The Gilsey Hotel - Spacious Lofts, Emerging Neighborhood, Historic Preservation

Today, I walked through the Flower District to Broadway. I happened upon the Gilsey House, a landmark building at 1200 Broadway that was converted from a hotel to a cooperative in the 1980s.

I viewed one of the apartments in this building last year and found it spacious, interesting, and beautiful. I vividly remember two details about the building - even 12 months later. First, within the apartment, the most memorable feature came from the high ceilings inside the unit. The previous owners had renovated the kitchen to include a loft space between the kitchen and master bedroom storage. My daughter immediately claimed this space as her own play space - even though we never closed on this apartment.

The second feature called out to my love of history told through building. 1200 Broadway was originally constructed as the Gilsey Hotel. The Gilsey catered to the entertainment district that was centered between Herald Square and Madison Square. Inside the lobby of this fully-sold cooperative, the original elevator - with the hand control still present - is maintained on display.

Anyone that loves the gentle patina of history should view the homes currently available in this building. If you want to find a home steeped in the history and grandeur of the golden age of cast-iron buildings, this should be on your top ten list.

Here are few more pictures that I snapped of this unique piece of history that recalls the days of "auld land syne." http://www.flickr.com/photos/plusplusnow/sets/72157626170700101/with/5538235656/