155 Bank Street NYC: Address, Westbeth, History, And What Is Located There
155 Bank Street is a historic address in Manhattan’s West Village. It is part of Westbeth Artists Housing, a large complex created from the former Bell Laboratories site.
The address is associated with artist housing, studios, galleries, performance spaces, and community programs. Its history also connects New York’s industrial development with twentieth-century technology and the arts.
Today, 155 Bank Street remains an active part of Westbeth. Public events, exhibitions, performances, and community programs continue to use the complex.
What Is Located At 155 Bank Street NYC?
155 Bank Street is not a conventional standalone apartment building or commercial property. It is an entrance and address associated with the larger Westbeth Artists Housing complex.
Westbeth occupies a group of historic buildings between Bank Street, Bethune Street, West Street, and Washington Street. The complex contains residential units, artist studios, galleries, performance areas, and community facilities.
Westbeth Artists Housing
Westbeth provides affordable living and working spaces for artists and their families. Residents work across disciplines including visual art, writing, photography, music, dance, theater, and filmmaking.
The community opened in 1970 after the former Bell Laboratories property was converted for residential and artistic use. The project received support from the J.M. Kaplan Fund and the National Council on the Arts.
Westbeth now contains hundreds of residential units. The complex remains closely associated with New York’s artist community and affordable artist housing.
Why Does 155 Bank Street Appear In Westbeth Addresses?
Westbeth covers a large connected property with several street addresses. Its official information commonly identifies 55 Bethune Street, while 155 Bank Street provides another entrance.
This can cause confusion for people searching for the location online. The two addresses can refer to different access points within the same larger Westbeth complex.
Westbeth Gallery, for example, lists 55 Bethune Street as its formal address. Its visitor information also identifies 155 Bank Street as one possible entrance.
Where Is 155 Bank Street In NYC?
155 Bank Street is located in Manhattan’s West Village. The property sits near Washington Street and the Hudson River waterfront.
The surrounding neighborhood contains residential buildings, restaurants, historic properties, cultural venues, parks, and galleries. The location is also within Greenwich Village’s broader historic and cultural area.
Nearby Streets And Landmarks
Westbeth extends across portions of Bank Street, Bethune Street, West Street, and Washington Street. These streets provide several access points to different parts of the complex.
The Bank Street entrance leads visitors into the Westbeth courtyard and connects with facilities inside the complex. Specific entrances can vary depending on the event or destination.
Transportation To 155 Bank Street
Visitors can reach the area using several public transportation options. Subway access includes the A, C, and E lines near 14th Street and Eighth Avenue.
The L train also serves the nearby Eighth Avenue area. Bus routes along the surrounding streets provide additional access.
Walking distances depend on the subway exit and the specific Westbeth entrance being used. Visitors attending an event should check the organizer’s current directions.
What Is Westbeth Artists Housing?
Westbeth is a major example of converting older industrial buildings into affordable artist housing. The project preserved existing structures while giving them new residential and cultural uses.
The conversion took place between 1968 and 1970. Architect Richard Meier designed the redevelopment and helped adapt the existing buildings for artists.
Affordable Artist Housing
Westbeth was created to provide artists with affordable places to live and work. Its residential units include spaces designed around the needs of creative professionals.
The development is therefore different from a conventional market-rate apartment complex. Housing eligibility follows Westbeth’s requirements and focuses on artists and their families.
People searching for apartments at 155 Bank Street should not assume that standard rental listings represent the property’s housing model.
Residential And Studio Spaces
Westbeth combines residential areas with workspaces and cultural facilities. This arrangement allows artists to maintain studios close to their homes.
The complex includes different types of residential and work areas. Some units use single-floor layouts, while others incorporate duplex arrangements.
This live/work concept was central to Westbeth’s original purpose. It remains an important feature of the community today.
What Is The History Of 155 Bank Street?
The history of 155 Bank Street is closely connected with the former Bell Laboratories complex. Several buildings on the site date from different periods of New York’s industrial development.
