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

The Flatiron/23^rd Street Partnership and Van Alen Institute announced the winner of the sixth annual Flatiron Public Plaza Holiday Design Competition: Ziggy by New York-based team Hou de Sousa. On view November 18, 2019–January 1, 2020, Ziggy will celebrate the holiday season with vibrant hues and playful gestures, creating a highly visible landmark at the heart of the Flatiron District and the centerpiece of the Partnership’s annual holiday programming. Join us for the launch party on November 18th from 6 pm to 8 pm. 

“Our holiday installation is a tradition that evokes the wonder and joy of the season for those who live in, work in, and visit Flatiron,” said James Mettham, Executive Director of the Flatiron Partnership. “Ziggy is a fitting centerpiece for our annual ‘23 Days of Flatiron Cheer’ festivities and a vibrant kaleidoscopic beacon that will be a must-see destination this December. We are proud to partner with Van Alen Institute and Hou de Sousa, and we invite visitors from near and far to visit Flatiron this season!”

“Hou de Sousa’s spectacular installation invites us to rethink how we interact with public space, and with one another,” said Deborah Marton, Executive Director, Van Alen Institute. “Through the clever use of transparent materials and open gateways, their design creates delightful and unexpected ways to connect with others. We’re thrilled to collaborate once again with the Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership in this annual tradition to create inventive and imaginative visions for an iconic urban plaza.”

Composed of painted rebar and 27,000 feet of iridescent cord, Ziggy’s lightweight structure will dynamically filter its surroundings with shifting patterns, color, and light. Its winding form will frame views of the Flatiron District’s many attractions and landmarks, while also serving as seating for locals and visitors seeking a moment of rest. The structure will be installed on the Flatiron North Public Plaza at Broadway, Fifth Avenue, and 23rd Street, as part of the Partnership’s “23 Days of Flatiron Cheer” programming. The installation is permitted through NYC DOT Art and will be open to the public daily, weather permitting.

“Ziggy is a polyvalent creature that strings together gateways, apertures, and seating,” said Josh de Sousa, Principal & Co-Founder of Hou de Sousa. “This porous wall will welcome folks arriving from all directions while ringing in the holiday season with a flourish of color and light.”

“This competition continues to demonstrate the importance of both public art and programming in DOT public plazas,” said NYC DOT Art & Event Programming Director, Emily Colasacco. “Hou de Sousa’s interactive, larger-than-life-size configuration will bring even more color to the already vibrant Flatiron District, and DOT is pleased to be part of the annual holiday transformation as we enter our sixth year as a partner.”

Hou de Sousa is a New York-based architecture, art, and design studio focused on culturally progressive and environmentally responsible projects that foster public engagement and creativity. Over the past two years, Nancy Hou and Josh de Sousa’s office has won open competitions and RFPs hosted by Google; Friends of the High Line; Georgetown BID; Socrates Sculpture Park; Dupont Underground; the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports & Tourism; and the Architectural League of New York. The Ziggy project team also includes Powell Draper, Director of Operations at Schlaich Bergermann and Partner; Dan Bergsagel, Structural Engineer at Schlaich Bergermann and Partner; and steel fabrication by Brian Chu and Conor Coghlan, the Co-Founders of A05 Studio.

Since its inception in 2014, the Flatiron Public Plaza Holiday Design Competition has been a platform for the Partnership and Van Alen Institute to deepen their connections with emerging designers and engage with their local neighborhood. This year’s closed-call competition began in June, when the Partnership and Van Alen invited a selection of design and architecture firms to submit proposals.  A jury with expertise across the worlds of design and public art, including representatives from the Flatiron Partnership and Van Alen’s Board of Trustees, reviewed proposals by Besler & Sons, Hou De Sousa, New Affiliates, Only If, and Worrell Yeung.

Sponsored by the Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership, Ziggy and the accompanying programming “23 Days of Flatiron Cheer” featuring free prize giveaways, hot beverages, perfomances, and fitness classes are made possible with generous support from Presenting Sponsor Meringoff Properties.

