What’s New

Flatiron Partnership and Van Alen Institute Announce Winning Holiday Installation Design: Happy

The Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership and Van Alen Institute unveiled the winner of the fifth annual Flatiron Public Plaza Holiday Design Competition—Happy by Studio Cadena—a temporary installation in the heart of the Flatiron District. Happy will be the centerpiece of the Partnership’s seventh annual holiday program and a highly visible landmark in this thriving New York City neighborhood.

“We all wish each other happiness during the holidays. This installation physically manifests this well wishing to all who visit Flatiron,” said Benjamin Cadena, Founder and Principal of Studio Cadena. “In our otherwise bleak social and political context, it aspires to carve a small and more positive space in the city—it offers a warm embrace during the cold winter months.”

The installation features 24 softly shaped transparent vinyl screens that drape down from an open frame to inscribe an intimate collective space within. Its rich colored surface projects a highly visible and memorable figure from a distance, and up close, filters views inside and out by infusing the surrounding context in a rich, saturated glow. Gently swaying in the breeze, it shimmers and reflects while it casts long colored shadows in the low light of late fall and early winter. Happy is a simple device to make you stop, wonder, and most importantly, smile.

The installation will remain on view to the public on the Flatiron North Public Plaza at Broadway, Fifth Avenue, and 23rd Street, through the holidays as part of the Partnership’s “23 Days of Flatiron Cheer” programming. The installation is permitted through NYC DOT Art and is open to the public daily, weather permitting, from November 19, 2018 through January 1, 2019.

The closed-call competition began in June 2018, when the Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership and Van Alen Institute—a 124-year-old design not-for-profit that produces innovative competitions, programs, and communications to make cities better places—invited eight design and architecture firms to submit proposals. Invited firms were: Agency—Agency; Brandt : Haferd; MODU; N H M D; Office III; P.R.O.; Studio Cadena; and Wolfgand & Hite.

A jury with expertise across the worlds of design and public art, including representatives from the Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership and Van Alen Institute’s board of trustees, reviewed the proposals.

“Our holiday installations have become a destination for those who live in, work in, or visit Flatiron during the holiday season, and take part in our annual ’23 Days of Flatiron Cheer’ celebration,” said Jennifer Brown, Executive Director of the Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership. “Happy is animated, fun and whimsical, imbuing the spirit of the season and what makes our neighborhood so special this time of year.We are proud to partner with Van Alen Institute and Studio Cadena and invite all New Yorkers – and holiday guests – to visit Flatiron this season!”

“In a relatively small way, Happy demonstrates the huge impact that design can have on daily life,” said David van der Leer, Executive Director of Van Alen Institute. “By expressing a positive emotion in a public space, Studio Cadena’s delightful installation invites people to take a moment to consider the joy of being in the big, busy city during the holiday season. Congratulations to the design team and thank you to our partners in realizing this creative vision for everyone’s enjoyment.”

“We look forward to watching people get surprised and delighted when they come upon this imaginative installation in the Flatiron Plaza,” said NYC DOT Assistant Commissioner of Design + Art + Wayfinding Wendy Feuer. “The firms selected for the Flatiron BID's annual holiday installation find ever inventive ways to interpret the season, adding to the City’s magic at this time of year.”

Studio Cadena is based in Brooklyn. The Happy project team includes Silman (structural engineer) and YOUNGBUK Art Services LLC (fabricator/installer).

Sponsored by the Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership, Happy and the accompanying programming “23 Days of Flatiron Cheer” are made possible with generous support from Presenting Sponsor Meringoff Properties and Supporting Sponsors Sony Square NYC and 212 Fifth Avenue.

Download the full press release here.

To view each proposal, click here.

Rendering photo credit: Studio Cadena

Executive Director Jennifer Brown to Bid Farewell After 12 Years of Service

Jennifer Brown, the first and only Executive Director of the Flatiron/23^rd Street Partnership, will leave this fall after more than a dozen years of service to the neighborhood. Ms. Brown will begin work next month as Executive Director of the Montclair Center BID, working in the area where she and her family live.

“Flatiron is one of the most exciting and dynamic neighborhoods in New York City, and in my biased opinion, the world,” Ms. Brown said. “I am deeply indebted to my Board of Directors, City officials and agencies, property and business owners, and residents who have made working here such a memorable and enriching experience.”

Since she first started with the Flatiron Partnership in 2006, Ms. Brown has worked vigorously to forge partnerships with a broad swatch of constituencies to transform the district into a bustling and beautiful 21^st century mixed-use community, which has become a destination to start and grow a business, to visit, and to live.

