The Concept

The complex stands in a pivotal location, linking Chelsea's expansion South and West, with the West Village, moving North. It was the objective of the developer to not only reinforce the wholesale and manufacturing character of the neighborhood, but to bring in more varied activities and life, as well.

This collection of buildings possesses an abundance of loading docks and access around the entire block's perimeter, so making it a natural for the relocation of local wholesale food vendors, who became the core of a block-long complex involving foods and related services. These vendors would not only have loading on their outside perimeter, but they would also be linked on the interior by a block long passage, connecting 9th and 10th Avenues.

This 800 foot long concourse would thus allow the general public access to all wholesalers and producers for cash and carry shopping.