.png)
.png)
Apartment Renovations In Chelsea Manhattan
Chelsea has always offered an open canvas for residents. Featuring a cultured blend of transcendent homes that warrant imagination on the interior and significant investment up front, this creative and cultural hub houses many of NYC's most attractive addresses.
Award-Winning Apartment Renovations In Chelsea
As real estate in West Chelsea, The Meatpacking District, The Historic District and areas around the High Line continue to see limitless demand, much of Chelsea’s wealth of residential real estate winds up requiring renovation. Most of the area is filled with dated industrial turned residential homes, properties with pre-war problems, or modern form-fitted spaces that require customization prior to moving in.
As experienced NYC apartment renovation contractors in NYC, Gallery handles every aspect of your Chelsea renovation under one roof, including architecture, interior design, board approvals, permitting, and construction management. As a result of our thorough work, we’re a consistent recipient of numerous awards in service and design. We are equally as proud of the reviews our clients have given us on both Houzz and Google, resulting in a combined average of 4.9 stars.
-min.jpg)
Understanding Chelsea's Architectural Landscape
When considering Chelsea’s residential make-up, this perpetually blossoming bite of the burrough offers plenty of color. Offering a blend of throwback charm and modern elegance, Chelsea is known for having an array of architectural styles across the variety of property types that line the city - all of which are ripe for customization.
Brownstone Renovations In Chelsea
Brownstones, prevalent between 20th and 23rd Streets, around 15th and 30th Streets, and nestled in various nooks of Chelsea, are iconic to the neighborhood. These elegant townhomes, rich in NYC history, often come with renovation challenges due to their pre-war origins. Many have undergone multiple renovations since their original construction, while some have remained largely untouched since the 1930s and ’40s.
The older brownstones frequently reveal a patchwork of past renovations, with outdated electrical systems and plumbing that may include asbestos. These issues can pose significant challenges amidst renovation, as early electrical systems were not designed for modern usage. Plus, asbestos is often abundant behind the scenes of older Brownstones, and once disturbed, requires careful handling to ensure safety.
Pre-War Apartment Renovations In Chelsea
Whether you’re in Meatpacking or just south of West 15th, you’ll find pre-war buildings prominent throughout the streets of Chelsea. Boasting premium locale and timeless historic charm, these cherished pre-war properties offer a glimpse into the area’s riveting past, while typically offering more room than modern residential offerings. Yet, with added cache comes added considerations when renovating.
Similar to brownstones, pre-war apartments that have been renovated multiple times in the past may come with hidden surprises once walls begin opening up. This may include anything from asbestos and outdated wiring to corroded plumbing and insufficient load capability. Furthermore, many pre-war buildings in NYC are designated landmark status, which means they’ll require additional approval on specifics like exterior street facing materials and design aesthetics prior to implementation.
Loft Renovations In Chelsea
Since much of Chelsea arose from industrial roots, lofts are in abundance throughout the area. As experts in loft renovation in NYC, we always make the most of these high-end, engaging spaces and their historic charm. By combining architectural expertise with design innovation, our full-service approach to loft renovations addresses the unique challenges of these open book spaces, turning challenges like load-bearing columns and high ceilings into stylish, functional design opportunities.
High-Rises & New Developments
While Chelsea Manhattan apartments may be rooted in various styles of historic buildings, there’s no lack of modern wonder littered throughout the area. Lining the waterfront and Hudson Yards are plenty of post-war high-rises and residential towers, each offering their own slice of sanctuary in NYC. Yet, even in newer builds, clients prefer customization. That’s where we come in. Whether you’re looking to reconfigure the layout of your home to accommodate an expanding family or redesign the entire space for a more personalized touch, Gallery’s full-service blend of interior design and architecture services will maximize your space in ways you’ve always imagined.
Our Comprehensive Renovation Services
The reason Chelsea residents prefer working with Gallery is simple - we do everything so you don’t have to. In more traditional renovation methods, such as hiring a design-bid-build general contractor or interior designer, the homeowner is often responsible for sourcing the additional parties required to complete the job. This also includes handling many of the permits and approvals, plus much of the material sourcing. That’s a lot of work. With a design-build renovation contractor, the renovation experience is hands off. That’s because a design-build firm includes all services required for your Chelsea renovation under one roof.