“In large measure due to Jennifer’s foresight of what the BID and neighborhood could – and should – become, the district of today is one of broad appeal, a place where international businesses are anchoring their American headquarters, where entrepreneurs are thriving, where the hospitality industry has launched acclaimed hotels and restaurants, and where people are starting a home because of the incredible amenities and access,” said Gregg Schenker, Chairman of the Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership’s Board of Directors.  “Jennifer is a true gem: dedicated, caring, innovative, and thoughtful. While we will deeply miss her, we know that she is leaving a stronger, better Flatiron.”

While Ms. Brown credits the Board and strategic partnerships for shepherding improvements to the neighborhood, she notes the achievements witnessed over the last 12 years during her tenure, such as:

• Launch of public safety and Clean Team programs to service the district year-round, seven days a week.
• Development and execution of a master plan for streetscape and beautification in 2008, and subsequent creation of the neighborhood’s robust streetscape projects, physically transforming the entire district.
• Launch of the Flatiron Public Plazas a decade ago, among the first DOT plazas citywide; created initially to improve pedestrian safety, they have since been transformed into vibrant hubs of activity, featuring free WiFi, movable seating, food kiosks, public programming, and public art.
• Creation of engaging—and free—year-round programming, such as weekly historic walking tours, an annual holiday installation competition and “23 Days of Flatiron Cheer” holiday programming, “Summer Series” fitness, tech and entertainment activities, and ongoing Speaker Series events, Business Assistance Forums, and other neighborhood networking opportunities.
• Promotion of the neighborhood through a robust marketing and communications plan, supporting area businesses through free digital opportunities, including social media platforms, weekly newsletters, and website features.
• Launch of a highly successful annual Sponsorship Program, engaging dozens of area businesses and properties; the program has provided significant additional funding to allow the BID to present and maintain new programs annually. 

Most recently, she has led efforts to make the Public Plazas a permanent fixture in the neighborhood through a permanent design process, and sought to expand the BID boundaries to support more businesses and properties with enhanced clean and safe, beautification, and marketing initiatives.

As a result, Flatiron has evolved into a world-class destination, home to 4,200 commercial tenants and more than 560 ground-floor businesses, with one of the city’s lowest retail vacancy rates and major attractions—in addition to the famed Flatiron Building and Madison Square Park—such as Eataly New York, the Museum of Mathematics (MoMath), LEGO, the original Shake Shack, and the acclaimed Eleven Madison Park. With more than 250,000 residents and 796,000 daytime workers within a one-mile radius, the neighborhood also has seen significant growth in the technology, hospitality, co-working, and fitness sectors (even being branded the “Fit District”). And, just since 2011, the neighborhood has seen a near 94% increase in hotel rooms–with 1,620 more currently under development.

Ms. Brown applauds the City’s two mayoral administrations, during which she has served, for providing extensive support to ensure the Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership thrived, and received ongoing help to enhance amenities, such as the Public Plazas and support for small businesses.

“I have always maintained that partnerships are key to success, and Flatiron’s success is surely the result of countless partners and individuals who envisioned a neighborhood filled with innovation, promise, and opportunity. As a result, the district is flourishing as one of New York City’s premier neighborhoods,” Ms. Brown said.

The Montclair Center BID, established in 2002, similarly enhances and promotes the downtown district as a regional shopping, dining and entertainment destination, representing 300 retailers and restaurants. The BID is a Nationally Accredited Main Street Community that partners with businesses, nonprofits, landlords and government.

Flatiron Fitness First-Timer

My name is Kim Lynch and I am the newest member of the Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership's staff. When I started working for the BID this summer and commuting to the area daily, I began to explore fitness studios in the Flatiron District for the first time. Much to my excitement, I found some go-to fitness favorites that offer enjoyable workouts that help ease my guilt over how much cheese I ate during lunch.

Broadway Bodies, 50 Lexington Avenue  

Broadway Bodies is a dance studio that teaches high-energy, achievable choreography inspired by favorite music videos and Broadway shows. My dance moves do not extend far beyond the classic combination of a head bob and rocking back and forth, so when I walked into a #TwerkThursday class to learn "Pony" by GINUWINE, I was unsure of what to expect. I naturally took comfort in a spot towards the back, but I quickly learned that this studio prioritizes a comfortable space for people to let loose and genuinely have a good time. Before class started, the instructor asked all first-timers to raise their hands, and then the instructor, along with the rest of the class, turned to all newbies to give a warm, excited welcome. Throughout the class, the instructor also asked participants to shake hands with the person next to them, and shift places around the room so no one is ever left feeling lost in the back. These gestures helped break the ice and made for a fun, welcoming group. During class, I definitely fumbled through some of the choreography, but no one cared. Everyone was too busy having a good time to notice and eventually, I was too busy to care, too. Class finished with a quasi-dance battle, which was more fun than competitive. It is a rare experience to laugh and smile so much during a fitness class that still felt like a successful workout. Broadway Bodies claims "enjoying yourself is truly the only thing that matters" and after taking a class, I can definitely vouch for that.    

