Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership BID Announces Appointment of James Mettham as Executive Director
(New York. N.Y.) – The Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership Business Improvement District (BID), which strengthens two of the city’s most dynamic neighborhoods, Flatiron and Nomad, today announced the appointment of James Mettham as the organization’s new Executive Director. Mr. Mettham, who has a wealth of public service experience working with BIDs across New York City, will start in the position on March 11th.
Mr. Mettham currently serves as Managing Director of Finance and Operations at the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership and previously held several key positions with the New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS), including as Assistant Commissioner and Executive Director of BID Program Management where he oversaw the formation and expansion efforts of BIDs across the city.
“James Mettham impressed us with his experience, capability, and vitality,” said Gregg Schenker, Chairman of the Flatiron Partnership’s Board of Directors. “The Flatiron Partnership was fortunate to have been led by our founding Executive Director, Jennifer Brown, for more than 12 years until her recent move. While we received applications from more than 70 people, many with stellar credentials, James stood out because of his enthusiasm and forward-thinking approach.”
As Executive Director, Mr. Mettham will work closely with property owners, retailers, restaurants, residents, community leaders, elected officials, and agency heads to ensure Flatiron – which has seen the growth of the NoMad area within its northern boundary - continues to thrive and remains a global destination in which to live, work, and visit. His arrival comes as the Flatiron Partnership moves to expand the district’s boundaries to serve more property owners, businesses, employees, residents, and visitors.
In recent years, the district has witnessed significant growth in a number of sectors – such as tech, hospitality, creative services, fitness, coworking, and residential – and continues to have one of the city’s lowest vacancy rates. In addition to supporting the neighborhood’s economy, the Flatiron Partnership has been spearheading efforts to make permanent the popular Public Plazas, which flank the Broadway, Fifth Avenue, and 23rd Street intersection and anchor many of the Flatiron Partnership’s free, seasonal programming.
“Flatiron is an exceptional district, and I have long admired the Flatiron Partnership’s role in maintaining a safe, vibrant, and appealing district where people want to live, work, learn, and play,” Mr. Mettham said. “I hope to build on the innovation and creativity that has elevated the Flatiron Partnership into one of our city’s premier BIDs, and thank the Board for this wonderful opportunity. I’m excited to get to work.”
At the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, Mr. Mettham oversaw the operations and finances of the central business district’s local development corporation and three BIDs. Previously, at SBS, he last served as Assistant Commissioner in the agency’s Neighborhood Development Division, where he led a staff charged with strengthening and revitalizing commercial districts across 100 New York City neighborhoods. Prior to that, in his role as SBS’s Executive Director of the Business Improvement District Program, he provided oversight and support to the city’s network of BIDs and coordinated the provision of more than $120 million in annual assessment funds to them.
During his earlier tenure with the New York City Economic Development Corporation, he held several positions in the organization’s real estate transaction services and strategic investments groups last serving as Senior Project Manager, where he supported businesses expanding or relocating in New York City and helped commercial and manufacturing businesses to access New York City Industrial Development Agency benefits.
He holds a Master of Urban Planning degree from New York University’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Pittsburgh, and is a Brooklyn resident.
The search process was led by Harris Rand Lusk.
Download the full press release.
Photo Credit: Rashmi Gill
New Neighbor: Deciem
The Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership is thrilled to welcome DECIEM to the neighborhood. Located on Broadway at the southeast corner of 26th Street, DECIEM has already made a splash among skincare fans in Flatiron.
"We chose the Flatiron District because the building is an iconic and historic attraction within New York City, and is a hub of activity with so much to do," says social media manager, Brandon Monte. "We're honoured and humbled to be a part of a community that is so beautifully significant in New York."
DECIEM positions itself as a humble and happy umbrella of good beauty brands. Founded on the principle of doing everything others don't do, DECIEM's goal is to change the world of beauty based on this principle.
Founded in 2013, DECIEM now owns and operates more than 10 brands in the beauty world. Some of these brands have already become leaders in their focused categories while some are still waiting impatiently to be born. DECIEM began with 1 product in 1 market. They now have a growing portfolio of more than 200 products in more than 15 markets.
Any loyal fan knows that DECIEM is committed to exceptional quality. The brand doesn't define quality by price points or distribution channels. Instead they define quality as being authentic, being different, being functional, being beautiful and being sensibly priced, even to the wealthy. The company respects these principles and focuses on serving those who appreciate their dedication to this definition of quality.
DECIEM is open Monday through Saturday, 11 am - 7 pm and Sun 11 am - 6 pm. Stop by the Flatiron store Thursday, February 21, 2019 from 6-8 pm for 20% all brands.