Architecture Services
When considering the architecture services involved in Gallery’s design-build firm model, our in-house renovation architect starts by understanding the client's goals and creating an optimal layout and design. They handle all architectural drawings, floor-plan reconfigurations, blueprints, and necessary filings with the NYC Department of Buildings. The process includes detailed digital renderings of the final design, providing a clear visual representation of your completed Chelsea Manhattan apartment renovation before work even starts.
-fotor-2024010410280-min.jpg)
This fully-integrated architecture design-build model simplifies the renovation process and aligns all aspects of the project under one roof, focusing efforts based on your design goals, predetermined budget and the timeline we establish together at the outset of the process.
Our client-centric approach is quite different from hiring a traditional independent architect, where your input may be minimal and costs may be excessive, as materials are typically 50-100% more expensive when aiming for the true one-of-a-kind appeal an independent architect seeks. For a more detailed comparison of the two approaches, read What Kind Of Architect Is Best For Your NYC Apartment Renovation
Interior Design Services
Choosing a design-build firm like Gallery over an individual interior designer offers several benefits. In our model, the interior design of your Chelsea Manhattan apartment renovation is driven by your dedicated in-house interior designer. They handle initial planning and material selection while overseeing procurement and installation, working with our architect, liaisons, and construction managers throughout the process to ensure all design elements are cohesive and functional.
This all-inclusive approach provides a smoother and more integrated renovation experience, which is vital when trying to meticulously meet the unique designs our clients require. Our designers also pride themselves on pre-war prowess, making sure historic Manhattan homes can be restored to their former glory while also being integrated with modern amenities. Learn more about our interior design services.
Board Approval And Permitting Services
Clients love to hear our design-build services include handling all the red tape involved in their Chelsea Manhattan apartment renovation. This complicated process includes reviewing and satisfying the alteration agreement, filing all relevant architectural plans with the Department Of Buildings, and procuring all necessary permits. We also handle all LPC approvals and requirements. In addition, we fully manage the approval process with your building management company and co-op board. This is key in areas like The Historic District and Chelsea Market, where strict building regulations and historic preservation guidelines often apply. Read more about our board approval and permitting services.
Construction And Renovation Site Management Services
The lynchpin of Gallery’s design-build process is our project managers, who handle all construction and renovation site management services. By working together with our architects and designers, they create customized project plans tailored to clients' unique needs and requirements while also addressing the many logistical and regulatory hurdles that arise renovating older, prestigious buildings in Chelsea. Between initial site review, detailed project plans, risk assessments associated with blending properties, compliance checks, and consistent management of the workforce, our PMs ensure your Manhattan renovation is executed to exceed expectations. This level of coordination is particularly beneficial for residences surrounding The Chelsea Hotel, where logistical barriers are abundant and building regulations come with added complexity.
-min.jpg)
Our Design Build Renovation Process:
From Concept to Completion
The apartment renovation and remodeling process is largely determined by the type of contractor chosen for the job. There are two main types of contractors - traditional general contractors and design-bid general contractors.
While our design-bid approach offers a comprehensive renovation solution with all services integrated, the traditional general contractor model requires separate contracts for design and construction. In this model, you first hire a designer or architect to plan and render the project design. The construction is then bid out to a separate general contractor, who may further subcontract various tasks. This setup often requires additional coordination between designers and contractors, as they are not always contractually bound to one another. For more information on these two types of general contractor, read What Type Of Contractor Do You Need For An Apartment Renovation In NYC?
In this section, we’ll be detailing Gallery’s end-to-end design-build process for apartment renovation. Keep in mind every renovation has different requirements, and the process below can be flexible to accommodate unique specifications like pre-war or co-op status.
PLANNING & PREP | ARCHITECTURAL DRAWING AND DOB FILINGS
Most apartment renovations require architectural plans to be approved by the building board along with the NYC Dept of Buildings. As a full-service NYC apartment renovation contractor, We take on all architectural planning and filings with our award winning in-house design team and architects. Learn more about our architecture services.
