03/29/2012 at 1:55 pm

Lights On…In Lower Manhattan

By Kelly Rush

It seemed this winter that the supply of new retailers opening in North Battery Park City was endless, but this column will see yet another new crop. The final two (that I know of) are expected to open in time for my next column, and then we’ll say good-bye to this busy little strip for a while.

I’ve been taking pictures of some of the myriad public open spaces in Lower Manhattan and have come across some beautiful reminders that the earth is waking up to spring and showing us its colors. I hope you enjoy them, and as usual, if you see any new retailers or spot changes to a long-time friend, please email me at tre@downtownny.com and I’ll check them out.

Conrad New York Hotel
102 North End Avenue | (212) 945-0100

We’ve seen the construction crews moving in and out of this space for months now, and all that work has finally concluded with the Conrad celebrating its grand opening March 19. The hotel, perched in the center of Restaurant Alley across from the Goldman Sachs building, is like its own little city: It has a restaurant, Atrio, a rooftop bar opening in May called Loopy Doopy (named after the Sol LeWitt mural hanging in the hotel’s atrium), and even a barber shop, Salvatore Barber, (Atrium level, 646-769-4272) which is now open and serving guests and visitors in need of a trim. I walked out to the hotel recently and was impressed with the light that pours in through western-facing windows overlooking the Hudson waterfront. Hotels have a tendency to be dark, and patrons can experience what I call the “casino effect,” whereupon leaving the building, one’s eyes cannot adjust even to the weakest sunlight. Not so here. The artwork complements the architecture, the plush carpet in the lobby is so deep it muffled my clunking footsteps and you just can’t beat the view.

Atrio
Atrium level | (646) 769-4250)

This full-service restaurant, situated just off the lobby, has an extensive menu including breakfast, brunch, lunch dinner and dessert. To start, try an Ahi tuna crudo or a radicchio and endive salad. Main dishes include an orecchiette pasta with Long Island duck sausage, a stone-fired organic chicken and a prime New York strip. Stone-fired pizzas available include a port reduction and smoked scarmorza. For dessert, try the pistachio profiteroles, salted peanut gelato or a chocolate panna cotta with amarena cherries.

For more information on retailers in Lower Manhattan, visit the Alliance for Downtown New York at www.DowntownNY.com. You can check out an interactive map with details on hours, locations and services and search the events calendar. Or, stay connected through the Downtown Alliance iPhone app, available for download on the website.

Posted by Kelly in Dining, Lights On In Lower Manhattan, Personal and Professional Services | No Comments | , , , , , , ,

03/27/2012 at 4:06 pm

Once Again, the Financial District Thrives as Live-Work Community

"Joie de Vivre" in Zuccotti Park

By Liz Berger

Our mission at the Alliance for Downtown New York is to advance Lower Manhattan as a global model for a 21st century central business district, a compelling place to work, live and visit. This objective contemplates the future as well as the past, because for much of the last 400 years our community has been both commercial and residential.

Though the canyons of 20th century Wall Street were business-only, the Financial District first took shape in the 1700s as securities traders who lived in the neighborhood met to make deals under a buttonwood tree near what is now 68 Wall.

Now, in barely a generation, it’s back to the future for the Financial District. The area to which I first moved in 1982 was a prestigious business address but gave few hints of today’s bustling live-work community. Although 10,000 of us lived below Chambers Street way back then, there was only one all-night restaurant, the Roxy Diner on John Street, and even it closed on Saturday nights. It was tough to find a place to buy a carton of milk any time, and evenings and weekends offered few shopping and dining choices. But we loved life on the cusp of the city’s past, present and future. The adventure was worth the challenge of being pioneers.

Today, the Financial District remains an internationally recognized place to do business, but it also has become a desirable residential neighborhood. New restaurants and markets have opened; old ones have expanded their hours and menus. The past 10 years, especially, have brought a satisfying and important array of companies, merchants, restaurateurs, schools and parks—and a new generation of employers, residents and tourists to enjoy them.

And it’s not just the Financial District that has blossomed into a 24/7 community. Our recently released Year in Review report confirms that all of Lower Manhattan had a great year in 2011, with a blockbuster surge in commercial leasing, a residential population increase and almost 10 million visitors. Long story short: Lower Manhattan is where everyone wants to be, and, as tourism skyrockets, we’re especially excited that the South Street Seaport Museum has reopened.

