Last week the legendary Chelsea Hotel, which has been home to Bob Dylan, Patti Smith, Robert Mapplethorpe, Janis Joplin, and Sid Vicious, among others, was recently sold to developer Joseph Chetrit for around $80 million. Without notice, guests were informed that they must immediately move out, and the longtime staff was let go.

The hotel has 100 permanent residents, who were allowed to stay, and they await news of their status during the year long renovations that will soon begin. Photographer Linda Troeller, who has lived there for over 20 years, sent in this report by email:

The Chelsea Hotel was sold to developer Joseph Chetrit, which the residents found out officially around Aug 1. There was sign posted on the hotel entrance door that the hotel will no longer be taking in guests during a one year renovation. In the past week, the staff has been let go and have been given no definitive information on whether they would return after the renovations have been completed.

Left: Ninth Floor Maid. Right: Self-Portrait, Chelsea Hotel Lobby. Photos copyright and courtesy Linda Troeller.

The remaining 80+ long-term residents/tenants are awaiting more information regarding the new owner’s plans. Christine C. Quinn, speaker for the Council for the City of New York, sent residents a letter offering help from her office to guide tenants regarding their rights during the renovation.

When the staff left—they were like family, as you saw them for years—it was sad. All the art has been removed from the hallways. This art gave me daily contact with many moods, nuances and the endearing mythic presence the hotel has projected to the world. When the art came down, my soul was in pain.

When I first moved into the hotel in the early 90's guests came from all over the world to find out what was happening in the art world and to be in touch both with the artists, writers, and musicians living here and the history of the place. Today much art information is available online but camaraderie, the chance meeting with artists in the lobby amidst great art, or at events and parties was pure magic. The artists here understand the value of community and we will hold onto that dream. It's not easy to face change, and I hope supporters of the long list of artists, writer, musicians and those to come in the future, will not forget the hotel and keep it's unique, rare value in their mind.

You can view Linda’s books, including Chelsea Hotel Atmosphere: An Artist’s Memoir at Blurb.com.

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