Certain industries require large factories and warehouses. Texas has plenty of big factories and warehouses. Houston Contract Warehouse and Houston Fulfillment services are prime examples of businesses that require large buildings. Often a growing business needs to relocate its operations leaving behind vast unused space. The transformation of warehouses and warehouse districts is an interesting journey; one that seems to follow a pattern. Artists, seeking inexpensive living and plenty of square footage with good lighting, are often the first to inhabit a declining warehouse district. As the population increases, the services begin to follow; shops, coffeehouses, bookstores and restaurants. The area, more often then not, becomes an in vogue destination and begins to gather more and more attention. Soon warehouse conversions begin and more expensive lofts, high-end stores, and trendy restaurants spring up. This evolution is clearly demonstrated in the decline and rebirth of the Meat Packing District in New York.

The Meat Packing District was home to more then 250 meat processing plants. Livestock would be led off of trains and ships and would be walked through the streets and into the factories. (Some factories are still functioning and cows and pigs can be seen wandering the alleys in the wee hours.) As many shut down the area became rundown. During the 70’s it became infamous for drug trafficking and prostitution. It was an undesirable location for people to live. Space was available and rent was cheap. Many artists found the large windows and floor plans perfect for studio space. The price was right and the gritty neighborhood had a certain off-beat personality.

Following this first wave, a second incarnation developed. The Meat Packing District took on a new life and a new meaning as it became the heart of gay nightlife. Many notorious clubs thrived in the large buildings and the area became an alternative cultural center changing the street dynamic. Businesses saw new revenue and the area was reinvigorated. The A.I.D.S. health crisis slowed the nightlife , but the community continued to evolve.

Architects, fashion designers, photographers, graphic designers, all found the area a prime spot for artistic endeavors. In 2003 the area was listed as the Gansevoort Historic District. Gansevoort, a hero from the war for independence, who had a large open market in the area. He was Heman Melville’s grandfather.

Today the area, marked by Chelsea Market to the north and Gansevoort Street to the south, is a thriving and trendy neighborhood with old world charm and cobblestone streets. Fine restaurants abound, along with art galleries and trendy places to live. The Highline Park intersects a part of the district. The Highline Park is an innovative use for an abandoned elevated train track. It has been transformed into a park with paths and flowers above the city streets. Its existence contributes to the charm of this once gritty slaughter yard and guarantees that the Meat Packing District will continue to transform into a premier neighborhood.