PLANNING & PREP | INTERIOR DESIGN
When considering interior design, some clients have a highly specific aesthetic in mind, complete with color swatches and a mood board for inspiration. Others might be uncertain, but know mid-century modern has a chic, retro vibe that fits their personality. Some are open for options and welcome direction from the experts. At Gallery, our interior design approach requires accommodating clients however we can. If you have a vision, we bring that to life. If not, we’ll brainstorm and guide you toward the ideal style for your apartment.
PLANNING & PREP | INSPECTIONS & TESTING
Since the average New York City apartment is around 90-years-old, there are often skeletons waiting to be uncovered when renovating. At Gallery, we prioritize all needed tests and inspections before any renovation can begin, in order to ensure no unwelcome surprises arise and delay our agreed-upon timeline. We handle all of the following on behalf of our clients:
- Asbestos Test
- Electrical Test
- Plumbing Inspection
PLANNING & PREP | MATERIAL SELECTION + PROCUREMENT
The most hands-on aspect of any apartment renovation or remodel is finding materials to bring your chosen interior design style to life. That entails paint color, accent walls, flooring style, mouldings, fixtures, countertops, and more. As a full-service design-build firm we take on the design, sourcing, and procurement of every permanent fixture in your home.
Plus, Gallery is brand-agnostic and vendor-agnostic, meaning we’re not limited in any way with our material selections. Some firms or contractors sell their own materials or have relationships with particular vendors, but our commitment is to our clients. We’ll procure from any vendor, whether international or local. This quality makes our ability to design for both taste and budget fairly flexible.
PLANNING & PREP | DESIGN RENDERS
After materials have been sourced, we create life-like digital renderings of the renovated apartment. This includes every aspect of the design, from flooring to fixtures, even showing how renovated rooms will look under different lighting settings. These high-end renderings provide a visual accompaniment to the blueprint that guides construction and helps clients tweak final design decisions like paint color or fixture height. The kitchen render to the right is from our Manhattan condo renovation at The Chelsea Mercantile on 252 Seventh Ave. See the completed kitchen directly below.
CONSTRUCTION & RENOVATION
- Demolition Phase
- Initial Inspections
- Framing & Rough Carpentry
- Electrical & Plumbing
- Finish Carpentry & Fixtures
- Final Inspections & Walk-Through
Client Testimonials & Reviews
Job description
PROJECT DATE
RATING
RELATIONSHIP
If you are looking to renovate, Gallery is TERRIFIC. Our pre-war, estate-sale purchase needed A LOT of work. Avi from Gallery was fantastic in every way, including: (1) providing a practical budget (what we could/should keep/restore vs. gut), (2) laying out options (we considered at least five vastly different kitchen layouts), (3) sticking to budget, (4) finding creative solutions to every problem (wet over dry, bath conversions to showers), (5) working closely with my building staff and even impressing them! (building has very high expectations and standards). Avi and his team get it done, take pride in their work and are honest and professional. Avi is an unusually special resource and person. He continued to work on our project until it was done right and we were happy. (Now that our project is complete, there are still decisions I waver on and I believe he will help me with those if I choose to pursue them, even after his team is gone). I am convinced that he can accomplish almost anything (he is one of the most creative thinkers around); if he can't, I would challenge you to find another who can....
