Terminal Warehouse

Image: © COOKFOX

Constructed in 1891, this former freight facility was an integral hub for shipping goods into and out of New York – the 19th century’s critical logistics asset. With the introduction of elevated trains, its original use became obsolete. Terminal Warehouse was subsequently used for self-storage and was home to the famous Tunnel nightclub from 1986-2001. 

PIMCO Prime Real Estate, on behalf of our client, the majority limited partner in the asset, has worked with lead developers Columbia Property Trust, L&L Holding Company and Cannon Hill Capital Partners, and COOKFOX Architects, to create a sensitive redevelopment emphasizing restoration and authenticity.

In the largest adaptive reuse project in New York City in recent history, Terminal Warehouse has been successfully restored into a high-performance workplace and retail destination in the city’s West Chelsea district. The redevelopment delivered 12 modern office floors and carved out the center of the massive structure to form a central courtyard to bring sunlight to the depths of the building. 

Many of the redevelopment’s architectural qualities hark back to the building’s storied industrial past. The 700-foot-long tunnel features a twin set of rail tracks that run through the center. Originally serving as a direct connection from the Hudson River’s piers, the tunnel will serve as a social corridor and beating heart of the redevelopment with all-day offerings – from local dining and shops to flexible spaces for events like fashion shows, live music and art installations that celebrate Terminal Warehouse’s location within the vibrant Chelsea Art Gallery District and its connection to the local art community. The monumental arched entrances, which were designed to accommodate massive locomotives, have also been restored with recessed porticos clad with timber reclaimed from the building.

Occupant wellness within the office space is at the core of the development strategy, combining authenticity, connectivity, flexibility, and health – all essential elements of the modern workplace. The development team took a building that was not designed for human inhabitation and transformed it into a highly functional and enjoyable space, with abundant light and air now flowing into what had been a dark box for well over a century.

With its public and green spaces, Terminal Warehouse is a natural extension of the High Line and Hudson River waterfront. Located directly off the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway, the design includes a multi-level bike concierge, lounge and showers supporting active commutes alongside amenity and service-focused retailers suited to accommodate modern tenant needs.

The redevelopment of Terminal Warehouse is emblematic of West Chelsea’s transformation this past century. By celebrating its storied past and inspired by the future, the massive structure, which stretches for a full city block, is a place of connection, commerce and community. The result is a 700-foot-long groundscraper with unrivaled character, form and functionality. A 21^st century work-life synergy asset.

Key sustainability features

• Terminal Warehouse has approximately half the embodied carbon of other development projects of its size due to the extensive and meticulous reuse of the existing structure and materials. Retaining so much material, particularly the masonry and historic timber, represents significant carbon savings. The timber alone is estimated at approximately 54,000 metric tons. In total, this project is estimated to retain the same amount of carbon as a 112,000-acre U.S. forest would sequester in one year.
• Building occupants enjoy immediate access to natural light and fresh air through almost 2.5 acres of green space made possible by the creation of the courtyard, penthouse terraces, and green roof.
• The project, which was unanimously approved by the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission in 2020, involved the preservation, restoration and/or replacement of 3.2 acres of brick masonry, 756 windows, 338 pairs of iron shutters, metal signage, a chimney, flagpole and other historic details.