Throughout the holidays, the Partnership is encouraging visitors to use #ZiggyFlatiron on Twitter and Instagram to share images of the installation to be entered into a contest to win prizes from local businesses.

To view each proposal, click here.

To view the full press release, click here.

Rendering Credit: Hou de Sousa

Date Night in the Flatiron District

It is officially cuffing season, so we have the perfect date night roundup for you. Whether it is a nice restaurant, a fun activity, or a trendy bar, we have some memorable places to impress someone special in the neighborhood. 

Exciting Things to Do:

Baruch Performing Arts Center, One Bernard Baruch Way (25th between Lexington & Third), 212-352-3101, Events/Shows
Treat you and your significant other to a night of cultural entertainment. Baruch College's performance center hosting plays, music, and dance showcased in two concert halls & two theaters.

The Jazz Gallery, 1160 Broadway, 5th Floor, between 27th & 28th Street, Calendar
The Jazz Gallery serves as an international cultural center where the youngest generation of emerging professional jazz musicians challenge convention, take creative risks, and lead their field as performers, composers and thinkers. Wine is available by donation to support the nonprofit, and there is no charge minimum. Doors open at 7 pm for seating at 7:30, and 9 pm for seating at 9:30 pm. 

La Scuola, Eataly's Cooking School, 200 Fifth Avenue, off 23rd Street, 212-229-2560 
Guided by a chef, you and your date will learn how to create regional Italian recipes as you enjoy your dishes — with beverage pairings, of course. In other words: dinner and a show. Chef Lidia Bastianich has handcrafted a variety of classes and events, each offering a unique culinary experience. Try your hands at italian dessert classics like tiramisu, pasta workshops, and three-course meal breakdowns. 

Musem of Sex, 233 Fifth Avenue, 212-689-6337
An intimate and daring museum that explores the history and culture of sexuality with rotating exhibitions. Browse the exhibits currently on view, jump around in a themed bouncy castle, and check-out the ground-floor shop for novelty items. Currently, you can preview the upcoming erotic carnival coming to the museum, Super Funland.     

The Magician Show at the NoMad Hotel, 1170 Broadway, corner of 28th Street, 212-796-1500
Sure to be an unforgettable night, experience an intimate evening of magic, mystery, and deception at The Magician show at The Nomad hotel. The interactive show that calls on the audience to participate during the act takes place every weekend starring the talented illusionist Dan White. 

The People's Improv Theater, 123 East 24th Street, 212-563-7488, Calendar
Established in 2002, the PIT is an award-winning comedy theatre that hosts nightly shows including comedy skits, open mic, and musical improv. Notable alum include Ellie Kemper, Nicole Byer, and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Poster House, 119 West 23rd Street, between Sixth Avenue and Seventh Avenue, 917-722-2439
Visit the first museum dedicated to posters in the United States. Poster House's mission is to showcase posters from all over the world, from their origins in the 1860s to present day use. The museum is open 11 am to 6 pm and closed on Tuesdays. On the third Friday of every month, Poster House is open for after hours from 6 pm to 9 pm!

Society Billards, 10 East 21st Street, 212-420-1000
A polished, underground pool hall with 19 billiards tables, ping-pong tables, dart boards, and a full cocktail bar. 

SPiN, 48 East 23rd Street, between Madison & Park Avenue, 212-982-8802
Pick-up a paddle and enjoy a fun game of ping-pong with your date. SPiN is a modern lounge with 19 ping-pong courts, full bar service, and dining. $9 gets you unlimited ping pong play after 9 pm Monday through Thursday. 

 
(Photo Credit: Vin Sur Vingt)

Where to Grab a Drink:

BLACKBARN, 19 East 26th Street, 212-265-5959, Menu
An upscale restauant serving farm-to-table American cuisine in a modern barn-inspired setting. Their happy menu is pretty killer: Monday through Saturday 4 pm to 6 pm and 9 pm to 11 pm. Happy hour specials include specials like $5 draft beers, $7 wines, $3 pork buns, $1 wings, 50% OFF Margherita Pizza, Hot Dog, Meatballs, and Burger.