Brrrn, 107 West 20th Street 

The buzzworthy, cool temperature fitness studio Brrrn is the first of its kind in offering classes at three temperature levels - 45, 55, and 60 degrees Fahrenheit, with each having a unique class instruction. I hate the cold, and like most native New Yorkers, love to complain about the weather when the temperature starts to drop. But, I came to Brrrn with an open mind. Naturally, I signed up for the 60-degree "FLOW" class that fuses yogic-movement with mobility and meditative exercises. The workout felt like a remixed yoga class with some strength training, and walking into what felt like a giant refrigerator was a refreshing break from the heat outside. To my surprise, I actually enjoyed the cool-temperature as I was working out. The instructor was super engaging, which helps keep your motivation and attention level throughout the 45-minute class. I liked the variation within the workout, as the group exercises shifted between yoga poses, strength training, and cardio. The class was different and exciting, which made the time go by fast. We even lifted these massive ropes that the instructor seemed to improvise on the spot as he was getting creative with the workout. Overall, Brrrn lives up to its hyped reputation. I felt challenged, and the temperature of the space begins to not feel as cold once your heart rate begins to rise. If you are tired of the same routine workout, Brrrn's fitness classes offer a unique workout experience led by informative, patient instructors.    

Exhale, 19 West 21st Street 

Exhale has an impressive following, and it's easy to see why after taking a class. The beautiful space and the friendly staff create an inviting studio atmosphere. When an instructor at the front desk realized it was my first time at the studio, she kindly offered to give me a grand tour of the studio. At exhale you have your pick of Barre, Cardio, and Yoga. I signed up for a "Cardio Blast" class that included kickboxing, high-intensity intervals, and weight resistance training. You certainly break a sweat during the cardio intervals, and the kickboxing helps you work out the stress of the day. The instructor and her playlist helped keep my momentum going throughout the sets. This cardio class was one of the more challenging workouts I have done - the type of class that leaves you sore for several days. At the finish of class, I was relieved and I felt a sense of accomplishment, which is a gratifying feeling after a good workout.  

INSCAPE, 45 West 21st Street 

I am a firm believer that mental health is just as important as physical health, so I was curious about INSCAPE, a community space for group meditation and relaxation. Classes are audio-guided with an instructor who sits in the middle to serve as an example and answer questions. I took "Balance: Focus 35", a class that focuses on channeling inner strength to help you find your center, and "Heart: Loving Kindness 35", a class that encourages an appreciation for everything in your life and increases self-awareness. When entering the meditation dome (a colorfully lit space that gives a Burning Man vibe to the room), the instructor puts a calming lavender oil on your wrists that I smelled frequently on my subway ride home. Once inside the dome, with pillows and a soft blankets, you pick a comfortable spot to sit. The meditations involved breathing exercises, intention setting, visualizations, and gentle movements all set to peaceful music. The class became something I looked forward to attending after work. Sessions help you let go of the stress of the day, as you feel noticeably calm and refreshed afterward. It is easy to find yourself wandering the studio's space after class. The studio is filled with bean bags, intention books, and a teapot, plus there's a cool gift shop with various books, oils, candles, et cetera. Inscape offers relaxation classes that are experienced lying down, which is next on my list. 

Mile High Run Club, 24 West 25th Street 

Anytime I leave Mile High Run Club, I have that very dishelved, dripping-in-sweat look, which is a rewarding appearance. Mile High Run Club is a gym that provides group treadmill classes. I signed up for an hour-long "Distance" run and a "Dash 45" class. During the classes, a knowledgeable instructor provides guidance and instruction while you run so you can get the most out of your workout. Even though this is a group class, runners can go at their own pace as the instructor shouts out level changes (that you personally define) as opposed to a specific speed for you to run. Whenever I take a class at MHRC, I run a distance twice what I normally would run if I were solo on a treadmill at a standard gym. Along with the instructor's encouragement, the dimly lit room with neon lights and upbeat music create a dynamic environment that motivates you to push forward. Mile High Run Club offers runners of all levels a class where you feel challenged and in control. 

