632 Hudson Street, as spotted on Douglas Elliman, is an exquisite building with fascinating history, situated in the West Village, Meat Packing District, New York. In a class of its own stands this brilliant example of adaptive reuse, from sausage factory to palazzo, stunning in its intriguing complexity and fascinating in its alluring detail. This 8,000 square foot building comprises a sensational triplex with a central 40 foot atrium and a grand staircase and elevator leading up to a solarium and a magical roof garden, shaded by mature trees and flowering plants. Below the triplex, a charming bright floor through apartment replete with old world details high ceilings and a luxurious bathroom. It can be joined to the contiguous studio apartment next door. The pristinely renovated commercial ground floor overlooking lavish plantings offers a wide range of possibilities. Adjoining this floor below is a prohibition style licensed “speak easy”, well known in Event circles, and constantly rented.

Originally built in 1847 as a townhouse for the family of a sash maker, 632 Hudson Street was converted to a general store and produce market late in the 19th century by Hugh King. He operated an import business and general store, purveying fine whiskies, wines and brandies among other goods, and owned the buildings until the start of World War II. This particular owner left a clear imprint on the buildings; from across the street one can make out the faded letters of the words “fine whiskies and wine”, and “Hugh King 1881” is visible on the pediment to this day. In the 1930’s, the building became home to an import export business and chorizo sausage factory, which it remained until 1992. Among the imports were Spanish nougat, guava products from Cuba, Canadian salt codfish, as well as rice and beans. Manufacturing mainly Spanish-style sausages such as sobrasada, butifarra and longoniza, the factory also produced Esteve brand olives, olive oil and capers.

In 1992, the current owner fell in love with the now derelict building and, with her mother, ended up purchasing it, determined to transform the vacant factory into a beautiful home. Whenever possible the original historical elements of the building have been preserved; old floorboards cleaned and treated and reused, beams and brick left exposed. In some cases it was necessary to get creative; the concrete of the “new” fireplace was rubbed by hand with coffee and mustard to give it an aged-by-time feel. The building is a never-ending labor of love for the owner, and for this reason it is full of fantasy, romance and imagination. Following the filming of The Real World’s 10th season within its walls, the owner took the opportunity to share her work with others, making the building available for photo and film shoots, celebratory events as well as for living. The personality and history of the building remain strong and ever-changing, growing with each new visitor.

This property is being sold for $22,000,000, from here.