Bo’s Kitchen & Bar Room, 6 West 24th Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, 212-234-2372, Menu
The bar is driven by Bo's passion for making the perfect classic cocktails. The drink menu is curated in-house and updated each season to ensure each cocktail's utmost freshness. Bartenders will tweak any classic cocktail to best suit your palate. Enjoy happy hour all night on Mondays, and 5 pm to 7 pm Tuesday through Friday. Plus, there's live music every Saturday night. 

The Flatiron Room, 37 West 26th Street, between Sixth Avenue and Broadway, 212-725-3860
Classy nightspot with a vintage vibe housing a world-renowned collection of 1000+ brown spirit varieties and offering live music. The muscial line-up is pretty impressive with blues bands, quartets, and jazz. Take a stab at a Whiskey 101 class. 

George Washington Bar, 23 Lexington Avenue, 2nd Floor of Freehand New York hotel,  212-475-1924, Menu
Set inside the former Library Room of the original George Washington Hotel, the GW Bar is a distinguished place inside the Freehand New York hotel. Enjoy sophisticated cocktails and upscale snacks. The space has plenty of character as the room's original mahogany millwork and fireplace have been restored, and upholstered vintage furniture punctuate the dark and moody atmosphere.

The Globe Bar, 158 East 23rd Street, 212-477-6161
Once a speakeasy, the "copper-faced" Globe Bar is old-school (since 1886) Irish pub with a fireplace featuring Guinness & other drafts. Happy runs daily til 7 pm. The inviting, spacious tavern is a low-key spot with good vibes. 

Undercote, 16 West 22nd Street, 212-401-7986 
Hidden beneath Koren steakhouse Cote, Undercote is a subterranean cocktail bar and lounge. Combining dark, plant-filled interiors with ambient beats, Undercote has the feel of a moonlit jungle oasis in the middle of the city, offering guests inventive cocktails and a one-of-a-kind Champagne list. Undercote does not accept reservations.

Vin Sur Vingt, 1140 Broadway, 646-922-7700, Menu. 
VSV NoMad is an intimate French wine bar offering an extensive list continuously rotating 250 wines coupled with a light French fare menu. The space was personally designed to resemble the most authentic Bar a Vin in France featuring cozy, dim lighting and nostalgic melodies playing in the background. Enjoy $10/glass from VSV's rotating selection until 6 pm, 50% off any bottle of Rosé until 7 pm, and 25% off any bottle of wine after 10 pm. 

(Photo Credit: Scarpetta) 

Where to Dine: 

Almond, 12 East 22nd Street, between Broadway and Park Avenue South, 212-228-7557, Menu
This lively bistro serving French comfort food blends farm-to-table culture in a vibrant, comfortable atmosphere. Almond provides seasonal & daily menus that are driven by market-fresh ingredients. Classic dishes include steamed black mussels and roast chicken with crushed potatoes, and roasted whole fish. The thoughtful, hand-picked wine list offers an affordable selection of wines.

Atoboy, 43 East 28th Street, 646-476-7217, Menu
The restaurant is adventurous yet well-thought-out, which serves Korean-inspired family-style cuisine in three shareable dishes of your choice. Guests enjoy unique Korean tasting menus in a cozy, minimalist space. Atoboy recently landed a spot on ts 2020 list of Bib Gourmands, restaurants where the caliber of the food is high and a great meal can be enjoyed for less than $40 before tax and tip. 

Bouley at Home, 31 West 21st Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, (212) 255-5828 
Bouley at Home provides a multi-sensory Seven Course Tasting Menu immersing guests in a community of shared culinary knowledge, health and nutrition. Diners sit alongside counters in front of a cooking stations.  

Cosme, 35 East 21st Street, between Park Avenue and Broadway, (212) 913- 9659, Menu
Cosme, a sleek, contemporary Mexican restaurant serving dishes rooted in Mexican flavors and traditions, while also celebrating local and seasonal ingredients from the Hudson Valley and surrounding region. The restaurant was recently named best restaurant in the U.S. on the “2019 Worlds 50 Best Restaurants” list, and Cosme’s Chef Daniela Soto-Innes was named 2019’s “World’s Best Female Chef”.

