Whitney Museum Eyes Expansion into Iconic Meat Market

The historic Gansevoort Market, one of New York City’s last active meat markets in the Meatpacking District, may soon transform into an extension for the Whitney Museum of American Art.

Mayor Eric Adams recently announced plans for a new development, “Gansevoort Square,” which would include affordable housing, public space, and around 45,000 square feet designated for the Whitney and High Line expansion.

The proposed Gansevoort Square aligns with Adams’s broader vision to create “24/7 Live, Work, Play, and Learn Communities.”

John Jobbagy, President of Gansevoort Market, explained that technological shifts in meat processing have made the building outdated for current industry needs, making it a prime candidate for reinvention.

Since relocating to the Meatpacking District in 2015, the Whitney Museum has seen its visitor numbers climb, thanks partly to initiatives like Free Friday Nights.

The museum’s director, Scott Rothkopf, highlighted that rising attendance figures, especially with new admissions programs, have spurred the museum to consider expanding.

The Whitney’s interest in the space is longstanding, dating back to when it initially moved to the neighborhood. A Right of First Offer provision was secured to allow the museum the option to purchase adjoining spaces.

If they proceed with an offer, the space would support additional gallery and educational areas, fostering the museum’s role as a cultural anchor in the district.

Preservationists note that the Gansevoort Market location has hosted food markets since 1884, marking it as a site rich with New York’s economic and cultural heritage.

While no formal timeline has been announced for Whitney’s decision, the museum’s potential growth mirrors the area’s evolution from an industrial hub to a modern, artistic enclave.

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