Uplift Studios, 24 West 23rd Street 

Uplift is a women-only fitness studio and female society that strives for an empowering social community. I honestly feel a change in the environment working out at Uplift. The age range, level of fitness experience, and body types vary, which is something I appreciate in group fitness classes. I am sure I can speak for many that working out can feel intimidating, especially when you feel like the only person in a room who's not a fitness fanatic on an all-kale diet. The classes are pretty intimate with around 10-12 women working out at one time. The instructors make a genuine effort to learn your name, and they walk around the room to correct/compliment form and offer insight one-on-one. The workout itself is engaging in the sense that I’m not counting down the minutes until I escape and go home. The instructors coordinate unique intervals of strength training and floorwork with weights and resistance bands and the playlists are so good that I walked up to an instructor after class to compliment her selection and asked her the name of a song. Uplift creates a very welcoming space with intense classes that women seriously enjoy. 

Y7 Studio,  25 West 23rd Street 

Y7 is a hot yoga studio that offers a mirrorless, candlelit space kept at a temperature between 80 and 90 degrees. The "WeFlowHard Slow Burn Yoga" class focuses on holding postures for longer periods of time to allow deeper stretching and toning. This class is a slower-paced vinyasa yoga that is good for those just starting to explore yoga as a regular workout. The instructor was very informative and encouraging. The poses were challenging, and I definitely felt sore the next day. The dark, warm room, along with the soothing music, create a calming workout experience that you will want to do again.   

Picture Credit: Y7 Studio

For a full listing of the myriad of fitness options in the neighborhood, visit our Flatiron Guide.

About: Kim joined the Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership in June 2018 as Research & Marketing Associate after earning her Master's in Public Administration from Baruch College, and previously interned with the Flatiron BID. Kim enjoys photography, stalking puppy accounts on Instagram, and plenty of chocolate chip cookies. 

Note: Each fitness class featured in this article was purchased by Kim, independently of her work at the Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership.  

New Neighbor: Skewr Kabob Kitchen

The Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership is happy to welcome Skewr to 23rd Street! The goal of Skewr Kabob Kitchen is to be synonymous with freshly-made, affordable food. The menu features chicken, beef, salmon and tofu kabobs grilled per order, as well as homemade lemonades and iced teas.

"We are proud to open our first store in the Flatiron District and to introduce the traditional Persian cuisine as a fast-casual concept to everyone. We chose our location carefully -- we love the neighborhood's great diversity, but also the strong sense of community," says General Manager Tihomir Stoykov. "The Flatiron District is considered by many as a true foodie haven, so we felt that our philosophy of bringing only the best and the freshest will flourish here. As the owner loves to say 'We are the home of the homemade everything'."

The food at Skewr is prepared fresh daily before the doors open each morning, and their bread is baked on-site.

Skewr is open for lunch and dinner from 11 am to 9:30 pm daily.  

Skewr Kabob Kitchen, 34 East 23rd Street, (212) 598-5818 

Photo Credit: Skewr Kabob Kitchen

Meet your Neighborhood Coordination Officers

Neighborhood Coordinating Officers (NCOs) serve as liaisons between the police and the community, and also as key crime-fighters and problem-solvers in their sector. They familiarize themselves with residents and their problems by attending community meetings with neighborhood leaders and clergy, visiting schools, following up on previous incidents, and using creative techniques and adaptive skills.

NCOs are adding a new dimension to the NYPD's crime-fighting capabilities. They function as adjuncts to the local detective squads, responding swiftly to breaking incidents and developing leads and evidence that might have been missed under the old patrol model. Most importantly, they feel a sense of belonging and responsibility that fosters a willingness to do whatever it takes to keep the neighborhood safe and secure.

The map above illustrates the four sectors of the 13th Precinct, which includes the Flatiron District. You are encouraged to get to know your NCOs and contact them as necessary for issues in your sector. 

