The Keller Hotel in the West Village files plans to go residential with BKSK Architects steering revamp

The Keller Hotel with new addition designed by Morris Adjmi ArchitectsLocated across from the Hudson River at 150 Barrow Street, the Keller Hotel’s rich history and design by Julius Munckwitz, an architect best known for his design of the Central Park Boathouse, were key factors in its designation as a New York City Landmark in 2007. The Landmarks Preservation Commission (“Landmarks”) took its owners to task in 2014 for failing to maintain the Renaissance Revival-style building, but the building is hardly being ignored now.

"A significant reminder of the era when the Port of New York was one of the world's busiest and the section of the Hudson River between Christopher and 23rd Streets was the heart of the busiest section" - Landmarks Preservation Commission Designation Report

Keller Hotel circa 1929 via Percy Loomis Sperr / The New York Public LibraryThe Keller Hotel's facade was recently restored under Morris Adjmi Architects. (October 2019, CityRealty)Perhaps inspired by the success of the nearby Jane Hotel, another New York City Landmark now housing a high-end hotel, its owners originally planned to restore it to its former glory and resurrect it for this use. In April 2017, Landmarks approved plans from Morris Adjmi Architects, a firm known for its respect of historic buildings, to restore the facade, add a new story and cornice, and, to the delight of preservationists, keep the iconic “Hotel” sign. But just last week, new permits for the site were filed by BKSK Architects. These call for a 10-unit condominium with retail at the base and no more than two units per floor, including a duplex penthouse. The new permits represent the latest stage for the Keller Hotel, which seems to encapsulate the West Village’s history, decline, and renaissance. It was originally built in 1898 as the Knickerbocker Hotel to cater to the seamen and travelers on cargo and cruise ships. But as both industries declined, so too did the neighborhood; the hotel was registered as a home for itinerant seamen in 1935, then converted to a SRO in the 1980’s and a welfare hotel in the 1990’s.Rendering showing 144 Barrow StreetWhether the Keller Hotel's latest incarnation is as a hotel or condominium, it will certainly take shape in a drastically different neighborhood than when it went vacant in 1998. While its retail space was once home to the Keller Bar, said to be the city’s oldest gay “leather” bar and where the Village People shot their debut album cover, high-end boutiques have set up West Village flagships. Its address at 150 Barrow Street puts it just north of Hudson Square, a neighborhood that is seeing a residential renaissance and new headquarters for Google and Disney.

In addition to restoring the hotel, the development team (the estate of William Gottliel according to documents) have demolished a garage at 144 Barrow Street and plan to replace it with seven-story condo-hotel project. The West Village has a median condo listing price of $5.1 million (per CityRealty listings). Theproject site is also across the street from Hudson River Park, which has maybe gotten a little too popular in these days of social distancing.

Hudson River Park near the project site (CityRealty

Local Listings with Hudson River Views

All images of 173 Perry Street via Sotheby'sFrom the listing:
Move right in to this turnkey home with 10' ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows from the perfect height to watch the Hudson River boats float by beyond two new pier parks. Open views north and south to the Statue of Liberty. Enter into the windowed private landing with abundant storage and closets. First terrace to the right and second bedroom with full bath to the left. A video tour is available for this unit. See floor plan and full details here.All images of 160 Leroy Street via Core GroupFrom the listing:
Conceptualized by Ian Schrager and designed by Herzog and de Meuron for the modern lifestyle, this home is beautifully proportioned and perfectly situated in the north tower of the building. Enjoy tons of light and breathtaking views through the 11' floor-to-ceiling windows, and an open floor plan that accommodates gracious living and entertaining while offering an abundance of wall space for art. Enter through a dramatic gallery, leading to the exceptional corner great room on the waterfront, which opens into the social eat-in kitchen. See floor plan and full details here.All images of Superior Ink via CompassFrom the listing:
Floating at just the perfect eye-level is one of New York City's rarest, most compelling, and majestic river and park views. Here is a lofty diamond a rambling trophy home offering stupendous light and space, and a coveted front row seat to one of the most magical maritime panoramas in the world. A video tour is available for this unit. See floor plan and full details here.All images of Hudson River Dioramas via HalsteadFrom the listing:
Enjoy brilliant light and uninterrupted Hudson River views from 64-feet of continuous steel ribbon windows in this rare and sophisticated full-floor loft located in the ultimate private West Village waterfront address! Designed by Robert Marino and inspired by the French mid-century industrial aesthetic, this singular residence features an open flexible floor plan and is a study in the creative expression of architectural materials and the interplay of form and light. See floor plan and full details hereAll images of The XI via Douglas EllimanFrom the listing:
Upon arrival, residents enter through a custom smoked-oak entry door to be greeted by natural oak chevron floors, as well as an abundance of light and exquisitely designed spaces throughout. Grand and spacious, the spectacular living room captures the western exposure overlooking the Hudson River and is an exceptional setting to live, dine, and entertain, opening into the large and lavish custom-designed kitchen. See floor plan and full details here.

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