...View moreJob description
PROJECT DATE
RATING
RELATIONSHIP
I started this journey with 1 1970s bathroom that needed renovated and dreams of adding a second bathroom and a kitchen that did utilize all the space. I went through the process of interviewing companies that have a team of people who do design, architect, construction, and permitting. The first 2 companies gave me a quote of only "labor". That absolutely wasn't helpful because I wanted to know how much the entire project would cost. I just needed to wrap my head around the cost of renovating a bathroom, adding a bathroom, moving the laundry room, renovating the kitchen, making my office a proper office but also needing a bed for guests and then on top of all of that, making the closets that I had, useful. When I told Avi this, he told me a rough estimate. It was so REFRESHING to have an idea of what my dream would cost. It was honest and he was creative in solving my bathroom addition and the office/guest bedroom dilemma. His solution - add the bathroom, move the laundry room and create a Murphy bed/desk area that also included a closet. It's perfect and beautiful. So that was Avi, my first encounter with GKB. Then I met Kate. The super hero behind the project. She managed everything. She helped me with colors and faucets and cabinets and all the tiny decisions that come with designing new things. She also worked with the construction crews and plumbers and electricians. She scheduled everything, chased them if they didn't show up on time, gave them very clear instruction to make sure everything was completed to perfection. She hustled and worked extremely hard. Every email was responded to timely and very thoroughly. I met a lot of the people during this process and every, single person that I encountered with GKB was kind, respectful, ready to help out with anything. I absolutely made the right decision in hiring GKB. My project stayed on budget (except when I wanted more), my project stayed on time (minus one tiny shipping delay on cabinets), and my project turned out to be more beautiful than I could have ever imagined. My kitchen is stunning. My office is stunning. My bathrooms are perfect. The laundry room is functional. And every closet utilizes the space in the most efficient way. One last thing about GKB - they have an app. And EVERYTHING is on the app. You will know EXACTLY what you're paying for, you will see pictures of progress, you will sign off on every tiny detail and it is all aggregated on one platform. You don't need to gather receipts and check emails...it's all in the app and it's a game changer. This is my 4th renovation project and GKB is by far the best firm I have ever used. I'm so thankful that I found them! You will be too!
...View moreOur Work: Chelsea Apartment Transformation
While we have a variety of exquisite Manhattan renovations in our portfolio, below is one of our favorites from Chelsea.
.jpg)
Manhattan Condo Renovation At The Chelsea Mercantile | 252 Seventh Ave
This sizable Manhattan renovation found us overhauling a previously-combined two-unit condo in The Chelsea Mercantile, an iconic 19-story pre-war building in Chelsea. Our clients, a couple with three small children, acquired the enlarged 252 Seventh Avenue residence with an aim to blend modern comfort with the charm of yesteryear.
With a growing family and an expanded unit to work with, their renovation aspirations welcomed a more open and functional layout, requiring outside the box structural planning. While redefining the kitchen's placement and converting a portion of the original living area into a new third bedroom were central to the renovation, considerable attention was also dedicated to fully upgrading three bathrooms. Every detail, including finishes, trims, lighting, and ceilings, underwent careful consideration to enhance the overall living experience. View the full renovation before and after.
Why Choose Gallery for Your Chelsea Apartment Renovation
Read below to see why Chelsea residents continue to choose Gallery as their NYC apartment renovation contractor during their full home renovation or luxury home remodel.
Expertise Across All NYC Residential Building Types
At Gallery, we constantly aim to raise the bar for our clients, not only working towards their renovation goals - but exceeding them. For nearly two decades, we’ve delivered all-inclusive residential renovations that include everything from 4,000-plus square foot, pre-war co-op renovations to multi-floor townhouse conversions.
Familiarity With Renovations In Chelsea
With the various regulations, neighborhood aesthetics, and strict building codes, renovations in Chelsea require a local contractor with all-encompassing design build expertise and familiarity with the locale that can provide peace of mind amidst an already challenging undertaking. At Gallery, we work exclusively in Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Client-First Approach To Full-Service Renovations
Furthermore, Gallery’s specifically-customized approach allows clients to design a home that reflects their individual style and needs, opposed to a standard move-in ready new buy or over-the-top, over-priced renovation from an independent architect aiming to win awards. We’re client-first, always.
.jpg)
Getting Started With Your Chelsea Renovation
If you’re someone who knows what they want design-wise and has a significant residential renovation in Chelsea that requires structural changes or custom design, a full-service NYC apartment renovation contractor like Gallery is the ideal partner.
We are an award-winning design-build general contractor in Manhattan with a full-service approach to renovations throughout New York City that includes everything from interior design and architecture services to filing permits and construction management. We’re experts in pre-war apartment renovations, apartment combinations, room creations, full gut renovations and all that falls in between. Let us bring your dream home to life.
Considering an apartment renovation in New York City? View our portfolio of NYC apartment renovation before and afters, learn more about Gallery, or contact us for an initial consultation and to schedule a walk-through of the space you’d like renovated.
