Meatpacking District’s Final Meat Businesses Set to Move for New Housing and Cultural Hub

The last of the meatpacking operations in New York’s Meatpacking District will soon vacate, making way for a new housing and cultural development, as the area continues its transformation from industrial center to luxury neighborhood.

Under an agreement with the Economic Development Corp. (EDC), the final seven meatpackers in the Gansevoort Market Co-Op are scheduled to exit by 2032, freeing up the historic site for 600 rental apartments, 300 of which will be affordable.

Plans also include a sprawling pavilion and cultural spaces near the Whitney Museum and the High Line.

Mayor Eric Adams envisions a revitalized “Gansevoort Square” that will serve as a premier cultural hub for locals and visitors alike.

EDC President Andrew Kimball praised the agreement, stating it “unlocks enormous potential” for the Meatpacking District.

The Whitney Museum holds the right of first offer for the site, with the potential to expand its footprint, while Friends of the High Line are exploring options for additional facilities to support the park’s seven million yearly visitors.

Gansevoort Market President John Jobbagy acknowledged that technological advancements have rendered traditional meat processing operations outdated, suggesting that now is the right time to relocate the businesses.

However, sources indicate that the meat companies are not obligated to leave until a concrete development project is approved.

This transition marks the end of an era for an industry that once defined the Meatpacking District, as upscale hotels, restaurants, and fashion retailers continue to reshape the neighborhood’s identity.

Interested in how historic districts adapt and evolve over time? Visit our homepage for more on the intersection of tradition and transformation.