Sector: A 

Police Officer Rodriguiz, Manuel 
Phone: 929-287-7661
Email: MANUEL.RODRIGUEZ1 [at] NYPD.ORG

Police Officer Rodriguiz, Peter
Phone: 929-215-0973
Email: PETER.RODRIGUEZ2 [at] NYPD.ORG

Sector: B
  

Police Officer Gishard, Vinceta
Phone: 929-287-7140
Email: VINCETA.GISHARD [at] NYPD.ORG

Police Officer Knapp, Jonathan
Phone: 929-291-0773
Email: JONATHAN.KNAPP [at] NYPD.ORG

Sector: C

Police Officer Demery, Eric
Phone: 929-291-1150
Email: ERIC.DEMERY [at] NYPD.ORG

Police Officer Vera, Brittany
Phone:  929-332-6092
Email: BRITTANY.VERA [at] NYPD.ORG

Sector: D

Police Officer Arthur, Mayela
Phone: 917-769-5357
Email: MAYELA.ARTHUR [at] @NYPD.ORG

Police Officer Villota, Angela
Phone: 929-287-8857
Email: ANGELA.VILLOTA [at] NYPD.ORG

Sector: Housing 

Police Officer Goulbourne, Jaja
Phone: 917-319-2914
Email: JAJA.GOULBOURNE [at] NYPD.ORG

Police Mangual, Jonathan
Phone: 917-741-7756
Email: JONATHAN.MANGUAL [at] NYPD.ORG

September New Roundup

With the arrival of autumn came the changing of leaves and notable media highlights for the neighborhood. Highlights include much-anticipated restaurant openings, insider looks into companies with offices in the Flatiron District, and exciting real estate transactions. Stay up to date with the latest Flatiron District news with the BID’s monthly roundup of notable highlights.

• Several new dining establishments are on their way to the neighborhood. Beloved Australian bakery, Bourke Street Bakery is slated to open before this November at 15 East 28^th Street, marking its first location outside of Australia (via New York Eater). Jonathon Benno's third and final outpost at The Evelyn hotel, Benno, a Mediterranean fine-dining restaurant, and Korean Steakhouse, Cote's downstairs lounge, Undercote, landed spots on the "9 Most Anticipated Restaurant Openings This Fall" list (via Robb Report). Flatiron poke spot, Maui Onion, popular for its build-your-own model for poke bowls, opened a second location in Midtown (via ABC7). Eataly's Manzo launched a guest chef series, From New York to New York, that showcases the cuisine of local chefs using local ingredients to benefit local charities (via Forbes). Wildflower. a retail concept offering products that incorporate the effects of plants and their extracts, announced the opening of three New York City locations, including one at the base of the 30-story office tower at 11 Madison (via P & T Community).     

• Leader in streaming programming, Cheddar, announced a weekly sports program that will go live on Thursdays 3:30 pm ET (via WLNS). The founder of S'well is donating 320,000 bottles - one for every high school student in a New York City public or charter school (via Waste 360). Recently opened Flatiron Pilates by Amy Nelms, a studio that offers private pilates instruction, was highlighted in Vogue for its fierce and growing following (via Vogue). Ford Models provided a behind the scenes look of the modeling agency to find out more about the inner workings of the modeling agency (via Vogue India). The founders of Thursday Boot Company, Nolan Walsh and Connor Wilson, were featured in Footwear News, where they discussed the business's development and success (via Footwear News). 

•  WeWork inked a deal the entire building at 35 East 21st Street to open HQ by WeWork, totaling 100,000 square feet with plans to move into the space in November (via Commercial Observer). There is a growing trend among residential buildings developing their lobbies into works of art, including Madison Square Park Tower with its double-height lobby and library that boasts eye-popping paintings by German abstract artist Marcel Eichner (via Rob Report). 

• The Museum of Sex is coordinating a red light district historic walking tour that will pay homage to the neighborhood circa 1870 to 1910 when it was referred to as "Tenderloin," and was home to saloons, cathouses, and gambling dens (via Town & Village). The building boom in the neighborhood north of Madison Square Park since the opening of The NoMad Hotel in 2011 has spurred incredible development in the area making NoMad a "no man's land no more" (via Crain's New York). A Localize.city report revealed that a corridor between Union Square and Madison Square parks ranked second with complaints about the Mr. Softee siren song filed (via Patch).

Photo of Bourke Street Bakery 

Before Disaster Strikes - November 14

• Robert Pettenato, Director, Emergency Preparedness, Con Edison

• Renée Typaldos, Restaurant Owner, Merakia

• Mickey Slevin, Senior Regional Director, General Assembly New York

• Rachel Van Tosh, Deputy Commissioner, NYC Small Business Services

2018 Annual Community Survey

Save the Date - Celebrate Flatiron Partnerships Returns October 23

Join the Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership for our biggest celebration of the year on October 23rd!

Celebrate the neighborhood, network with members of the community, and support the work of the BID in one of the most spectacular venues in the district: 230 FIFTH.

Tickets are now on sale and include a select open bar and passed hors d'oeuvres for $35.