131 West 23rd Street: Everything You Need to Know
Demolition is complete at 131 West 23rd Street in Chelsea, clearing the way for a new mixed-use tower on one of the neighborhood's most talked-about development sites, according to New York YIMBY. The site, between Sixth and Seventh Avenues, includes the former St. Vincent de Paul Church and runs through the block to West 24th Street. Here's what we know so far and why it matters for Chelsea.
What's happening at 131 West 23rd Street?
The site is now cleared for a new mixed-use tower. Crews have finished demolishing the five-story building that housed the Townhouse Inn of Chelsea, and the city's permit lists Actium Development as the owner. Detailed plans for the new building, including its height and number of homes, haven't been made public yet.
- Address131 West 23rd Street, between Sixth and Seventh Avenues
- NeighborhoodChelsea, near the Flatiron District
- SiteFormer St. Vincent de Paul Church and Townhouse Inn, running through the block to West 24th Street
- OwnerActium Development, per the city's demolition permit
- StatusDemolition complete, November 2026
- UsePlanned mixed-use tower
What was on the site before?
A small hotel and a historic church. St. Vincent de Paul Church, next door at 123 West 23rd Street, was dedicated in 1869 and served a French-speaking congregation for more than 150 years before closing in 2013. Its 1939 façade faced West 23rd Street, and earlier plans called for building it into the new project.
The site has been in the works for more than a decade. Here's how it got here.
Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
1869 | St. Vincent de Paul Church is dedicated on West 23rd Street |
2013 | The church closes |
2014 | Permits filed for a 35-story, 445-foot tower designed by Stonehill & Taylor, per New York YIMBY |
2015–2016 | The 23rd Street and 24th Street parcels are assembled |
2018 | A through-block plan surfaces: a 13-story residential building on 23rd Street and a 39-story hotel on 24th Street. Those plans were later disapproved |
February 2025 | Demolition permit approved for the five-story building at 131 West 23rd Street |
November 2026 | Demolition complete, per New York YIMBY |
Want to be first to know when 131 West 23rd Street releases plans? Contact Darrell Williams to get on the list.
What could the new building look like?
Earlier plans give some clues. In 2014, permits were filed for a 35-story, 445-foot tower combining apartments and hotel rooms. By 2018, the design had become a through-block plan with a 13-story residential building on West 23rd Street, incorporating the church's façade, and a 39-story hotel on West 24th Street. Those plans were later disapproved, so the final design may look different. We'll update this page as new details are released.
What's it like to live on West 23rd Street in Chelsea?
Central and well connected. The F, M and PATH stop at 23rd Street and Sixth Avenue, the 1 at 23rd Street and Seventh Avenue, and the R and W at 23rd Street and Broadway, so Midtown, Downtown and New Jersey are each a short ride away. Madison Square Park and the Flatiron District are to the east, and the High Line and the galleries of West Chelsea are to the west.
Buyers are active downtown. Downtown Manhattan, which includes Chelsea, drew 27% of all Manhattan contracts signed in October 2026, more than any other area, according to the Compass Manhattan Market Insights report. Nearby, a 5,400-square-foot co-op at 205 West 19th Street went into contract last week, according to the Compass Manhattan Luxury Report.
What restaurants and shops are near 131 West 23rd Street?
West 23rd Street connects two of Manhattan's best-known neighborhoods, Chelsea and Flatiron, with landmarks on both ends.
- The High Line, Enter at West 23rd St and Tenth Ave
The elevated park running north to Hudson Yards - Hotel Chelsea, 222 W 23rd St
The landmark hotel and its restored lobby bar - El Quijote, 226 W 23rd St
The classic Spanish restaurant inside the Hotel Chelsea - Madison Square Park, Fifth Ave and 23rd St
The original Shake Shack and rotating public art - Eataly Flatiron, 200 Fifth Ave
Italian market, restaurants and rooftop bar - Chelsea Market, 75 Ninth Ave
Food hall and shops in the former Nabisco factory - Flower District, West 28th St
Wholesale flower and plant shops - The Flatiron Building, 175 Fifth Ave
The landmark, now home to luxury condos
Want to be first to know when 131 West 23rd Street releases plans? Contact Darrell Williams to get on the list.
Frequently asked questions
What is being built at 131 West 23rd Street?
A new mixed-use tower is planned for the site, and demolition of the existing building is now complete, according to New York YIMBY. Final plans for the height, number of homes and other uses haven't been made public yet.
What was at 131 West 23rd Street before?
A five-story building that was home to the Townhouse Inn of Chelsea. The development site also includes the former St. Vincent de Paul Church next door, which was dedicated in 1869 and closed in 2013.
Who is developing 131 West 23rd Street?
The city's demolition permit lists Actium Development as the owner. Earlier plans for the site, filed from 2014 to 2018, were designed by Stonehill & Taylor.
Will the new building at 131 West 23rd Street have condos or rentals?
That hasn't been announced. Earlier plans for the site combined apartments on West 23rd Street with a hotel on West 24th Street, but those plans were later disapproved, so the final mix may be different.
What subway is near 131 West 23rd Street?
The F and M stop at 23rd Street and Sixth Avenue, along with the PATH, and the 1 stops at 23rd Street and Seventh Avenue. The R and W are at 23rd Street and Broadway.
Is the Chelsea real estate market active right now?
Downtown Manhattan, which includes Chelsea, accounted for 27% of all Manhattan contracts signed in October 2026, the most of any area, according to Compass. Demand is strong, but every building and price point is different.
How can I buy in Chelsea before new buildings launch?
Many Chelsea homes trade quietly, and new development pricing often goes first to buyers who are already in touch with an agent. Contact Darrell Williams to hear about Chelsea homes and new launches early.
Interested in 131 West 23rd Street or other Chelsea new developments? Contact Darrell Williams for a private consultation, or view my Compass profile and listings.
