Meatpacking District: Not just for partying

The Meatpacking District earns its glitzy reputation from a wide selection of designer boutiques, swanky restaurants, and upscale bars and lounges, but its art community and numerous public spaces are also increasingly popular.

The neighborhood, also called the Gansevoort Market Historic District, was granted historical status in 2003. In recent years the nabe benefitted from the successful Chelsea Market shopping center and the popularity of the High Line.

A public park located on the elevated tracks of what used to be the New York Central Railroad, the High Line incorporates garden areas, art exhibits and paved pathways in an innovative approach to public spaces. The park has an extremely low crime rate, helping MePa to move away from its less than wholesome past.

In the early 1900s, the area was home to around 250 meat markets and slaughterhouses. A century later, five remain, according to area experts, including Weichsel Beef Co. and DeBragga & Spitler. They are all housed in the Gansevoort Meat Market co-op, built in 1949.

The nightlife scene exploded here in the 1970s. However, the industrial area also became a hotbed for illicit activity at (now closed) clubs like Hellfire Club and the Mineshaft.

Despite — or perhaps because of — MePa’s past, the neighborhood saw a major transformation from seedy to splashy in the 1990s when young designers began opening boutiques.

Nowadays, the district is a shopaholic’s dream. Popular retail spots include the New York flagship stores of high-end international designers like Diane von Furstenberg and Alexander McQueen as well as smaller boutiques such as Owen, Elizabeth Charles, and Carlos Miele.

Design studios and art galleries are abound as well, fostering the area’s growing artsy feel.

The Heller Gallery and Milk Studios will be joined by a major museum come 2015 when the Whitney Museum moves to its new headquarters at the south entrance to the High Line.

In addition, nary a night owl could complain about the Meatpacking District’s proffering.

Come sundown, the glamorously dressed can be seen headed for a bite to eat at Del Posto or SEA followed by a night of dancing at Le Bain, STK, or Cielo.

The very active culture scene helped the Meatpacking District become a residential hotspot.

According to Jennifer Miller, a Corcoran vice president and licensed real estate broker, the Meatpacking District’s market is hot due to its “broad appeal,” citing the High Line and the conveniently located shopping as big draws.

“The Meatpacking has gone through a transformation, with the restoration of architecture and the preservation of the area, and it’s a highly desirable area to buy in,” Miller said. “It’s a destination spot, for both people who live in New York and elsewhere."

She added: “I think we’ll continue to see the neighborhood evolve.”

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This pedestrian-friendly area is perfect for strolling, while bicyclists may have a harder time thanks to the many cobblestoned streets.

Despite that, numerous bike racks are located below the High Line.

According to the NYPD CompStat report, from 1990 to 2012 the precinct saw an 85.7% decline in murder and 89.7% decline in robbery, while reported rapes increased 40%, from 10 to 14 incidents.

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TO EAT
Spice Market New York, 403 W. 13th St.
Celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten dishes out Southeast Asian street food family-style in a highbrow, glamorous establishment filled with antiques and artwork. Come for the curry (and short ribs and spicy Thai slaw), stay for the ambience. 212-675-2322.

Colicchio & Sons, 85 10th Ave.
Another restaurant from a famous chef, Colicchio & Sons was founded by — you guessed it — Tom Colicchio, head judge on Bravo’s “Top Chef.” As part of the well-regarded Craft group, this New American restaurant serves up Italian classics with a twist. 212-400-6699.

Hector’s Café, 44 Little West 12th St.
When looking for cheaper eats in the Meatpacking District, head to Hector’s Café. Barely changed since its 1949 opening, this spot is great for a low-key quick bite. Traditional diner fare like omelettes, deli sandwiches and salad platters should quell your appetite before (or after) a night of partying. 212-206-7592.
 

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Constructed on an elevated rail line, the High Line provides an excellent view of both the Hudson River and the city skyline and boasts sustainable landscaping in keeping with the local environment. Scope the scene while reclining in a wooden lounge chair overlooking the river, by jogging on the concrete paths, or checking out one of the many art installations. 212-500-6035.

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The Whitney, currently located on the Upper East Side at Madison Avenue and 75th Street, will move to a new space in MePa on Gansevoort Street at the southern entrance to the High Line. Construction on the 200,000-square-foot museum began in May 2011 under Italian architect Renzo Piano’s designs, which include 13,000 square feet of rooftop exhibition space.

The project is slated for completion in 2015.

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Lauren Danziger is the executive director of the Meatpacking District Improvement Association, which formed in 2010.

Here, she discusses the work of the nonprofit and what’s happening in the area.

What does the MPIA do?
We have several goals. First, we want to elevate and showcase the brand of the Meatpacking District. We are more than nightlife, though we are very proud of the nightlife as well. This area has a fun and creative dynamic — from food and drinks to fashion and art. Our other goal is to provide a platform for businesses to communicate with residents and customers and to support the marketing efforts of these businesses.

What are some recent changes in the neighborhood?
The High Line brought a whole new dynamic and directs foot traffic, as will the Whitney when it opens in 2015. We always were and will continue to be a flourishing neighborhood.

So you have seen an increase in foot traffic from the High Line?
On any given weekend, there are 3,000 people crossing Gansevoort. There is an incredibly robust business community, and good amount of foot traffic in our public spaces.