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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.

What seemed like a dream 5 years ago became a reality on June 2nd when the High Line Park officially opened. The first phase from Gansevoort Street to 20th Street is now open to the public. This elevated promenade set on top of the old abandoned rail line will end up running a mile and a half through the West Side neighborhoods of the Meatpacking District, West Chelsea and Clinton/Hell’s Kitchen. The second phase from 20th Street to 30th Street will open next year.

The High Line has become Manhattan’s favorite new destination. There is so much to learn about the process of how this skeleton of an old rail system has become one of New York’s most revolutionary public parks. On Thursday evening we have organized a tour of the High Line with Deborah Marton, Executive Director of the Design Trust for Public Space. The Design Trust, in collaboration with Friends of the High Line produced a comprehensive planning study that was instrumental in transforming the High Line into the pedestrian walkway and linear park we are privileged to have today. Please meet at 6:00PM on June 25th at the entrance at Gansevoort and Washington Street for a private tour and then join us for cocktails at Selldorf Architects’ newly completed boutique condominium at 520 West 19th Street, Apt 7B.