History of 55 Bethune Street, Manhattan, NYC

55 Bethune Street is part of the Westbeth Artists' Housing complex, located in Manhattan's West Village. The buildings comprising this complex were originally constructed from around 1860 through 1934 and served as the Bell Telephone Laboratories complex. This site was a major center for technological innovation from the late 19th century until the mid-20th century.

The building at 55 Bethune Street, specifically, was completed in 1923. It was designed by the architectural firm McKenzie, Voorhees & Gmelin and built by the Tidewater Building Company. The structure exhibits a neo-Classical style with buff-colored brick and terra-cotta ornamentation, and features an eleven-story L-shaped plan with a side light court. It was originally used as a factory and auditorium space within the Bell Telephone Laboratories complex.

In the early 20th century, the Bell Laboratories complex—including 55 Bethune Street—functioned as an epicenter of groundbreaking inventions in sound communication. Innovations developed there include the vacuum tube, transatlantic telephone, chain broadcasting, and important contributions to early sound films such as parts of "The Jazz Singer." The complex was also involved in activities related to the Manhattan Project during World War II.

In the 1930s, the building underwent alterations to accommodate the New York Central Railroad's elevated freight line known as the High Line. This required partial demolition and structural modifications including reinforced concrete beams and interior bracing.

After Bell Telephone Laboratories vacated the buildings in the mid-1960s, the complex was converted from industrial use into the Westbeth Artists' Housing in 1970. This adaptive reuse project, designed by architect Richard Meier, transformed the site into the first and largest federally subsidized artist housing community in the United States, providing live/work spaces for artists across disciplines. The conversion preserved the building's distinctive architectural details while repurposing the interior for residential and creative uses.

Today, 55 Bethune Street stands as part of a landmark complex recognized for its architectural significance and its historic role in scientific innovation and arts community development.

Internet Providers at 55 Bethune St, Manhattan, NYC

Residents and businesses at 55 Bethune Street in Manhattan, located in the West Village, have access to several major internet providers known for high speed and reliable service in the area.

Verizon Fios

Verizon Fios offers fiber-optic internet with speeds starting at 300 Mbps and up to 2 Gbps. It is highly regarded for fast, symmetrical fiber speeds and competitive pricing. Verizon Fios covers approximately 85% of Manhattan, including the West Village area. Plans can be bundled with TV and phone services.

Astound Broadband Powered by RCN

Astound Broadband provides both cable and fiber internet, known for affordability and unlimited data usage. Their fiber network covers much of Manhattan, including the West Village neighborhood. They offer plans up to 1.5 Gbps, with one of the most cost-effective options available in the borough.

Spectrum

Spectrum is a widely available cable and fiber internet provider in Manhattan, covering over 82% of the borough. It offers speeds up to 1 Gbps with various TV and phone bundle options. Spectrum is a common fallback choice where fiber availability is limited.

Additional Providers

Other internet options in Manhattan include cable provider Xfinity and fixed wireless or satellite services like Starry Internet and Starlink, though fiber and cable remain the most prevalent and recommended for 55 Bethune St.

Transportation Near 55 Bethune St, Manhattan, NYC

55 Bethune Street is located in the West Village neighborhood of Manhattan and enjoys excellent public transit access, making it a Rider’s Paradise with a Walk Score of 98 out of 100.

Subway Lines Nearby

• 2, C, E, L, M, A, B, D, 3, 1

Bus Routes Serving the Area

• M11
• M14A-SBS
• M2
• M20
• M12
• M8

Train Service

PATH trains serve the area with stops approximately 0.3 miles away, including lines to Journal Square, Hoboken, and the World Trade Center.

Nearby Bus Stops

• Greenwich St / Horatio St (5 min walk)
• Hudson St / Horatio St (5 min walk)
• West St & Christopher St (6 min walk)
• Hudson St / W 12 St (7 min walk)
• 8 Av / Bleecker St (7 min walk)
• Bethune St / Greenwich St (1 min walk)
• Hudson St / W 12 St (2 min walk)
• 8 Av / W 12 St (3 min walk)
• W 10 St / Bleecker St (4 min walk)

Nearby Subway Stations

• 14 St (4 min walk)
• 14 St / 8 Av (7 min walk)
• Christopher St - Sheridan Sq (near PATH)

Cross Streets

55 Bethune Street is located at the corner of Bethune Street and Washington Street, near Abingdon Square Park and close to Greenwich Street.

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