Deciem, 1134 Broadway, (646)-502-5523
Build The Block - 13th Precinct
You're invited to Build The Block, a discussion of the public safety challenges in our neighborhood with the NCOs from the 13th Precinct (Sector C).
WHAT IS NEIGHBORHOOD POLICING?
Neighborhood Policing is a new direction of the NYPD to ensure police have real relationships and accountability in the neighborhoods where they work each day. Each neighborhood in the program is assigned a new type of police officer known as Neighborhood Coordination Officers (NCOs).
These officers are hosting Build the Block safety meetings to jumpstart the dialogue between cops and community members to create real working relationships.
That’s where you come in – by attending these meetings and joining the conversation, you can help contribute to a safer, stronger New York.
New Neighbor: Zola
Love is in the air this week and wedding planning season is upon us. According to data, Valentine’s Day marks the second most popular day for people to pop the big question, right behind Christmas. The months leading up to May (the start of wedding season) are spent in a planning frenzy.
Online wedding registry Zola has opened a one-stop-shop wedding planning paradise in Flatiron at 168 Fifth Avenue - its first brick-and-mortar store. The pop-up shop will be open through April 15th to create a fast, fun, and easy wedding planning experience specifically designed for busy, engaged millennial couples.
Zola's pop-up speaks to a larger trend of wedding retail experiences in and near the Flatiron District. “We nicknamed this location [in Flatiron] 'wedding alley' since Kleinfeld Bridal and other wedding dress and bridesmaids dress stores are just a few blocks away." says Jennifer Spector, Director of Brand Marketing at Zola. "The purpose of the pop-up is to make sure that every engaged couple and wedding guest, knows about Zola. Not only are we bustling with one-on-one appointments every day, but also we see a huge amount of walk-in traffic because we're located right on Fifth Avenue.”
The Zola pop-up touts that couples can plan their wedding in under an hour. In may seem crazy, but with the amenities and experiences available at the store, the seamlessness of the planning process is believable. While at the store, couples can create a free wedding website with help from an expert, browse over 200 designs for save-the dates and weddings invitations, and register from a selection of over 2,000 top-selling gifts for newlywed life. The store also showcases how past couples have utilized Zola to build websites, invites, and registries to offer some guidance. Overwhelmed with the idea of going solo? You can meet with a Zola advisor for one-on-one planning appointments.
Zola's pop-up has several unique in-store experiences as well. Couples can step inside a 3D Cake Topper Printing Chapel to create mini plastic replicas of themselves. Enjoy some music inside a listening booth to curate the perfect wedding playlist. And when the stress starts to get to you, take a seat in the CBD lounge equipped with comfy seating and cozy vibes (pictured above). If a couple decides they can't wait until the big day, all of Zola's store associates are ordained and available to perform weddings on the spot. Zola hosts a line-up of impressive in-store events as well from Wedding 101 classes to discussions with financial experts on how to manage your finances with your partner.
The store itself mirrors the inside of a welcoming home with wooden floors, tables with elaborate plate settings, and a mock kitchen with modern appliances. The kitchen even features a build your own place setting station, and a line-up of dinnerware sets with varying colors and designers. You can also dive into a rotating linen closet to explore all things bed and bath.
If you find yourself coupled-up or know a couple in need of some guidance, Zola's Flatiron District pop-up offers expert advice and high-quality service to ease the overwhelming planning process.
Zola is open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm, and Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm.
Zola, 168 Fifth Avenue (between 21st and 22nd Street), (917) 261-6842, appointments@zola.com
Source: Fast Company, PYMNTS
New Neighbor: TrainStation NYC
The Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership is pleased to announce a new addition to Flatiron fitness! TrainStation NYC is a private, independent personal training facility located in the heart of Manhattan’s Flatiron District. Occupying just over 5,000 square feet, TrainStation NYC has been designed from the ground up to deliver a first-class experience for both trainer and client.
TrainStation NYC has created an environment where an elite team of independent personal trainers utilizing state-of-the-art equipment can practice their craft without having to adhere to a single training philosophy dictated by a corporate entity. TrainStation NYC caters to trainers looking for a workout space to build their business or grow their clientele, while those looking for a trainer can be matched with one to fit their needs.
"Even though we are new to the location on 24th Street, many of our trainers and clients, as well as our GM and me, have been well established in the neighborhood for over a decade," said General Manager John O'Neil. "Another reason we chose Flatiron is because it is a crossroads. It connects two of the hottest and most progessive neighborhoods in Lower Manhattan, Chelsea and NoMad. It is a vibrant neighborhood filled with some of the best restaurants, brand name shopping, and exciting people. And that is where we wanted to be."
