Hotel Chelsea seeks to remove artist Gerald DeCock

Hotel Chelsea’s Artistic Resident Faces Eviction

Hotel Chelsea, known for its artistic history, is showcasing the works of resident artists throughout its halls. This comes as one of its long-term residents, Gerald De Kock, uses social media to rally support in his fight to remain in his beloved apartment.

At 67, De Kock has lived in the iconic hotel for over three decades. Recently, he shared his situation online, hoping to inspire efforts to keep him in his vibrant space adorned with gold leaf and glow-in-the-dark stars, previously occupied by Anthony Kiedis from the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

“I’m not after money. I just want to stay in my home, maintain my routine,” De Kock stated. He has paid $2,700 monthly for nearly 20 years in a hotel that has been a hub for notable figures like Bob Dylan and Andy Warhol.

Interestingly, the hotel once bought 21 of De Kock’s paintings to hang on its walls, before serving him an eviction notice.

Current rates for guests start at $650 per night. De Kock’s ongoing battle with the hotel owners over his living space began back in 2007, and after accepting a long-term lease last year, he’s attempted to solidify his stay, which began around a decade ago.

Despite numerous attempts to claim his apartment should be rent-stabilized—previous tenants paid around $600—he lost several legal battles, including one last year.

After losing his recent court case, the hotel’s owners acquired some of his artworks but then issued an eviction notice shortly after.

Reflecting on the situation, De Kock speculated, “Perhaps it was all part of a strategy.” He has managed to make a decent income selling artwork, yet feels the eviction is unfair, especially given how he enhances the hotel with his creative flair.

“They treat me as if I’m insignificant,” he remarked. “Here I am, contributing to their ambiance, and yet, I face such disrespect.”

Many people have contacted the hotel expressing their discontent, questioning the hotel’s commitment to the arts that once defined it.

In a bid for support, De Kock has turned to social media as he prepares for court next month, where he will continue to fight for what he calls home—a space that has inspired countless stories about the Hotel Chelsea.

Nicknamed “Vortex,” De Kock’s apartment is more than just a living space; it’s a wellspring of creativity for him. Each surface is a canvas, uniquely decorated with his artistic expression.

Interestingly, he shared that when he first moved in back in 1994, his rent was $2,000 monthly—equivalent to about $4,500 today—before it increased to $2,700. At one point, the hotel even suggested relocating him to another unit for a staggering $10,000 monthly, an offer that was later revoked following his public campaign.

“You’re exploiting my art and my situation—it just feels so harsh,” he expressed, shedding light on his ongoing battle with the hotel’s ownership.

The owners, including real estate investors Richard Vaughn, Ira Dolkier, and Sean McPherson, have yet to respond to inquiries regarding this situation.

In spite of the challenges, De Kock remains determined to preserve the character of his cherished apartment, which he believes fosters his artistic energy.