Be captivated by the divine Victorian details of 234 West 22nd Street. Situated on a charming tree-lined block in the heart of Chelsea, this home offers a rare opportunity to reimagine a classic New York masterpiece of scale and character. Built in the 1850's on a 17' x 98' lot with a deep 60-foot footprint, this single-family home spans approximately 4,080 square feet across four floors, plus an additional ~1,020 square feet of windowed cellar space.
Rich in history and architectural presence, the home retains a remarkable collection of original details, complemented by soaring ceiling heights on each floor that reach 12 feet on the parlor level. Currently configured with 6 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, the residence offers a flexible layout anchored by a grand double parlor-- a rare feature that reflects the home's original intent for gracious entertaining and refined living.
While well maintained over the years, the property presents a compelling opportunity for a buyer to create a truly bespoke townhouse tailored to modern living. The interior aesthetic reflects a richly layered Victorian style, offering a strong foundation for either preservation or thoughtful reinterpretation.
A 38-foot private rear garden is a serene and spacious outdoor retreat, ideal for al fresco dining and entertaining.
Garden Floor
The garden level's generous proportions and direct access to the rear garden make it an ideal footprint for a large-scale kitchen and dining space. With its depth and connection to the outdoors, this level naturally lends itself to an open-concept layout designed for both everyday living and entertaining.
Parlor Floor
The parlor level is anchored by a stunning central music gallery which flanks front and rear parlors. This floor's impressive ceiling height, oversized windows, moldings and other architectural elements offer a most dramatic setting for grand events as well as intimate gatherings.
Upper Floors
The third and fourth floors provide multiple bedrooms and flexible living spaces, easily adaptable for use as private suites, home offices, or additional sitting rooms. The scale and ceiling heights continue throughout, reinforcing the home's sense of volume and proportion.
Cellar
The home features an expansive ~1,020 square feet of windowed lower level. Currently utilized as a gym, office, and full bathroom, this level adds significant functional value and allows for a variety of possibilities.
One of the most compelling aspects of 234 West 22nd Street is its location east of Eighth Avenue, placing it outside of the Chelsea Historic District. This allows for considerable renovation flexibility, including the potential for rear and vertical expansions, without the oversight of the Landmarks Preservation Commission, a rare advantage in this neighborhood. There are approximately 2,448 sqft of unused FAR, along with the potential to create a rooftop terrace, further enhancing the home's outdoor living and entertaining possibilities.
Combining scale, preserved architectural detail, and exceptional development potential, this is a unique opportunity to create a custom townhouse in one of Manhattan's most vibrant and sought-after locations.