At TrainStation NYC, every trainer working out of the facility is educated, knowledgeable, and highly certified with a proven record of success and a loyal clientele.
Trainstation NYC is open Monday through Thursday from 6 am - 9:30 pm, Friday from 6 am - 8:30 pm, and Saturday from 8 am - 2 pm. The gym is closed on Sunday.
TrainStation NYC, 49 W 24th Street, 2nd Floor, (917) 409-3664
Photos courtesy of TrainStation NYC.
Valentine's Day Gift Guide
Raise your hand if you've ever scrambled through a drugstore aisle last-minute to pick up a Valentine's Day gift...we've been there, too. Here's a list of Flatiron spots for gifts to grab on your way home that leave the impression of a thoughtful selection! Check out Flatiron's dining guide as well.
Can't Go Wrong With Dessert
Eataly, 200 Fifth Avenue, between 23rd and 24th Streets, (212) 229-2560
Lady M, 1178 Broadway, corner of 28th Street, (212) 452-2222
Leonelli Focacceria, 7 East 27th Street, between Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue, (212) 451-9495
Maison Kayser, 921 Broadway, corner of 21st Street, (212) 979-1600
maman, 22 West 25th Street, between Broadway and Sixth Avenue, (646) 838-0700
Patisserie Chanson, 20 West 23rd Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, (929) 423-8880
Share a Nice Bottle of Wine
Eataly Vino, 200 Fifth Avenue, entrance on 23rd Street, (212) 229-2560
Flatiron Wines and Spirits, 929 Broadway, 212-477-1315
Morton Williams Wine & Spirits, 270 Park Avenue South, between 21st and 22nd Streets, (212) 477-5490
Keep it Classic with Flowers & a Card
Blooming Affairs, 925 Broadway, between 21st and 22nd Streets, (212) 262-0004
Flower You, 122 East 25th Street, between Park Avenue South and Lexington Avenue, (212) 477-1037
Papyrus, 655 Avenue of the Americas, between 20th and 21st Streets, (212) 355-1880
Papyrus, 940 Broadway, between 22nd and 23rd Streets, (212) 228-287
Park Avenue Floratique, 76 Madison, at 28th Street, (212) 447-6310
Surprise Someone With a Pampering (They Need It)
Bellagio Nail & Spa, 10 East 23rd Street, between Broadway and Madison Avenue, (212) 505-6100
Dyanna Spa, 40 East 21st Street, between Broadway and Park Avenue South, (212) 995-2355
Heyday, 1130 Broadway, between 25th and 26th Streets, (646) 869-3601
Living Fresh Mens Spa, 44 West 22nd Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, (212) 366-9080
sundays Nail Studio, 51 East 25th Street, between Madison Avenue and Park Avenue South, (646) 998-5711
Silver Mirror Facial Bar, 20 West 22nd Street, between Fifth & Sixth Avenue, (212) 702-8742
WTHN, 20 West 22nd Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, (646) 558-9846
Photo Credit: Eataly
New Neighbor: ROLLN
The Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership is happy to welcome ROLLN, a hand-rolled takeout sushi restaurant, to the heart of the neighborhood at 38 East 23rd Street.
ROLLN's sushi rolls are designed to be both a delicious and healthy choice. All rolls are gluten-free and are available with a base of sushi rice or quinoa, and are made fresh in the restaurant daily with high quality, sustainably-sourced ingredients. All sauces are made in-house, too.
The menu offers classic rolls such as Salmon Avocado, California, and Spicy Tuna, as well as the inventive Cheeseburger roll that features ground beef, American cheese, and special sauce (a crowd favorite). ROLLN also utilizes a creative cooking technique that makes quinoa taste like sushi rice making ROLLN the first to offer high-protein 100% quinoa rolls.
Co-founders Gavin Tseng and David Tam left corporate careers to build a purpose-driven company from the ground up. "We sought to make a positive impact on the community through providing healthy and nutritious food options, on the environment through our sustainable sourcing and packaging, and our people and ultimately giving back to our community we live and share in," stated Tseng. ROLLN strives for purposeful food, which includes minimizing waste, working with partners who share their values and beliefs, donating food to those in need, and supporting education programs.
ROLLN has already attracted a strong base of regulars that rave about its quality, affordability, and freshness. High praises include foodies and a celebrity endorsement from fashion designer Tan France of the Netflix Series Queer Eye. ROLLN's rolls are the perfect fit for active people with a full schedule.
