The northwestern edge of the blackout in Lower Manhattan right now is West 30th Street, right where the Chelsea gallery district begins. To the north, business hums along as usual. To the south, police officers in bright yellow jackets direct traffic, and claims adjusters walk the streets. The only businesses open in West Chelsea are hot dog stands and halal carts.
On the day after the storm, it appeared that many West Chelsea galleries had been hard by Hurricane Sandy, but dealers are only now beginning to ascertain the extent of the damage, as they pump basements clear of water and examine inventory.
Read More