On January 11th, 2007 I predicted that West 19th Street in Chelsea would become the most architecturally distinct block in Manhattan. The Real Deal was there to cover a guided tour we gave of the high line and our project. (See video above).

It is extremely rewarding to see the dream and vision of all the architects, developers, builders and marketers become a reality. The project Core represented, 520 West Chelsea, is sold and closed, but for one unit (which has a contract out). I consider it the most successful project to date, in a neighborhood that has evolved into a worldwide destination and desirable residential address.

I tip my hat to John and Keith Jacobson for being visionaries, and delivering 26 elegant, understated new homes. I thank Annabelle Selldorf (who I sat down with and had a conversation with) for designing the most gorgeous building in the neighborhood. I also thank the entire brokerage community for embracing this project and helping us successfully sell this building.

About two and a half years ago we opened the sales office of 520 West Chelsea when 19th Street looked a lot different than it does today. Frank Gehry’s first New York project for Barry Diller’s headquarters of IAC hadn’t even opened; Jean Nouvel Chelsea had not yet broken ground and Shigeru Ban’s Metal Shutter Houses did not exist. But there was one thing that was the talk of the neighborhood and well on its way to happening, and that was the High Line Park. (more…)