Cote, 16 West 22nd Street, (212) 401-7986, Menu
Cote, New York City's first Korean steakhouse, is a sophisticated restaurant that marries the interaction and flavors of Korean barbecue with the prime cuts and exceptional wines of the American steakhouse. Mainstays such as shrimp cocktail, wedge salad, steak tartare, and thick-cut bacon are served alongside traditional Korean dol-sot bibimbop, spicy casseroles, and USDA prime steak cuts. 

Hanjan, 36 West 26th Street, 212-206-7226, Menu
Inspired by the old Korean tavern that offered weary travelers good food, good drinks and a place to rest Hanjan's dishes are meant to evoke Korean street markets that offer comfort food. Hanjan's menu features meats raised with no antibiotics or growth hormones, wild-caught wild fish that are not overfished or endangered, and organic and local produce.

Il Fiorista, 17 West 26th Street between Broadway and Sixth Avenue, (646) 490-82409, Menu
A unique, new restaurant serving flowers and herbs in their edible forms. Working with local and regional farmers, Il Fiorista features Mediterranean flavors and carefully curated floral cocktails. Make your date feel special with a custom bouquet you can order ahead or grab on the go. Il Fiorista also hosts flower-related educational classes that make for a creative date activity. 

ilili, 236 Fifth Avenue, between 27th and 28th Streets, (212) 683-2929, Menu 
Creative Lebanese dining with shared plates, entrees. and cocktails served up in a trendy, elegant space. Every dish at ilili has it's own story from the traditional recipes direct from Lebanon, to modern updates that tell the history of its team, cooks, and chefs who have left their mark on ilili's kitchen. 

Little Beet Table, 333 Park Avenue South, 212-466-3330, Menu 
For the health-conscious or vegetarian date, Little Beet is a modern restaurant offering organic, vegetarian-focused, and gluten-free menu. If these dietary preferences do not apply to you, the food is still worth your while. Little Beet provides a comfortable oasis with a warm atmosphere. 

Scampi, 30 West 18th Street, between Fifth Avenue and Sixth Avenue, (212) 888-2171, Menu 
A neighborhood restaurant serving southern Italian-inspired cuisine with an emphasis on seafood. Seasonal, market-driven ingredients are used in each and every dish. The chic interior offers a homey vibe. The Mafaldini Scampi pasta made with gulf shrimp, butter, parsley, and lemon has a cult-following. 

Scarpetta, 88 Madison Avenue, corner of 29th Street, (212) 691-0555, Menu.
An upscale Italian restaurant serving a crowd-favorite tomato-basil spaghetti that lives up to the hype. The cozy, sleek interior, and high-quality food make for a memorable date-night out. 

Header Photo Credit: Society Billiards by Christian Rodriguez featured in New York Mag.
Thumbnail Photo Credit: Vin Sur Vingt Wine Bar 

New Neighbor: areppas

The Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership welcomes areppas to the district at 115 East 23rd Street serving authentic, Venezuelan cuisine made with quality artisan grains, proteins, and seasonal ingredients. This outpost is husband and wife team Celestino Diaz and Brooke Carrie Hil's second areppas location, the first one located at 954 Third Avenue. The couple is also looking to open a third location in SoHo very soon.

"Flatiron is definitely one of our favorite neighborhoods in New York City. From the bustling energy of the streets to the great diversity of people here, Flatiron serves to reinforce one of our foremost goals in introducing areppas to the local community. Our mission is to fuse a rejuvenated version of traditional Latin cuisine with New York City’s need for savory, customizable and quick meal options," says owner, Celestino Diaz. "With Flatiron’s expansive demographic of people, we’re here to provide catering options to local businesses and to satiate the palettes of all of our customers in the neighborhood."


