This study was done for an owner of several properties within the Gansvoort Historic District on the West side of Manhattan. It analyzes the various types of buildings in the district, developing a typology of six kinds of buildings: low lying meat packing buildings with awnings, tenements, apartment buildings, small factor/lofts, large factories and stables. Each has its own distinct volumetric arrangement. Such variety is an expression of the district’s many changes in use over time.

This volumetric diversity makes the district unlike other historic areas, which are typically characterized by consistency of architectural style, rather than diversity of building volume. By studying the volumetric typology of the district it is possible to propose appropriate development that maintains the diverse character of the district in a contextually sensitive manner.