Aetna Headquarters To Move To Chelsea

CHELSEA, NY — The health insurance giant Aetna will move its headquarters to Chelsea, transplanting its massive operation from Connecticut and bringing with it 250 new jobs to Manhattan, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Thursday morning.

De Blasio touted the company's move as one that would bring 250 "good-paying jobs" and $146 million in economic benefit to the city, according to a statement from his office. The company is getting a $9.6 million financial assistance package from the city's Economic Development Corporation.

The company's move is expected to be completed by the end of 2018. Property records show that the address listed for Aetna's new home, 61 Ninth Ave., is currently a vacant plot of land that stretches down 15th Street. The company's headquarters will be located near Chelsea Market and Google's New York campus. (Want more local news? Subscribe here for free breaking news alerts, features, neighborhood updates and more from Patch.)

"Aetna will bring hundreds of good paying jobs to New York City and I couldn't be happier that they're locating in my district," Council Member Corey Johnson said in a statement. "Aetna's presence will also help support our local small businesses and provide local hiring opportunities."

The company's current headquarters are in Hartford, Connecticut.

De Blasio framed the company's move as part of his New York Works initiative, a plan he debuted with much fanfare but few details when he promised to spur 100,000 well paying jobs to NYC in the next decade. Aetna's move will make a 250-job dent in that 100,000 goal, according to his office.

Rendering via Mayor Bill de Blasio's office.