Whitney Museum Could Expand in Meatpacking District Under New City Plan

The Whitney Museum of American Art may expand its footprint to the nearby Gansevoort Meat Market building located on the west side of Manhattan as part of a development proposal in the area.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who is currently facing five separate criminal counts, announced the plan on Monday, as part of the proposed “Gansevoort Square” development project. The city plan calls for turning a 66,000-square-foot site in the Meatpacking District into a multi-use public-private space comprised of around 300 affordable housing units and 45,000-square feet of space allocated to the Whitney and Chealsea’s High Line.

The plan envisions the Gansevoort Market co-op relocating due to the current building no longer meeting the city’s processing regulations.

Operating under the entity Gansevoort Market Inc., one of Manhattan’s oldest meat markets will end its lease with the city early as the portion of the plan to build more housing begins.

Under the current proposal, the Whitney has the right of first offer for the co-op’s property and, if accepted, could allow the museum to add gallery and programming spaces to host public visitors.

Adams’ announcement for the plan comes at a contentious time for the city’s planning, as the mayor faces corruption charges after an indictment last month. Plans for the expansion project were first announced by the mayor’s office in 2022.