Neighborhood Meatpacking York District Area Late Slaughterhouses Selling

The Meatpacking District in New York City "occupies" (takes up space) a neighborhood in Manhattan. The area grew along with the rest of the New York City, initially as a collection of "residences" (homes) and businesses. In the late 1800s, it became increasingly "industrialized" (with many heavy industries and large businesses, and few homes), and the area became known for its markets, which led to the "establishment" (creation) of several businesses that processed food.

In its "heyday" (the period of time when a person or thing was at its best, very popular, successful, and active), around 1900, the district was home to 250 slaughterhouses and "meatpacking facilities" (places where meats are packaged for selling to stores). Meatpacking continued to be an important part of the neighborhood's economy until the 1970s, but then the neighborhood "deteriorated" (became worse), and eventually became known "primarily" (mostly) for "drug trafficking" (buying and selling of illegal drugs) and "prostitution" (selling sex).

However, beginning in the late 1990s, the neighborhood experienced another "transformation" (major change) and attracted "high-end" (expensive and luxurious) stores for young professionals. The neighborhood developed a "reputation" (the public image of someone or something) for being "fashionable" (seen as good or desirable by many people, often related to popular clothing, hairstyles, and accessories).

Today, the neighborhood is listed in the national registry of Historic Places and there are efforts to "preserve" (maintain and save for the future) some of the historic buildings, including slaughterhouses and meatpacking plants. But the neighborhood continues to develop and change, and now "attracts" (brings in) many shoppers and tourists.