Gain rare access to the campus while it remains under active renovation, ahead of welcoming Vanderbilt’s first class of students this fall
Climb the tower and step onto the rooftop for sweeping views over the Close, the surrounding Chelsea neighborhood, and the evolving campus below
Explore the nooks and crannies of this 19th-century enclave, from quiet passageways to architectural details that reveal nearly two centuries of layered history
Step inside the Chapel of the Good Shepherd to experience its vaulted ceilings, stained glass, and Gothic Revival craftsmanship up close
Hear directly from project architect Nate Rogers and Vanderbilt leadership about the discoveries, preservation challenges, and design decisions shaping the site’s next chapter
⭐ Exclusively open to members at the Insider tier or higher!
In the heart of Chelsea, Vanderbilt University’s new New York City campus offers access to one of Manhattan’s most architecturally remarkable enclaves: the historic General Theological Seminary. Founded in 1817, this storied block is defined by Gothic Revival buildings, intricate stonework, vaulted ceilings, luminous stained glass, and soaring windows. It is an enclosed academic sanctuary long woven into the architectural fabric of New York City.
Created exclusively for Untapped New York, this guided tour explores how the campus has long been part of the Chelsea community and how its next chapter will shape the neighborhood’s future. As the campus prepares to welcome its first students this fall, guests will gain rare insight into how institutional vision, landmark preservation, and urban context converge on a single city block. Led by Nate Rogers of Beyer Blinder Belle alongside VU-NYC Assistant Vice Chancellor James Kellerhouse, the tour offers expert perspective on the thoughtful transformation of this historic site and how it is being carefully integrated into the life of contemporary New York.
About Your Guides:
James Kellerhouse serves as Assistant Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives and Executive Director of Operations and Engagement for Vanderbilt University–New York City. Based in New York, he oversees day-to-day campus operations while leading efforts to expand Vanderbilt’s partnerships and presence across the city. With more than 25 years of experience in higher education leadership, advancement, and external relations, he has built strategic relationships with universities, nonprofits, government agencies, and industry partners. At Vanderbilt, James is helping shape a vibrant, fully activated campus in Chelsea that connects students, faculty, alumni, and the broader New York community.
Nate Rogers, AIA, is a Partner at Beyer Blinder Belle, an internationally renowned architecture, preservation, and planning firm headquartered in New York. He has over two decades of experience guiding the stewardship, renovation, and adaptive reuse of landmark buildings for leading cultural and higher education clients. Trained in both architecture and historic preservation, he identifies latent opportunities in existing buildings and integrates transformational design with creativity and sensitivity. A trusted partner to clients including Harvard, Yale, Vanderbilt University, and several major museums, he excels at mission-driven planning and consensus building. Nate is adjunct faculty at the University of Pennsylvania's Weitzman School of Design, and serves on the Vestry of Trinity Church Wall Street.
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