Coming of Age in the Chelsea Hotel

New York City’s Chelsea Hotel has a storied history. The famously run-down hotel on West 23rd Street in Manhattan is in the midst of what appears to be a drawn out renovation. But, it’s the list of who once called the Chelsea home that has garnered it the most attention over the years. The hotel was built during the latter part of the 1800s. And from the beginning it attracted creative types. It’s been a haven for artists, writers and musicians. Among them – Bob Dylan, Jasper Johns, Patti Smith and Leonard Cohen. Even in more recent years, the Chelsea Hotel has housed a vibrant cast of characters. Just ask Nicolaia Rips. She grew up there. The 17-year-old is now out with a memoir about her experiences. It’s called Trying to Float: Coming of Age in the Chelsea Hotel. Nicolaia is our guest on this week's Cityscape.