An arepa is a traditional Venezuelan corn pocket that you can fill with endless food combinations. areppas taking the process back to its roots using only non-industrialized corn, herbs, and spices to keep things fresh and liven them up. Hand-made with artisan grain, areppa's version of the dish is a little thinner and sturdier, yet lighter and fluffier than a traditional arepa. You can stuff your arepa with cheese, meats, avocados, and other homemade fillings. areppas serves traditional and some more inventive interpretations of the classic Venezuelan dish.  

The Downtown Arepa is about as traditional as it gets with short rib and de mano cheese (a soft white cheese that is most commonly found in Venezuelan cuisine). Then, on the more creative side, there is The Uptown Arepa that has cilantro, parsley, and lime baked into the dough (known as a verde arepa) and is served with pulled pork, avocado, tomato, and jalapeno. For those with a vegan or vegetarian diet, there are options for you as well, including The Brooklyn Arepa, which includes a verde arepa stuffed with an organic veggie burger blend that is made with organic whole grains, vegetables, avocado, radish, and jalapeno.

While they may be known for their namesake, areppas offers a wide variety of items. They have bowls, salads, cachapas (a variation on the arepa also made with corn dough, but more closely resembling a pancake), empanadas, and churros that you can pair with soft-serve ice cream for an epic sundae. They serve traditional sides like the popular tequnos, or cheese sticks, and sweet plantains. areppas' Chef and Nutritionist, Lorena Farias also curated smoothies to augment the menu's flavors, and the restaurant serves beer and wine.

areppas is deeply committed to giving back. For every meal purchased, a hungry child in Latin America is also provided with a nutritious meal. areppas believes in the importance of providing quality, inclusive programs for people living in marginalized and impoverished countries. areppas also partners with Fundacion Fe y Alegria to provide educational opportunities and bring about social change in Latin American and African countries. 

areppas is open Monday through Saturday from 10:30 am to 10 pm, closed on Sundays. 

areppas, 115 East 23rd Street between Park Avenue South and Lexington Avenue, @areppasofficial

Recap: Social Responsibility - Better for Business

The Partnership's 2019 Business Assistance Forum welcomed more than 90 business owners and entrepreneurs last Thursday, September 25th. Titled “Social Responsibility: Better for Business,” this year’s forum focused on social responsibility and sustainability and how they contribute to successful businesses.

Held at Baruch College’s Newman Conference Center, the event began with a networking breakfast, sponsored by TD Bank. Attendees picked up helpful information about support for small businesses in New York City from resource tables set up by The Baruch College Field Center for Entrepreneurship, Baruch College Continuing and Professional Studies (CAPS), Baruch College Small Business Development Center, SBS’ Small Business Advocates Program, and the NYC Department of Sanitation.

James Mettham, Executive Director of the Flatiron Partnership, delivered opening remarks. “Flatiron is home to many businesses that prioritize socially responsible commerce and corporate initiatives, making our community—and planet—healthier and more equitable,” he said. “These companies are doing well by doing good, and serve as examples of how social responsibility and sustainability can contribute to a thriving business.”

Gregg Bishop, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Small Business Services and H. Fenwick Huss, Dean of the Baruch College Zicklin School of Business also welcomed attendees. Commissioner Bishop highlighted WE NYC (Women Entrepreneurs NYC), an SBS initiative dedicated to helping women start and grow their businesses.

Next, Giovanna Gray Lockhart, Senior Director of Impact at The Wing, and Seth Besmertnik, CEO & Founder of Conductor, participated in a lively fireside chat about ethical marketing and corporate responsibility.

“Our business is largely built for a Millennial and Generation Z audience and they really expect the brands they admire, purchase, and follow on Instagram to stand for something,” Lockhart told the audience. “They will make their consumer choices based on that.”

“When you have a company that’s mission-driven and you go through a challenge, you can galvanize your people around the greater purpose,” Besmertnik added. “It becomes a powerful aspect of leading a business.”

