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The rise of Chelsea came with a phase out of the SoHO art gallery scene. A Guggenheim exhibit featured in SoHO closed just as the last remaining galleries were moving. The main reasons for the switches from SoHO to Chelsea can be derived from the rising rental prices in SoHO and the change of zoning laws in Chelsea. The fact that SoHO was a previous art destination was a double sword. In one respect, it created a center for culture and art, in another it drew people and businesses to the area so rents were forced up. The zoning laws in Chelsea were also changed from the area being zoned for industrial purposes, to galleries falling into the "as of right" “as of right” compliance.
The low rents of Chelsea drew galleries to the area. The interesting aspect of these locations is that both SoHO and Chelsea are not near the ultra elite of the upper east and upper west side. Instead Chelsea hugs the west-side highway in a previously industrial area of town. SoHO currently is filled with high-end fashion stores. Over run with boutiques and walk up apartments, the rents are currently sky-high and nearly impossible for a gallery to afford.
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The East End in London has similar features to Chelsea. In the 1800's 1800’s the East End was a heavily industrial area. Because of its proximity to the water, the East End was home to many ship building companies and was a prominent port for the city of London. Currently the area houses some of the best galleries in the world. Despite being known as one of the poorest areas in London, property prices are at all time highs. Similar to SoHO and Chelsea, there are questions as to where the next art scene will be located because of rising rents within the East End. Many have speculated that the galleries may move east to Sundry.