In the past 13 years, since otsoNY came online and first posted the film locations of “Coyote Ugly”, the corner of Washington Street and West 13th Street, in the heart of Manhattan’s Meatpacking District, has changed quite considerably. It was here in early 2000 at 452 on West 13th Street that the fictional Coyote Ugly bar was situated, and though it was only used for the exterior shots, the drama that played outside in the street would have convinced anyone that it was a cool place to hang out. Sadly though, the interior of the building was not used, and instead the scenes in the bar were shot on a soundstage.

Scene from Coyote Ugly

The film was directed by David McNally, produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and Chad Oman, and written by Gina Wendkos. It starred Piper Perabo in her breakthrough role, Adam Garcia, Maria Bello, Melanie Lynskey, and John Goodman with supporting roles done by Izabella Miko, Bridget Moynahan, and supermodel Tyra Banks.

Scene from Coyote Ugly

The Meatpacking District today is known as a shopping destination, but it took a few pioneers to lure shoppers to the area which was still known for blood stained sidewalks and risque nightlife. In 1999, Jeffrey Kalinsky opened the boutique department store, Jeffrey, on West 14th Street, which immediately drew upmarket shoppers to the edgy downtown location. Soon other brands and retailers took notice, notably Diane Von Furstenburg, who located her flagship store, company headquarters, and penthouse apartment across the street. Dozens of other high end and mass market brands followed, alongside independent and boutique fashion lines.

The Meatpacking District in New York City

In addition to retailers, Milk Studios moved to the neighbourhood in 1998. Formerly located on 15th street, the production company hosted hundreds of fashion shoots and runway shows, and was a long time anchor of New York Fashion Week. “Sex and the City” used the neighbourhood as a backdrop, the character Samantha Jones, a fashion publicist, called Meatpacking home on the show.

As for 452, even the number no longer exists, and instead a 20 story building at 454 now overlaps where 452 once stood, with the only homage to the original building being the overhead cover, which once conveyed the words ‘MASTER PURVEYORS’.

West 13th Street in the 1990s showing the original 452

West 13th Street in the 2023