"We are incredibly excited to be in the Flatiron area due to the history, beauty, and general buzz around the neighborhood," said Tam. "Our sushi rolls are the perfect meal or snack for local office workers, residents, students, and visitors, as well as a great catering option for local businesses."
ROLLN is open Monday through Saturday from 11 am to 9 pm, and closed Sundays.
ROLLN, 38 East 23rd Street (between Madison Avenue and Park Avenue South), (646) 869-0826
Valentine's Day Restaurant Guide in Flatiron
Whether you’re sharing Valentine's Day with a special someone or friends and family, don’t miss out on celebratory, one-night-only menus and dishes from some of the best restaurants in Flatiron! Check out Flatiron's gift guide as well.
Almond, 12 East 22nd Street, between Broadway and Park Avenue South, (212) 228-7557
Join Almond on Valentine's Day for a locally-sourced and super delicious Blood Orange Menu. A four-course menu will be available for $85 per guest. Almond's full a la carte menu will also be available.
BLACKBARN, 19 East 26th Street, between Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue, (212) 265-5959
BLACKBARN will tantalize the taste buds this Valentine’s Day with a menu laden with natural mood-enhancing ingredients. The three-course dinner will feature 13 aphrodisiacs curated by Chef John Doherty to arouse the senses.
Bread & Tulips, 365 Park Avenue South, between 26th and 27th Streets, (212) 532-9100
Sit down for a romantic meal at Bread & Tulips on Valentine's Day. Enjoy live jazz and a four-course prix-fixe dinner menu for $65 complete with a complimentary Prosecco toast.
Bouley Test Kitchen, 31 West 21st Street, between Fifth Avenue and Sixth Avenue, (212) 255-5828
Chef David Bouley will be serving a special seven-course Valentine’s Day Chef's Tasting Lunch ($95 per person). Optional wine pairings and a white truffle menu will be available.
Eataly, 200 Fifth Avenue, between 23rd and 24th Streets, (212) 937-8910
Enjoy an entire weekend of Valentine’s Day specials at two Eataly restaurants. Eataly’s rooftop winter wonderland, SERRA ALPINA by Birreria, is taking Valentine’s Day to the next level with a four-course tasting menu dinner lit only by candles (plus: special dishes on February 15th and 16th like caviar and premium steak). At Manzo, enjoy four-course and six-course affairs highlighting simple but decadent ingredients. Elevate the romance with optional wine pairings. Tasting menus range from $85 for four-courses with optional $35 wine pairing to $120 for 6 six courses and $50 optional wine pairings.
The Flatiron Room, 37 West 26th Street, between Sixth Avenue and Broadway, (212) 725-3860
Join the Flatiron Room on Valentine’s Day to enjoy a Whiskey & Chocolate pairing for the ultimate palate experience. Six signature cocktails, six whiskeys, and light appetizers provided. $125 per person.
Giorgio’s of Gramercy, 27 East 21st Street, between Broadway and Park Avenue South, (212) 477-0007
Order an exceptional meal from eclectic American restaurant Giorgio’s of Gramercy. Giorgio's seasonal menu and Valentine’s Day specials will be available.
Harding’s, 32 East 21st Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, (212) 600-2105
Enjoy Harding’s handcrafted cocktails and cozy atmosphere while you dine on a special Valentine's Day dinner.
ilili, 236 Fifth Avenue, between 27th and 28th Streets, (212) 683-2929
ilili is celebrating Valentine’s Day by offering a four-course prix fixe dinner that includes a complimentary glass of La Caravelle Brut Rosé for $125 per guest. Special menu items include day boat sea scallops, house-made semolina gnocchi, and molten chocolate cake with Arabian milk ice cream. ilili’s bar and lounge area will also offer a limited a la carte menu.
Leonelli Taberna, 7 East 27th Street, between Fifth and Madison Avenue, (212) 451-9495
Join Leonelli Taberna for a relaxed Valentine's Day celebration. Leonelli will be serving their full a la carte menu, along with holiday specials such as "Raviolo con Uovo" - a heart-shaped ravioli filled with spinach, ricotta, and egg yolk, topped with brown butter, parm, and delicate shavings of black truffles.
Junoon, 27 West 24th Street, between Broadway and Sixth Avenue, (212) 490-2100
Celebrate Valentine's Day dinner at Junoon's Main Dining Room with a six-course tasting menu for $135 per guest and enjoy live piano music starting at 7:30 pm. Optional wine-pairing is available for $90. Junoon's Patiala Room will be featuring a two- and three-course prix fix menu for $69 and $79, respectively.
