| Building Address: | 44-54 Ninth Ave, New York NY 10011 |
| Building Alternate Address: | 44-54 9th Ave |
| Zip Code: | 10011 |
| Neighborhood: | Chelsea |
| Borough: | Manhattan |
| Stories: | 9 |
| Year Built: | 1900 |
| Building Class: | A |
| Block & lot: | 00738-0001 |
44-54 Ninth Avenue in Manhattan are a rare surviving example of 1840s pitched-roofed row houses, originally built between 1845 and 1846 by William Scott in the Greek Revival style. These buildings were part of what was known as the “Homestead Row.” Their upper stories retain brick facades with stucco and paint, featuring molded, pedimented stone window lintels and molded wood box cornices. The peaked roofs extending across the buildings are characteristic of designs popular in the 1820s and 1830s.
Over time, these buildings underwent several alterations: in 1887, the corner drugstore storefront was remodeled, replacing granite posts with cast-iron columns and updating show windows on both facades. In 1916, architect James S. Maher led a significant renovation, converting the upper floors into bachelor apartments with a Neo-Georgian entrance. Ground-floor storefronts have experienced changes that preserved some cast-iron elements, initially installed as early as the 1870s. Despite modifications, the row forms a picturesque ensemble reflective of the area's historic character.
The neighborhood surrounding 44-54 Ninth Avenue evolved from residential townhouses to a more commercial environment after the Civil War, including the rise of tenement buildings, meat and poultry markets, warehouses, and stables. This transformation intensified with the construction of an elevated freight line, contributing to the district's industrial and market functions.
In recent years, these buildings faced structural challenges discovered during interior demolition revealing significant deterioration and separation of the brick facades from the party walls, leading to emergency orders for facade demolition and reconstruction to meet safety codes. Efforts have been made to preserve historic materials, including removal, cleaning, cataloging, and storage of original face bricks for reinstallation. The buildings are landmarked as part of the Gansevoort Market Historic District for their architectural and historical significance as some of Manhattan’s few remaining pitched-roof row houses from the mid-19th century.
Currently, the buildings are undergoing renovation and expansion designed by BKSK Architects, which includes restoration of the landmarked townhomes and construction of a new office volume above. The renovation retains the pitched roof design and incorporates new architectural features such as wooden shutters and second-story balconettes. The project aims to blend historic preservation with contemporary commercial use, including office and retail spaces while respecting the district’s historic fabric.
44-54 Ninth Avenue, Manhattan, NYC
Located on the border of Chelsea, the Meatpacking District, and the West Village, 44-54 Ninth Avenue is a prominent eight-story office and retail building in Manhattan. The property is also known by its alternate address, 351-355 West 14th Street, situated at the intersection of West 14th Street and Ninth Avenue.
The building underwent a comprehensive renovation and expansion designed by BKSK Architects for Tavros Capital. This project involved the restoration of a row of landmarked townhomes and the construction of a new office volume above the original structures.
Key details of the redevelopment include:
- Restoration of the original brick facades by removing stucco to reveal historic brickwork.
- Reconstruction of original architectural features such as light well chimneys, shutters, and slate roofs on the Ninth Avenue frontage.
- Construction of a new nine-story infill structure behind the existing buildings, featuring a custom matte glazed terracotta façade screen with an aluminum and glass window wall behind it.
- The terracotta screen’s vertical members vary in width by floor, transitioning from 18 inches at the fifth floor to 6 inches at the eighth floor, adding visual interest.
- The new volume includes a setback below the top floor facing Ninth Avenue, providing panoramic views of the neighborhood, the High Line, and the Hudson River.
- Preservation of a brick wall running perpendicular with West 14th Street, integrated into the new design.
- Interior work included extensive excavation to build basement and sub-basement levels along with the ground floor.
The renovated townhomes retain their pitched roof design and will house office space on upper floors with retail and dining spaces on the ground and cellar levels. The new office volume offers modern amenities while complementing the historic character of the original structures.
Construction was underway through 2023 with anticipated completion in early 2024, highlighting an adaptive reuse approach that respects architectural heritage while adding contemporary design elements.
Building Amenities at 44-54 Ninth Avenue, Manhattan, NYC
44-54 Ninth Avenue is a landmarked, eight-story mixed-use building located at the intersection of Chelsea, the Meatpacking District, and the West Village. The building combines historic preservation with modern architectural elements designed by BKSK Architects.
Office and Retail Space:
- Restored historic townhomes with retail and dining spaces on the ground and cellar levels.
- Upper floors consist of contemporary office space with ceiling heights ranging from 11 to 20 feet.
- Approximately 57,000 square feet of workspace and 30,000 square feet of flexible retail space.
Design and Structure:
- The facade features light-colored terracotta panels and red brick walls, blending historic and modern aesthetics.
- New volume set back from the street providing panoramic views of the High Line, Hudson River, and surrounding neighborhoods.
- Architectural restoration includes retention of pitched roofs, wooden shutters, and second-story balconettes on the original townhomes.
Amenities and Features:
- Ninth floor dedicated as a common amenity space with an outdoor terrace overlooking the vibrant Meatpacking District.
- Extensive underground levels including newly constructed basements to broaden usable space.
- Integration of office and retail functions designed to support a dynamic multi-use environment.
The building renovation and expansion were completed with a focus on adaptive reuse and historic preservation, earning recognition such as the AIA New York State Design Award for Adaptive Reuse/Historic Preservation in 2024.
44-54 Ninth Avenue in Manhattan, NYC, is an eight-story mixed-use building undergoing renovation and expansion. Located on the border of Chelsea, the Meatpacking District, and the West Village, it combines the restoration of landmarked townhomes with the construction of a new office volume above. Designed by BKSK Architects for Tavros Capital, the project involves the preservation of historic structures while adding modern office space and retail areas.
Current information on specific office tenants who have rented or leased space at this location is not publicly available. However, the building will feature office space on upper floors and retail and dining options on lower levels. Tenants will enjoy panoramic views of the neighborhood, the High Line, and the Hudson River due to the building's design featuring a setback on the top floor.
For internet services at 44-54 Ninth Ave, Manhattan, NYC, several providers are available in the broader Manhattan area:
Verizon Fios offers high-speed fiber internet with plans starting at 300 Mbps and reaching up to 2.3 Gbps. Their service is reliable and widely available, covering about 85.3% of Manhattan.
Astound Broadband Powered by RCN provides both cable and fiber services, with relatively new fiber options across much of the city. Plans include unlimited data, and prices are competitive.
Spectrum offers widespread coverage with cable internet, providing speeds up to 1 Gbps. Spectrum is a popular choice for its bundling options with TV and phone services.
Location and Cross Streets
44-54 Ninth Avenue is located on the border of Chelsea, the Meatpacking District, and the West Village in Manhattan, New York City. The property is at the intersection of Ninth Avenue and West 14th Street, alternatively addressed as 351-355 West 14th Street.
Transportation Options
Subway Stations Nearby
- 50 St (3-minute walk)
- 59 St-Columbus Circle (4-minute walk)
- 57 St-7 Av (7-minute walk)
Bus Stops Nearby
- 9 Av / W 59 St (1-minute walk)
- W 57 St / 9 Av (2-minute walk)
- W 57th St & 9th Ave (Westbound) (2-minute walk)
- Columbus Circle / 8 Av (4-minute walk)
Accessible Transit Lines
Subway lines: 1, A, B, C, D, W, E, 2, N, Q, R
Bus lines: M5, M11, M20, M31, M57, M12
Train lines: FAR ROCKAWAY BRANCH, PATH