The property later underwent a major conversion that created Westbeth. This change shifted the site’s purpose from industrial and research activity toward housing and the arts.
The Bell Laboratories Connection
The larger Westbeth site was associated with Bell Telephone Laboratories and related Western Electric operations. The complex included industrial, office, and research facilities.
Bell Laboratories was involved in important developments in communications, sound, electronics, and telecommunications. The site became part of a broader research environment involving scientists and engineers.
Bell Laboratories eventually vacated the property in the 1960s. This created the opportunity for the buildings to receive a new purpose.
From Industrial Complex To Artist Community
The former Bell Laboratories buildings were converted into Westbeth between 1968 and 1970. Richard Meier worked on the architectural conversion.
The project preserved major portions of the existing structures while introducing residential units, studios, galleries, and community spaces.
Westbeth opened in 1970 and quickly became an important part of New York’s artist community. Its adaptive reuse model later became an important part of its architectural history.
What Is The Architecture Of 155 Bank Street?
The architecture around 155 Bank Street reflects multiple construction periods. The larger complex contains structures dating from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
One major section associated with 55 Bethune Street and 155 Bank Street was constructed between 1924 and 1926. The building was designed by McKenzie, Voorhees & Gmelin.
The 1924 To 1926 Structure
The 1924 to 1926 building uses a Neo-Classical design. Its exterior includes buff-colored brick and terra-cotta decorative elements.
The structure has an eleven-story L-shaped configuration with an interior light court. These features contribute to the character of the larger Westbeth complex.
The building’s original industrial and office functions were significantly different from its current residential and artistic uses.
Richard Meier’s Conversion
Richard Meier redesigned portions of the complex between 1968 and 1970. His work adapted existing buildings rather than replacing the entire property.
The conversion introduced artist residences and workspaces while retaining significant elements of the original structures.
This approach helped preserve the property’s architectural identity while giving the buildings a new purpose. Westbeth subsequently became known for combining historic architecture with affordable artist housing.
Is 155 Bank Street A Historic Landmark?
Yes. The property is part of the historic Westbeth complex recognized by New York City preservation authorities.
The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission identifies 55 Bethune Street, also known as 155 Bank Street, within the designated Westbeth landmark property.
The landmark record identifies the property as Manhattan Tax Block 639, Lot 1. The site includes portions of Bank Street, Bethune Street, West Street, and Washington Street.
National Historic Recognition
Westbeth is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The listing recognizes the site’s architectural, historical, and community significance.
The property’s history includes both its Bell Laboratories period and its later development as artist housing.
Its preservation status means that certain changes to historic architectural features can require review by the relevant authorities.
Recent Preservation Activity
The site’s landmark status continues to affect building work. For example, a 2025 Landmarks Preservation Commission application concerned replacement of special windows associated with the property.
This illustrates how preservation requirements remain relevant to ongoing maintenance and renovation at Westbeth.
What Is At 155 Bank Street Today?
155 Bank Street remains an active part of the Westbeth community. It is associated with residential artist spaces, cultural programming, community activities, and public events.
Westbeth’s event listings regularly identify 155 Bank Street for programs held within the complex.
Westbeth Community Room
The Community Room supports performances, rehearsals, workshops, meetings, and other activities. It provides a flexible space for both Westbeth residents and public programs.
Current event listings have used 155 Bank Street as the address for Community Room programs. Visitors are often directed through the courtyard entrance.
Westbeth Gallery
Westbeth Gallery presents exhibitions involving resident artists and visiting artists. It occupies space within the interior courtyard of the larger complex.
The gallery formally lists 55 Bethune Street as its address. Its visitor guidelines also identify 155 Bank Street as an available entrance.
This explains why searches for the gallery can produce either address. Both are connected to the same Westbeth property.
Which Organizations Have Used 155 Bank Street?
Westbeth has hosted numerous artistic, educational, and community organizations. Some associations are historical, while others remain connected with the complex today.
The site has supported theater, dance, visual art, experimental technology, music, writing, and community services.