The momentum continues. In early 2012, acclaimed hospitality leader Danny Meyer expanded his restaurant offerings in Battery Park City with Blue Smoke, an authentic barbecue restaurant at 255 Vesey Street, and North End Grill, a white-tablecloth restaurant at 104 North End Avenue.

We’re looking forward to a great year for Lower Manhattan. The winter is almost over, warmer weather will soon be here to stay, and I hope to see you on May 12 at our fifth annual Spring Community Day event in Wall Street (Mannahatta) Park. Get ready to meet your neighbors and get some dirt under your fingernails!

Liz Berger is President of the Downtown Alliance.

Posted by Liz in Downtown Alliance Updates, My LM | No Comments | , , , , , , , , , , ,

03/26/2012 at 5:10 pm

Picture Lower Manhattan: The Elevated Acre

With temperatures reaching into the 70s last week, I decided to have lunch at the Elevated Acre at 55 Water Street — a hidden park resting above the bustle of Lower Manhattan. As I expected, it was packed with people who had the same idea — lunch in the warm sun!

[Photo by Brian DiFeo]

Posted by bDiFeo in Picture LM | No Comments | ,

03/22/2012 at 3:57 pm

Downtown Alliance Unveils “Downtown Deals” Web Promotion to Support Local Retailers

With more than 1,100 retailers and restaurants, and 18 hotels based in Lower Manhattan, it’s hard to keep up with all the diverse merchants – new and old – below Chambers Street.

The Alliance for Downtown New York is here to help, and recently launched “Downtown Deals”. The new web-based promotional initiative – at www.downtownny.com – spotlights the newest deals and special offers available from Lower Manhattan’s growing retail and cultural communities.

“Downtown Deals” is a free place for a Lower Manhattan business or organization to publish and promote special offers, discounts, or free services. Business owners, museums and other organizations – as long as they are south of Chambers Street – can directly submit deals online.

Some exciting deals that are already available include:

- 2-for-1 general admission at the Museum of American Finance

- Introductory weekend rates at the Conrad Hotel

- 2-for-1 general admission at the South Street Seaport Museum

- Free Thai iced coffee at Bennie’s Thai with the purchase of any entrée on March 26th

- Free six-piece maki roll at Koodo Sushi with a purchase of
$25 or more

- 2-for-1 happy hour at Blue Planet Grill, Mondays through Fridays 5 PM – 7 PM

- 40% off tickets to BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center’s April 15th production of Zorro

- 2-for-1 happy hour at Pound & Pence, Mondays 5 PM – 8 PM; ladies get 2 for 1 drinks on Wednesdays from 5 PM – 8 PM

- $5 off 9 AM and 10 AM Hop-On/Hop-Off ferry fares from Pier 84 as part of New York Water Taxi’s March Madness Special

- 20% discount to uninsured or self-pay patients at Medhattan Immediate Medical Care

- Special referral rate at John Allan’s Downtown

- 10% off qualifying website reservations at The Wall Street Inn

- 10% off dinner at SamSara

- 10% off a Stone Street Tavern tab

- Downtown Culture Pass offering visitors discounted access to cultural institutions, a walking tour and more

- Free tax-filing services for any guest at the Andaz Wall Street from April 8-15

- $2 off basic messenger services provided by A+ Couriers for first three months

- 2-for-1 eyebrow threading at Thread on Nassau Street

Last year was a remarkable year for retail in Lower Manhattan. Brookfield Properties began a $250 million upgrade and expansion of retail at the World Financial Center, scheduled for completion in 2013. Plans call for more than 40 high-end fashion shops and a 25,000-square-foot gourmet food marketplace. The entire retail complex will be more than 200,000 square feet, a net gain of 13% over the former retail configuration.

The Port Authority also announced in June that it had advanced negotiations with Westfield to develop and manage retail at the World Trade Center site, where 360,000 square feet is scheduled to come online in 2015. Upon completion of 2 World Trade Center, the site would hold a total 488,000 square feet of retail.

In fact, growth in employment, population, and tourism led to an increase in the annual spending power of the Lower Manhattan market, now an estimated $4.7 billion.

At year-end, Lower Manhattan had 460 bars and restaurants, and 640 stores and storefront services for a total 1,100 establishments, 90 of which opened in 2011 for a net gain of 20 establishments. And at least 13 more are coming soon.

