubiquitous cable and fiber internet coverage in Manhattan, offering speeds up to 1 Gbps, with options for bundled TV and phone services.
- Xfinity: Cable internet provider with plans up to 2 Gbps, widely available throughout NYC.
These providers are among the top choices in the Manhattan area, delivering a range of plans to suit different speed and budget needs.
For transportation to 135 W 18th St, Manhattan, NYC, you can use the following options:
- Bus Routes: M1, M14A-SBS, M23-SBS, M55, M7
- Subway Lines: 1, 2, 3, F, L
- Train Services: Empire Service, Hudson, Port Jefferson Branch, Port Washington Branch, Ronkonkoma Branch
Cross streets for 135 W 18th St are 6th Avenue and 7th Avenue.
Nearby bus stops include 7 Av/W 17 St and 6 Av/W 20 St.
