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196Units
15Stories
1939Year Built
Available Units
For Sale
For Rent
Highlights
Doorman
P.S. 11 Sarah J. Garnet School Rated A
Rooftop Deck
City View
Pre War Building
1 min walk to Chelsea Green
This low-key co-op offers an entry to the coveted Chelsea neighborhood
For those hoping to own in Manhattan’s beloved Chelsea neighborhood, Kensington House offers small, prewar units at an approachable price point. For real estate broker David Rossman, the co-op not only offered that but also a nice fall-back plan. “I bought in the building back in ’96,” he shares. “One of the main reasons I bought there was because, after one year of ownership, I would have been allowed to rent out my unit indefinitely. I was 24 years old at the time and buying my first apartment. I thought, ‘If Manhattan doesn’t work out for me, I can go back to Michigan, keep my little piece of Manhattan and just rent it out.’” Long story short, Rossman never wound up subletting his apartment. Today, he has lived in New York selling residential real estate for over 20 years. Just this year, in September 2024, Kensington House altered its policy to require three years of residency prior to subletting. Still, the 15-story co-op — which was built in 1939 and designed in the Art Deco style by architect Emery Roth — is an attractive prospect for entry-level buyers. “It’s well-maintained, pet friendly, the roof deck is stunning, and it’s got a great location,” Rossman says.
A furnished roof deck, plus recently updated common areas
Kensington House is rather unsuspecting from the street level. Its beige brick facade fits in with its neighbors, and the ground-level commercial units, including a small market, draw more attention than the co-op itself. But upon closer inspection, passersby will notice original Art Deco details like mosaic tiling at the entry and floral motifs above the second story. “The co-op has done some major capital improvements over the last couple of years, but they were very conscientious as far as maintaining and preserving that original style,” Rossman says. Among the upgrades were new casement windows, newer and faster elevators, nicer mailboxes and an updated desk inside the lobby. In the basement, shareholders will find a 24/7 laundry room, plus a bike and storage room. The main attraction, though, is perched above the 15th story. “The roof deck is beautiful,” Rossman says. “When I go up there with a client, sometimes that seals the deal. The views are fantastic and with all the plants, lighting and teak furniture up there, it’s just really nice.”
Over 190 units, including small studios that start at $415,000
When it first opened as an apartment in 1939, Kensington House primarily catered to Garment District workers who lived there part-time. As such, the apartments are rather small, hovering around 500 square feet and most of the units are studios, although some one-bedrooms are also present. “There have also been some combinations where the purchasers took two, next-door studios and made them into a one-bed, two-bath apartment,” Rossman shares. “Normally, the building doesn’t allow washer/dryers in studios, but if you’ve combined units, people turn the second kitchen into a utility room with laundry, and that’s allowed.” The units at Kensington House include some uncommon, old-school features like sunken living rooms and beamed ceilings. Plus, each one has a small dressing room connecting the sleeping area to the bathroom. Studios are typically priced between $415,000 and $600,000, whereas one-bedrooms range from $900,000 to $1.2 million for a fully renovated unit.
Proximity to green space, culture, dining and more
Situated on the corner of 20th Street and Seventh Avenue, Kensington House shareholders are within walking distance of parks, culture and everyday conveniences. Madison Square Park and Union Square are several blocks east, while the High Line and Hudson River Park are accessible to the west. Dozens of global restaurants are available within a few blocks of the co-op including Momoya Chelsea, which Rossman cites as a local favorite. “They don’t take reservations and it’s always crowded, but somehow you never seem to wait more than 15 or 20 minutes for a table,” he says. One block farther along Sixth Avenue, residents can grab groceries at Trader Joe’s or shop at Burlington, Old Navy and more. “Of course, the galleries throughout Chelsea are another attractive feature for buyers,” Rossman adds. Several performance venues, like The Joyce Theater and Gotham Comedy Club, are also nearby.
Several subways make local travel easy
Residents can catch the 1 local train two blocks south of the co-op, plus the A, C, E and L lines to the west or the F and M trains (plus the PATH) to the east. There’s also a bus stop and a Citi Bike station right outside of the building.
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Quantarium
Current List Price
Sold Price
Area Factors
Moderate Crime
Crime Score®
5/ 10
Biker's Paradise
Bike Score®
94/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
100/ 100
Rider's Paradise
Transit Score®
100/ 100
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Powered by CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks. Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Environmental risk data is provided by First Street Foundation® and is designed to approximate risk and not intended to include all possible scenarios.
Parks in this Area
Chelsea Green
1 min walk
Picnic Area
Playground
Waterpark
Dr. Gertrude B. Kelly Playground
6 min walk
Basketball
Playground
Chelsea Waterside at Hudson River Park
7 min walk
Basketball
Dog Park
Soccer
Penn South Playground
8 min walk
Basketball
Tennis
Playground
Pinwheel Park
8 min walk
Trails
Playground
Jackson Square
9 min walk
Picnic Area
NYC AIDS Memorial Park at St Vincent's Triangle
9 min walk
Picnic Area
Corporal John A. Seravalli Playground
10 min walk
Basketball
Playground
Sandbox Playground
10 min walk
Schools
Source:
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