The lovely house numbers of old Chelsea

Parts of Far West Chelsea have a very 19th century England vibe, and no wonder: The 18th century estate from which the neighborhood got its name was itself named for the Chelsea section of London.

No one calls the block bounded by 20th to 21st Streets between 9th and 10th Avenue “Chelsea Square” anymore. Maybe they should; it has a nice ring to it.

This decorative Chelsea street address is on 15th Street at the former Nabisco factory building, now Chelsea Market. They don’t make factory entrances like that anymore.

Another lovely house number with an old New York feel.

General Seminary’s personalized manholes

You know you’re a New York City institution when you have your very own manhole covers. This one and more like it are located on Tenth Avenue and 21st Street, outside the campus of the General Theological Seminary. The seminary has occupied this West Chelsea spot since 1827.