From Stable to Luxury: Mary Cantwell's 40-Year Journey in NYC's Meatpacking District
Mary Cantwell purchased her apartment at 72 Horatio Street in the early 1980s, during the neighborhood's gentrification. The area was then known for its industrial past, including a 'garbage pier' where the city dumped waste. The four-story building she bought was originally a stable in 1907, later converted to a garage.
In the early 1980s, the Meatpacking District was a stark contrast to its current luxury image. Mary Cantwell moved in when the area was still dominated by industry and workers in 'bloodstained coats'. The building she bought, now her home, was last used as a garage. Before that, it served as a stable when it was first constructed in 1907.
At the time of her purchase, the neighborhood was not yet graced by the presence of high-end shops on Gansevoort Street, the popular restaurant Pastis, or the prestigious Whitney Museum. Mary Cantwell's daily life was a testament to the area's transformation. She recalled avoiding eye contact with prostitutes who once frequented the streets late at night.
Mary Cantwell's apartment at 72 Horatio Street is a testament to the Meatpacking District's evolution. From a stable to a garage, and now a residence, the building has witnessed the neighborhood's shift from an industrial hub to a thriving, upscale community.
