The Deco-Packed Meatpacking District
The market buildings of the Meatpacking District were developed from the 1840s-1950s, designed in a range of architectural styles, and help make it one of New York City’s most unique neighborhoods. Typical market building features, such as metal canopies and 1-to-3 story heights bring sense of cohesion to the district. Most of the neighborhood was landmarked in 2003 as part of the Gansevoort Market Historic District, both proposed and advocated for by Village Preservation.
The area had a spur of development following the construction of the nearby Miller Elevated Highway (1929-30; demolished) and the New York Central Elevated Railroad (1931 — now the High Line park). This is a period which, serendipitously, coincided with the popularity of Art Deco, resulting in a number of buildings in the area being designed in the style. We recently highlighted them in our Art Deco Story Map, and we will take another look at them today.
835 Washington Street (aka 39 Little West 12th Street)
Architects Keeler & Fernald designed this simple two-story market building in 1926-27, making it the earliest example in the area, and the only one that predates the elevated highway and railway. Its Art Deco detailing includes the narrow central pavilion, capped by a geometric parapet. The parapet projects slightly from the facade, showing the influence of Cubism and non-Western architectural styles.
837-843 Washington Street
Built in 1938, 837-843 Washington Street is another example of a simple two-story market building. It was designed by architect David M. Oltarsh, in the Deco/Moderne style. The alternating and contrasting bands of tan and orange brick express the sharp horizontality of the style, which are relieved by typical large industrial casement windows.
A five-story setback twisting glass and steel addition approved by the Landmarks Preservation Commission ca. 2010 contrasts with the original design.
46-48 Gansevoort Street (aka 842-846 Greenwich Street)
Built in 1938-1939, this Deco/Moderne structure is a former produce market building designed by architect Charles H. Stadler. The relatively simple design reflects the style with the use of glazed pale yellow/tan bricks, industrial-style casement windows, and staggered geometric pediment. The influence of Cubism and non-Western representation styles on Art Deco can be seen through slight protrusions on the facade.
69 Gansevoort Street
Built in 1949 and designed by architect George H. Seuss, the brick and aluminum late-Moderne facade is one of the most striking examples of an art deco storefront in the neighborhood. The bold raised graphic lettering plays off against the smooth brushed aluminum enframement, while the subtle vertical elements around the doors and below the windows play off against the streamlined horizontal border below the name “R & L Restaurant,” the original occupant of the space, framed by the numbers “69.”
From 1985 to 2003, the restaurant Florent occupied the space.
437 West 13th Street (Demolished)
Constructed in 1936, this Art Deco meat market building was designed by architects Kolb & Miller. It was part of the Gansevoort market historic district proposed by Village Preservation in 2001, and included in the district initially accepted by the Landmarks Preservation Commission. However, it was removed before the final 2003 designation when City Hall insisted that no building that touched the High Line be landmarked. It was demolished in 2011 and since replaced by a glass office tower.
Prior to demolition, 837 Washington Street had a simple design distinguished by its geometric corner parapet. The building featured a curved horizontal awning hung from vertical support cables.
These are just some examples Art Deco buildings within our neighborhoods. To see other examples of Art Deco in Greenwich Village, the East Village, and NoHo, check out our Art Deco Centennial StoryMap to see these and many more wonderful examples of the Jazz Age style in our neighborhoods.