Let the deals begin!

 

Posted by RonnyD in Dining, Downtown Alliance Updates, Events, Personal and Professional Services, Shopping | No Comments | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

03/21/2012 at 1:42 pm

Just What The Doctor Ordered

Recently, the New York Post described the Battery Park Regal Cinemas as crowd-free.

While it’s not my intention to give away all of Lower Manhattan’s secrets,  just as the Regal is the place to go for a movie, the NYU Langone Trinity Center is the district’s choice for most of your medical needs.

Located on the second floor at 111 Broadway, this modern, friendly facility offers a broad array of doctors, specialists and testing facilities. My experience, and those of several of my colleagues, has been overwhelmingly positive.

Checking in and out is efficient. Waiting times are minimal. Doctors are thorough both in their examinations and explanations.  And, they follow up with emails and even letters reminding you of tests or specialists you need to see.

While a visit to the doctor may not be high on your list of things you look forward to, this Center strives to take the pain out of the visit. The Center takes most insurance plans and has both general practitioners and specialists.

And, if there’s something you do need – a specialist or test – that’s not available there, the Center provides referrals to another NYU location.

So, the next time you need to make a doctor’s appointment, look no further than Lower Manhattan and give NYU Langone Trinity Center a try.

Posted by Bill in Meet a Lower Manhattan Business, My LM, Personal and Professional Services | No Comments | , ,

03/19/2012 at 12:54 pm

Spring Ahead In Lower Manhattan

By Manny Lala

The weather is getting warmer, daylight savings is in full swing, crocuses are peaking through the wintery soil and Lower Manhattan is buzzing with plenty of things to do.

Grab a fresh fruit smoothie at Jamba Juice before heading to the Battery Park City ball fields, take a seat outside and check out our newest Wi-Fi hotspots, or pick up a new spring outfit at Century 21. The Elevated Acre is always popular when the weather gets warmer, and the recently opened Pier 15 is definitely a must-visit on gorgeous spring days.

Feel like enjoying the weather on your lunch break? Why not grab lunch at one of the newest restaurants in the neighborhood and enjoy it at Bowling Green, Battery Park or Zuccotti Park.

Take your fitness to the next level by jogging or strolling across the Brooklyn Bridge while enjoying the rich history and breathtaking transformation of Lower Manhattan.  Be one of the first to check out the newly opened Anne Frank Center. The East River Waterfront Esplanade, which opened last spring, is another new place to bring your dog, lounge in the sun, or eat lunch on the water.

Whatever you’re in the mood to do on the beautiful spring days ahead, Lower Manhattan is full of options!

Posted by RonnyD in My LM | 1 Comment | , , , , , , , , , , , ,

03/16/2012 at 5:01 pm

Checking In At The Conrad

Conrad New York is opening its doors on Monday, and the Downtown Alliance got an advance peak inside this shining star in Lower Manhattan. Sixteen stories tall, and overlooking the Hudson River waterfront, the Conrad’s lobby is a site to behold.

Take note of the giant Sol LeWitt artwork adorning an entire 13-story wall above the atrium’s registration desk. During our tour, we’re advised the piece – called Loopy Doopy – took 3,000 hours and 100 gallons of paint to create. Also note The Veil, an elaborate rope and steel structure that fills the Conrad’s main space, but allows for a vibrant, well-lighted atmosphere.

The 463-suite luxury hotel is the first for Conrad Hotels & Resorts in New York City, and just across the street from the Irish Hunger Memorial in Battery Park City. And it arrives on North End Avenue on the heels of well-celebrated openings of three adjacent Danny Meyer eateries – Blue Smoke, Shake Shack and North End Grill – as well as Artsee Eyewear, Francois Payard Bakery, Vintry Fine Wines, and more, all between Murray and Vesey streets.

The 2,000 pieces of contemporary art that adorn the walls – in rooms, public spaces and banquet rooms –was curated by the Public Art Fund and Elizabeth Gould Vales. Some of the artwork was created by Mary Heilmann, Elizabeth Peyton, and Sara Sosnowy.

Executive Chef Anthony Zamora, who recently came from Four Seasons Hotel New York, will oversee a signature, full-service restaurant, Atrio, which has space for private meals, and a full bar featuring wines from around the world.