Commissioner Bishop then moderated a panel discussion on best practices and philosophies around conscientious capitalism featuring representatives from Flatiron businesses. Panelists included Field Failing, Founder & Managing Partner, Fields Good Chicken; Larissa Shirley King, Senior Designer, Hanky Panky; Deborah Koenigsberger, Founder & Owner, Noir et Blanc & Thrifty HoG; and Marjolein Westerbeek, President of Rituals Cosmetics.

Panelists discussed the challenges and rewards of running a socially responsible business, offered advice, and answered questions from the audience. “If you don’t prioritize your business’ bottom line, especially early on, you limit your ability to grow, and if you limit your ability to grow, you actually limit your ability to have the kind of impact you want,” cautioned Failing.

“Sometimes if you try to do too much, you end up doing nothing,” said Koenigsberger. “If you focus, you can have deeper impact, but you should make sure you’re passionate about the cause, so that you’re constantly driven to move forward and make a change in the world.”

The event concluded with a presentation by Lisa Ennis of SBS and their Small Business Advocates program. The program help New Yorkers navigate government to start, operate, and grow their businesses around the five boroughs.

Flatiron Foodies: Hill Country’s Apple Streusel Pie

As summer gives way to Autumn, Hill Country Barbecue Market sets sights on everyone's favorite fall produce and flavors, which means: It’s Apple Pie time! Hill Country's Chef Ash Fulk's favorite pie is their Apple Streusel. It’s a classic recipe that will make a grown-up long for a childhood apple picking adventure and always hits the spot. Enjoy! 

Located at 30 West 26th Street, Hill Country was founded in 2007 with the vision of bringing the authentic cuisine, original culture, and famed music of the Central Texas barbecue belt to New York City.

Apple Streusel Pie Recipe

This recipe is good for one 11” pie crust. 

FOR THE FILLING:

Ingredients:

• 6oz butter
• 3 oz cornstarch
• 1 cup of sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon (I love cinnamon so I often do 2 tsp)
• 1 pinch salt
• 4 lb apple peeled (Granny Smith is our favorite! Macintosh will work great too.)
• ¼ cup lemon juice

Method:

1. Melt butter.
2. Mix cornstarch, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Toss the mixture with apples.
3. Add spiced apples to the butter. Keep on medium heat until the apples release some of the liquid. Stir often. Add lemon juice.
4. Bring to a boil and cook until thickened. Set aside to cool.
   
   

FOR THE CRUMBLE TOPPING:

Ingredients: 

• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
• ¼  lb butter (unsalted)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 pinch cinnamon
• 1 pinch nutmeg

Method:

1. Mix all the dry ingredients leaving out the butter.
2. Cut butter into small cubes. Add butter to the flour mixture.
3. Pinch the butter between your fingers until mostly incorporated. Some lumps are good!

PUT IT ALL TOGETHER & ENJOY:

1. Preheat Over to 350 degrees.
2. Blind bake your favorite pie crust. 
3. Once cooled pour in the apple filling. 
4. Cover the filling with the crumble topping.
5. Bake in the oven for about 35 minutes, or until golden brown and delicious!

Pictured Below: Hill Country's Chef Ask Fulk 

September News Roundup

September brings the official end to the summer and the beginning of fall. Even though we may be trading our sunglasses for sweaters, there is still so much happening in the Flatiron District. Stay up-to-date with the latest Flatiron District News with the BID’s monthly roundup of notable highlights.

Restaurants & Bars

• Newly opened flower-forward restaurant, Il Firoista shared tips and recipes for cooking a meal made almost entirely out of flowers (via New York Times), and the husband and wife duo behind Il Fiorista opend up about making their dream restaurant a reality (via Grub Street).
• Local favorite 230 Fifth got a shout out as one of the best rooftop bars for fall in NYC (via Thrillist).
• A Godiva Cafe is set to open in the Flatiron District at 933 Broadway offering a variety of new items including the Godiva "Croiffle - a croissant/waffle hybrid). Keep an eye out for the debut! (via Real Estate Weekly).

