A
etna Realty expanded its Hell’s Kitchen holdings by buying 643 and 647 9th Avenue for $18 million. The five‑ to six‑story walk‑ups contain 23 residential units and sit at W45th Street. Ground‑floor renovations are underway for the Georgian restaurant The History.

    The deal adds to Aetna’s existing portfolio, which includes 715 and 771 9th Avenue and, in 2022, a $10 million purchase of 404 W50th Street and 729‑731 9th Avenue (formerly Amish Market). Vice President Ben Braka said the new properties will be held long‑term with no redevelopment plans, noting Hell’s Kitchen’s appeal.

    Earlier this month, Aetna filed a demolition‑and‑replacement plan for 404 W50th, proposing an eight‑story, 18‑unit tower. The site lies in the Clinton Special District’s Preservation Area, where demolition is normally prohibited unless unsafe. Manhattan Community Board 4 (MCB4) has urged stricter enforcement of demolition restrictions.

    Paul Devlin, co‑chair of MCB4’s Clinton/Hell’s Kitchen Land Use Committee, stressed the board’s role in balancing new housing with preserving the neighborhood’s diversity and height limits. “Developers must respect our efforts to maintain this balance,” he said.

    These moves come amid the City of Yes zoning reforms that allow denser, taller buildings citywide. Proponents claim the changes will add thousands of apartments; critics warn of aggressive site assembly that could alter neighborhood character. Extell’s 77 W66th Street supertall, built on the former ABC Studios site after demolishing 7 W66th and 30 W67th Streets, exemplifies the controversy.

    On 643 9th Avenue, The History is being built on the former Southern Hospitality spot. At 647 9th Avenue, the Thai‑Vietnamese restaurant Obao continues to serve locals.