The Conrad will provide one of the largest ballrooms we can remember in Lower Manhattan in ages, with room for 600 people, high ceilings, and soothing light fixtures and wind-chim-ish artwork strung over entrances.

Oh, and the rooftop bar, which we saw during an earlier tour (and in better weather!) has a name in keeping with the wonderful artwork you first notice downstairs: Loopy Doopy.

Posted by jsimmons in Dining, Downtown Alliance Updates, Personal and Professional Services, Shopping | No Comments | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

03/15/2012 at 9:00 am

Lights On…In Lower Manhattan

By Kelly Rush

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, one of my favorite days of the year, an Irish blessing for you: May the wind always be at your back, may the sun shine warm upon your face, may your teenagers stay busy, may the road rise up to meet you, and may you always find parking when you reach your destination. As usual, if you see any new retailers or spot changes to a long-time friend, please email me at tre@downtownny.com and I’ll check them out.

7eventytwo – 72 Warren Street
(212) 571-7290 | www.7eventytwo.org

Teenagers are known for a few things, and boredom is one of them. The Church Street School for Music and Art is taking that untapped energy and channeling it into creative endeavors that promise to enrich and enliven teens’ free hours. 7eventytwo is a drug- and alcohol-free-zone that offers a variety of activities that promote learning and creative expression in a fun, safe environment. Events include battle of the bands, film screenings, figure drawing and open-studio Saturdays. Workshops provide instruction on everything from digital cameras, music video production, and fiber sculpture.

Woodrow’s – 43 Murray Street
(212) 676-0300 | www.woodrowsnyc.com

Glenn Garmont has a good thing going. He and his wife Erin, who own Woodrow’s, are exactly where they want to be: in the middle of a neighborhood poised for growth with a bar whose popularity is already exceeding their hopes.  “We haven’t been open even two weeks and things are better than expected,” Glenn said. Woodrow’s fills a void in the area for a casual, homey watering hole that also offers great food without being too expensive. The owners have completed extensive renovations on the space to include a downstairs whiskey bar with comfortable couches and decorative touches that make you feel like you’ve come home, except nicer and with the option of having your own personal bartender. Come for an after-work drink or make it your home for St. Patrick’s Day. On offer is an Irish breakfast with black and white pudding, Irish bacon, eggs and toast or enjoy an entrée including corn beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie, Guinness beef stew or a corned beef sandwich.

EuroPan Diner Café - 125 Fulton Street
(212) 619-0300 | www.europandiner.com

EuroPan has several locations throughout the city, but now we only have to travel to Fulton to get a taste of variety on a budget. The selection here is huge, but don’t be daunted by all your choices. To ease navigation, the choices at EuroPan Diner Café are split into several (OK, more than several) categories: egg platters, omelet options, breads and bagels, appetizers, salads, sandwiches, vegetarian wraps, regular wraps, paninis, sauté dishes, risotto dishes, “quesadilla corner,” and cakes pies and pastries. If those choices aren’t enough, a few other options are available, such as shakes, smoothies and gourmet coffees.

Quik Park – 95 Wall Street
(212) 785-0940 | www.quikparkgarages.com

Finding a parking space in Lower Manhattan, or really any part of the city, can be a quest even Odysseus would find challenging. This lot is open 24 hours a day and conveniently located at Wall and Water, within easy walking distance of the South Street Seaport, Staten Island Ferry, Battery Park and the shopping and commercial centers around Wall Street.

Anne Frank Center USA – 44 Park Place,
(212) 431-7993 | www.annefrank.com

The museum honoring one of the most recognizable and influential Holocaust victims, Anne Frank, officially opened its doors and held an opening celebration March 15. The center promotes a message of tolerance and respect and uses Anne Frank’s diary and life to share her legacy with the world.

Closings:

Icon Parking – 95 Wall Street
Digi Prints, Inc. – 176 Broadway
The Bread Factory Café – 125 Fulton
Sunny’s Deli – 11 Park Place

For more information on retailers in Lower Manhattan, visit the Alliance for Downtown New York at www.DowntownNY.com. You can check out an interactive map with details on hours, locations and services and search the events calendar. Or, stay connected through the Downtown Alliance iPhone app, available for download on the website.

