The iconic Hotel Chelsea in New York City is facing public criticism for its attempt to evict Gerald DeCock, a resident artist whose work has decorated the hotel's hallways for years. DeCock, 67, has been living in his artistically adorned apartment for 32 years and is actively campaigning against the eviction, gaining significant support online.
DeCock, originally from Colorado, claims he has resided in his 10th-floor studio apartment for over three decades, with the Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman Anthony Kiedis being a previous tenant in 1994. The artist, who also works as a hairdresser, states he has been paying $2,700 per month for his apartment for nearly 20 years. Current room rates at the hotel, frequented by artists and musicians like Bob Dylan and Andy Warhol, start at $650 per night for guests.
The dispute with the hotel's owners, SIR Chelsea LLC, reportedly began in 2007, the last year long-term leases were offered. DeCock has lost five court cases in his attempts to establish his apartment as rent-stabilized and to have his rent adjusted to reflect that of a previous tenant, which he stated was closer to $600 per month.
In a turn of events DeCock described as potentially strategic, the hotel owners purchased 21 of his metallic and abstract paintings shortly after his last court loss in 2025. These pieces were then used to decorate the hotel's hallways before DeCock received an eviction notice. He expressed feelings of disrespect from the hotel management, stating, “They’re so disrespectful to me, considering that I’m decorating their f–king hallways.”
DeCock has taken to social media to publicize his situation, seeking to remain in his apartment, which he calls the “Vortex.” He describes the space as crucial for his creative process, stating, “The Vortex — it just like it channels something in me. … It’s the energy. It’s not so much the [history of the] Chelsea Hotel; it’s the physical space. It allows me to be really prolific and make my art.” His apartment's walls and ceiling are covered in gold leaf, paint, tiles, and hundreds of his artworks.
Hundreds of individuals have reportedly sent letters to the hotel, criticizing the owners for what they perceive as hypocrisy, given the hotel's historical association with the arts community. DeCock is awaiting another court hearing regarding his residency. He stated that the hotel owners had previously offered to relocate him to a different unit for $10,000 per month, but rescinded the offer after he began his public appeal.
The hotel owners, identified as Richard Born, Ira Drukier, and Sean MacPherson, did not respond to requests for comment. DeCock emphasized that his primary goal is not financial compensation but to continue living and working in his unique space. "I don’t want money. I’m not asking for a buyout. I just want to stay here. I don’t want to disrupt my life,'' he stated.