La Pecora Bianca, 1133 Broadway, corner of 26th Street, (212) 498-9696
La Pecora Bianca will be serving a special four-course dinner menu ($75 per person) for Valentine's Day! The menu is composed of unique items not regularly available, including items for two to share during each course.
Park Avenue Winter, 360 Park Avenue South, corner of 26th Street, (212) 951-7111
Park Avenue Winter serves only the best that each season has to offer. On Valentine’s Day, Park Avenue Winter will be offering its ever-changing seasonal menu.
Scampi, 30 West 18th Street, between Fifth Avenue and Sixth Avenue, (212) 888-2171
Scampi, a Southern Italian inspired restaurant, invites you to spend your Valentine's Day with their decadent three-course meal featuring specials like a Rib Eye For Two, various fish filets, and a selection of pasta dishes. $85 per guest.
Tarrallucci e Vino, 44 East 28th Street, between Madison Avenue and Park Avenue South, (212) 779-1100
Celebrate San Valentino at Tarallucci e Vino! Enjoy a special four-course menu menu that includes a prosecco toast for $80 per guest, or dine a-la carte.
Trattoria Italienne, 19 West 24th Street, between Broadway and Sixth Avenue, (212) 600-5139
Featuring culinary traditions from France and Italy, Trattoria Italienne is offering a three-course prix fixe menu for $78 per guest along with their regular a la carte menu. A live acoustic performance by Garrett & Tamara will make for a special evening.
Are you offering a Valentine's dinner special? Please email info@flatironbid.org
Photo by Park Avenue Winter
January News Roundup
2019 is off to an exciting start in the Flatiron District. New businesses have launched, WeWork and Zola unveiled game-changing retail concepts, and Flatiron beauty and wellness studios are thriving. Stay up-to-date on what's happening in the neighborhood with Flatiron News.
- Newly opened Seven Grams Caffe offers a buzz-worthy cookie that's been dubbed "New York's tastiest chocolate chip cookie" - a vegan cookie made with tahini and olive oil (via Daily News). wagamama, a British-Asian dining spot that made its NYC debut in Flatiron, will be opening a third location in Murray Hill in early February (via New York Post). Benno, the third and final outpost at the Evelyn Hotel by Chef Jonathan Benno, received a coveted three-star review from the New York Times. Critic Pete Wells stated, "Benno is not trying to be contemporary. It’s trying to be delicious. And it is, from start to finish, almost without exception" (via New York Times). Upscale steakhouse BLT Prime closed its doors after 13 years of service in the neighborhood (via Eater New York).
- We Company, formerly known as WeWork, unveiled a retail cafe co-working venture in Flatiron this month at 902 Broadway. The outpost, called Made by We, is meant to serve as a reimagined community center. Made by We does not require a membership, so the space is open to the public with bookable workplace seats and meeting rooms. The retail section will sell products made by entrepreneurs and companies that partner with WeWork, and upscale Australian coffee chain Bluestone Lane will occupy the space as well (via Chain Storage Age and Bis Now). Popular online wedding registry Zola debuted a pop-up shop at 168 Fifth Avenue that has been referred to as "the Apple Store for weddings." Couples can take advantage of a wedding planning paradise under one roof (via Fast Company).
- The beauty & wellness sector in Flatiron is thriving. New acupuncture studio WTHN was featured in the New York Times with a glowing review and its founders described the studio as a "modern reimagining of acupuncture" (via New York Times). Beauty brands are experiencing great retail success and L'Occitane's Flagship store in Flatiron is an example of such. L'Occitane opened its first beauty lab at the 160 Fifth Avenue location with the lab meant to serve as a hashtag hit. "There’s a social media tie to retail, and we’ve seen it with other retailers from fitness to apparel” (via New York Post).
- A proposed 1,009-foot condominium tower at 262 Fifth Avenue released its rendering for a tall, slender building that will tower over the NoMad section of the Flatiron District (via New York YIMBY). The developers behind 212 Fifth Avenue sold the building's retail space for $26.5 million to an international investor. Togas Textiles and DECIEM are the current ground floor retailers in the building (via The Real Deal).
- The 28th Street 6 line subway station opened this month after six months of renovations with striking floral mosaics complimenting the extensive technological and structural upgrades (via Untapped Cities). A new report that compiled listings from StreetEasy and data from Seamless found that Flatiron with the fifth-priciest area in New York City with a median rent of $4,500, and tied Brooklyn’s Dumbo neighborhood as the fourth-healthiest neighborhood in the five boroughs (via Forbes).
Image by Made by We