Posted by Kelly in Dining, Lights On In Lower Manhattan, Shopping | No Comments | , , , , , , , , , , , ,

03/13/2012 at 11:51 am

Picture Lower Manhattan: A View Grows in Brooklyn

Last Sunday I spent a few hours on a harbor tour with the Audubon Society searching for seals and winter birds. While we only saw glimpses of harbor seals (they return to Canada around this time of year) we saw an amazing amount of wildlife. At one point the boat was idling along the banks of the harbor while most passengers searched the shoreline for a rare duck. I turned around and noticed 1 World Trade rising above some old factories along the Brooklyn shoreline. This foreground provided a great visual contrast for the modern skyscraper rising in Lower Manhattan.

[Photo by Brian DiFeo]

Posted by bDiFeo in Picture LM | No Comments | , ,

03/12/2012 at 10:37 am

A Taste of Ireland in Lower Manhattan

This Saturday, March 17th, Lower Manhattan will be home to a festive St. Paddy’s Day at the many venues celebrating this special holiday.

St. Patrick’s Day commemorates St. Patrick, the most recognized of the patron saints of Ireland. And where’s a better place to celebrate the day than in Lower Manhattan, where Irish immigrants moved centuries ago to a land of opportunity.

This year, the day falls on a Saturday, so you have all day to celebrate. Here’s a few of our suggestions:

If you want to spend a quiet Saturday strolling around the neighborhood, then pay a visit to the Irish Hunger Memorial in Battery Park City. The Memorial is devoted to raising awareness of the events that led to the Great Irish Famine and Migration of 1845-1852.

In addition, The Municipal Art Society of NY is giving a tour focusing on our area’s rich mix of immigrant history and view some of the few significant architectural elements that remain in this time of rampant redevelopment.  Downtown: Where New York Began takes place at 11 AM on March 17. The cost is $15 per person and RSVP is required.

Hungry for some traditional Irish food? Look no further than our one-square mile, where a number of restaurants are offering the type of culinary fare you are looking for – from quaint bars to classy eateries.

Check out some of our favorites, such as Trinity Place or The Bailey Pub & Brasserie for their traditional Irish stew, corned beef and cabbage and Shepherd’s Pie. These dishes (and more) are available all week from today through Sunday, March 18th.  Also, The Porterhouse at Fraunces Tavern has a week-long celebration of Irish culture and music from March 13th to the 18th.

If you want a bigger party atmosphere, then step onto the cobblestoned Stone Street, also known as Lower Manhattan’s Restaurant Row. Here you’ll enjoy outdoor food and drink at the many pubs and restaurants along with live music and DJs.

Ulysses Folk House will feature rockin’ Irish music by The Canny Brothers along with a Jameson & Guinness tent.  In fact, Ulysses will be start celebrating with a Taste of Ireland Brewery Night on March 13th, Mini Oyster Fest on March 14th, Get Shamrocked after-work party on March 15th and the Starch Before the March on March 16th.

Other perfect places to ingest and imbibe on Stone Street include the Stone Street Tavern, The Dubliner, Murphy’s Tavern, Beckett’s, Vintry Wine & Whiskey, and The Growler Bites & Brews, or if you want a taste from other countries, step into Mad Dog & Beans (if you crave Mexican), Adrienne’s Pizza Bar (if you seek Italian) or Smorgas Chef (if you’re in the mood for Swedish).

Don’t fret if you feel Stone Street is too much of a walk, even though it isn’t! There are plenty of options all over the neighborhood. Click here for a detailed map view of Lower Manhattan, and links to all of our establishments.

Or, you might decide you want to throw a party in your own home. So call Downtown Kitchen to cater your party with an Irish breakfast or a St. Patrick’s Day lunch or dinner. Downtown Kitchen will deliver to your home or office (if you happen to be working Saturday). But hurry: orders must be placed by today, and be for a minimum of 12 guests.

If you just want a tiny taste of Ireland, there’s also the Shamrock Shake. Yes, McDonald’s has brought back the green-dyed mint milkshake for the holiday. We wonder what Irish folksongs might be playing on the piano (look overhead when you step inside!) when you enter Mickey D’s on Broadway for your holiday shake.

Whatever you decide to do, paint the day GREEN by celebrating a taste of Ireland in Lower Manhattan!

Posted by Roe in Dining, Events | No Comments | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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