Arts And Performance Groups
The complex has historically housed or hosted organizations connected with dance and theater. The former Bank Street Theater was also associated with the address.
Merce Cunningham’s dance organization used space within Westbeth for many years. Other theater and experimental arts groups have also operated within the complex.
These uses helped establish Westbeth as a working cultural community rather than simply a residential development.
Community Services
Community programming remains part of Westbeth’s current role. Greenwich House operates the Westbeth Older Adult Center at 155 Bank Street.
The center provides services and activities for older adults in the surrounding community. Its presence gives the address a role beyond artist housing and cultural programming.
Does 155 Bank Street Have A Bank?
No. The word “Bank” in the address refers to Bank Street in Manhattan’s West Village.
155 Bank Street is associated with Westbeth rather than a financial institution. Searches combining the words “bank” and “155 Bank Street” can therefore produce unrelated financial results.
For example, someone researching banking information may instead be looking for a Deerwood Bank routing number. That topic concerns electronic payment processing and has no connection with 155 Bank Street.
Similarly, a search involving a bank statement for a HELOC relates to home equity financing. It is unrelated to the Westbeth property.
A third financial search may involve a commercial loan application PDF. That topic concerns business financing rather than the Manhattan address.
These distinctions are useful because the word “bank” appears in both the street name and many unrelated financial searches.
Can You Visit 155 Bank Street?
Parts of Westbeth are accessible to the public during scheduled exhibitions, performances, workshops, tours, and community events.
However, public access does not extend to every residential or studio area. Many spaces remain private and are used by residents and authorized visitors.
Public Events And Exhibitions
Westbeth regularly hosts public cultural programming. Events may include gallery exhibitions, performances, workshops, community programs, and historical activities.
Event instructions can specify a particular entrance. Recent programs have directed visitors to use the courtyard entrance at 155 Bank Street.
Visitors should therefore check the official event information before traveling to the property.
Visiting The Historic Complex
People interested in the site’s history can also find public tours and cultural programming connected with Westbeth.
Because the property remains an active residential community, visitors should follow posted access instructions. Public areas and residential areas should not be treated as having the same access rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is 155 Bank Street NYC Known For?
155 Bank Street is associated with Westbeth Artists Housing in Manhattan’s West Village. The complex occupies a former Bell Laboratories site and contains artist housing, studios, galleries, and community spaces.
Is 155 Bank Street The Same As Westbeth?
155 Bank Street is an entrance and address associated with the larger Westbeth complex. Westbeth commonly lists 55 Bethune Street as its main address, while other entrances use surrounding streets.
Is 155 Bank Street A Residential Building?
It forms part of a complex containing artist residences and live/work spaces. Westbeth provides affordable housing specifically connected with artists and their families.
What Was At 155 Bank Street Before Westbeth?
The property formed part of the Bell Telephone Laboratories complex and related industrial facilities. The larger site contains buildings constructed during several different periods.
Who Designed Westbeth?
Architect Richard Meier designed the major conversion of the former industrial complex into artist housing. The conversion took place between 1968 and 1970.
Is 155 Bank Street A Landmark?
Yes. 155 Bank Street is identified with the landmarked Westbeth complex. The property also has recognition through the National Register of Historic Places.
Can The Public Visit 155 Bank Street?
Members of the public can visit designated areas during scheduled events, exhibitions, performances, workshops, and community programs. Residential areas are not generally open to public access.
Final Takeaways
155 Bank Street NYC is part of Westbeth Artists Housing in Manhattan’s West Village. The address is connected with one of New York’s best-known artist housing complexes.
The site originally formed part of the Bell Laboratories complex before being converted into artist housing between 1968 and 1970. Richard Meier designed the major adaptive reuse project.
Today, Westbeth combines residential artist spaces with galleries, performance facilities, community programs, and public events. The relationship between 155 Bank Street and 55 Bethune Street explains many address variations found online.
The address should not be confused with a financial institution. Despite the word “Bank,” 155 Bank Street refers to a Manhattan street address and is primarily associated with Westbeth’s historic and cultural community.