Business Management Skills

Some businesses require large factories and warehouses. Texas has plenty of large spaces. Houston Contract Warehouse and Houston Fulfillment services are prime examples of businesses that require large buildings. There may come a time when a successful business moves its operations leaving behind vast unused space. The transformation of warehouses and warehouse districts is an interesting journey; one that traces similar lines. Artists, seeking inexpensive living and plenty of square footage with good lighting, are often the first to inhabit a declining warehouse district. As the population increases, the services begin to follow; shops, coffeehouses, bookstores and restaurants. The area, often obtaining the status of hip begins to gather more and more attention. Soon warehouse conversions begin and more expensive lofts, high-end stores, and trendy restaurants spring up. This evolution is clearly demonstrated in the history of the Meat Packing District in New York.

The Meat Packing District was home to more then 250 meat processing plants. Cattle and hogs would come off the boats to be walked through the streets and through the doors of the packing plants. (There are still active processing plants and cows and pigs can be seen wandering the alleys in the wee hours.) As many shut down the area went into a decline. During the 70’s it became infamous for drug trafficking and prostitution. It was an undesirable location for people to live. There were vacancies and rent was cheap. Many artists the quality of light and open rooms perfect for studio space. The cost was affordable and the gritty neighborhood had an off beat charm.

Following this first wave, a second renaissance of sorts appeared. The Meat Packing District gave itself a new personality and a new meaning as it became the center of gay nightlife. Old warehouses were converted into raucous nightclubs and the area became an alternative cultural center bringing new life to the streets. Businesses saw new revenue and the area saw new life. The A.I.D.S. health crisis heavily impacted the activities , but the community continued to evolve.

Architects, fashion designers, photographers, graphic designers, discovered the neighborhood as a prime spot for artistic endeavors. In 2003 the meat packing district was listed as the Gansevoort Historic District. Gansevoortwas a revolutionary war hero who had a large open market in the area. He was also the grandfather of Herman Melville.

Today the area, marked by Chelsea Market to the north and Gansevoort Street to the south, is a vibrant and fashionable location with old world charm and cobblestone streets. Fine restaurants abound, along with art galleries and fashionable living spaces. The Highline Park runs through a part of the district. The Highline Park is a novel use for an abandoned elevated train track. It has been converted into a green space with paths and flowers above the city streets. Its existence contributes to the charm of this once bustling market area and guarantees that the Meat Packing District will continue to develop into a trendy location.