Every time I find myself walking on West 20th in Chelsea, I’m quickly reminded why it’s among my favorite streets in New York. From charming Cushman Row –– a stretch of 1840 Greek Revival row houses on the south side between Ninth and Tenth Avenues –– to the home of the Atlantic Theater Company and St. Peter’s Church, this enchanting street is infused with history and culture. I strolled the street from Tenth Avenue to Seventh Avenue, snapping photos along the way. Take a walk with me and you’ll discover the beauty of West 20th.
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| Wide stairs anchor some of the 19th-Century townhouses. |
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| Love the colors and mixture of materials on these buildings. |
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| Many homes have front gardens. |
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| A courtyard entrance to the church. |
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| The gorgeous stone of St. Peter’s Church, founded in 1831. |
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| The famed Atlantic Theater Company’s home. |
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| The beauty is in the details. |
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| An unexpected terrace with a garden of ferns. |
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| Fire escapes still intact. |
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| A modern building in the midst of walk-up apartments. |
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| The 10th Police Precinct between Seventh and Eighth Avenues. |
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| Cafe Grumpy, a fave coffee house in the nabe. |
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| The bar at Le Zie Trattoria, normally packed in the evenings, but asleep on a lazy Sunday afternoon. |
Perhaps West 20th is special to me because I stayed in a walk-up apartment between Seventh and Eighth Avenues for three weeks in 1981. Whatever the reason, I’m drawn to this street more than any other in Manhattan.
Do you have any favorite streets in New York? Brooklyn has some beauties.
Plus, one of New York’s most iconic shopping street.
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Christine says
Liked all photos., really great looking buildings
Tracy Kaler says
Thank you. Yes! The townhouses on 20th Street are lovely!