The pandemic unexpectedly transformed New York City’s Diamond District on 47th Street into a better version of its century-old self When the pandemic forced the world to shut down in March 2020, the fear in New York City’s Diamond District was palpable. The block—West 47th Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues—was already suffering from the same changes that had hurt the rest of the industry, particularly the shift to online shopping. Many had begun to doubt the district’s continued viability after Extell Development—owned by former diamond dealer Gary Barnett—announced plans in 2020 to build a hotel on the street (due to open in 2024) and erect several new skyscrapers (presumably filled with non-jewelry tenants). For many, the l