BID Businesses

• Warner Bros is reportedly opening a Harry Potter experience exhibit here in the Flatiron District at 935 Broadway. The expected 35K square foot space would allow visitors to walk through recreations of many of the films’ most iconic locations, including the Great Hall, the Forbidden Forest and the locomotive (via Crain's New York Business). 
• Jane DO, a new gym centered around female empowerment, came to the district this month (via Flatiron District). 
• The NoMad was deemed New York's “Most Magical Hotel” (via Forbes). 
• Poster House made the list of the “Best Exhibits in NYC Right Now”. Stop in and check out their interactive photo booth, which is a permanent fixture of the museum (via Thrillist).

Real Estate

• The New York City Economic Development Corporation and Deerfield Management, a New York City-based healthcare investment firm, are developing an approximate 300,000 square-foot campus for life sciences at 345 Park Avenue South. The site, designated a NYCLifeSci campus, will bring together scientists, entrepreneurs, and leading organizations from around the world to work shoulder-to-shoulder to conceive of and develop new treatments and better ways to prevent and defeat disease (via HIT Consultant).
• A historic commercial building at 56 West 22nd street is hitting the market for an estimated $50 million (via Commercial Observer). 
• Rothy's, a big name in shoe fashion, is making Flatiron its new home at 236 Fifth Avenue (via Commerical Observer). 
• The Japanese investment firm Unizo Holdings Co. is selling its New York City real estate including 40 West 25th St. in the Flatiron District, a roughly 135,000 square foot office building (via Crain’s New York).  

Around the Neighborhood

• Hippo Ballerina made her debut this month in our Flatiron South Public Plaza (via Time Out New York).
• The artwork in the 23rd Street F/M station is a favorite of the Arts and Culture Team at the New School (via The New School Free Press).
• A pop-up restaurant dedicated to Morgan Spurlock's Super Size Me 2: Holy Chicken was temporarily in Flatiron (via AdAge).
• The New American Festival took place in Flatiron this year, highlighting contributions immigrants make to American culture (via Thrillist). 

Photo Credit: HIT Consultant, rendering of
a NYCLifeSci Campus coming to 345 Park Avenue. 

New Neighbor: Il Fiorista

The Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership welcomes Il Fiorista to the neighborhood. Italian for “The Florist,” the restaurant, floral boutique, and education center celebrates the myriad benefits of flowers and herbs with a deep commitment to sustainability. Italian husband and wife duo Alessandra and Mario De Benedetti dreamed of opening a business in hospitality together. The couple packed up their life in Italy and moved to New York to open Il Fiorista at 17 West 26th Street where their shared passion for flowers, hospitality, and design came to life. The De Benedetti's' main goal is to educate the public about the health and wellness benefits of flowers. 

"We felt a strong connection to the energy of the Flatiron District from the beginning and that is why we chose it as the first home of Il Fiorista. The proximity to the flower district, the architecture of the buildings, including ours, and the stories all of these things solidified our choice. The neighborhood events hosted in the [Madison Square] park are in line with our educational outlet at Il Fiorista as well"  says co-owners Alessandra and Mario De Benedetti. "Flatiron is a communal treasure and we are thrilled to engage with the incredible people who live, work and visit here."

Working with local and regional farmers, executive chef Garrison Price created a menu inspired by Mediterranean flavors with a focus on flowers and herbs in their many edible forms, while expert mixologist Gates Otsuji carefully curated floral cocktails. All parts of the flower are used across the dishes and drinks in obvious and less obvious ways. The restaurant is starting with dinner service with breakfast, lunch, and an all-day cafe coming soon. Dinner options include a variety of unique creations including the Heritage Chicken (pictured above) made with foraged mushrooms, red okra, and mustard seeds, and the Arctic Char made with grilled peaches, sprouted hazelnuts, and succulents. The elevated cocktail concoctions are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palette. The drinks incorporate herbal, floral, and fruity flavors and aromas. The Jitterbug Perfume cocktail features gin, hibiscus, rose hips, chamomile, basil, Timur peppercorn, and pomegranate. The Flowers Bloom cocktail (pictured below) consists of strawberry tomato shrub, Chiloe pepper, jasmine pearls, seltzer.  

Beyond providing aesthetic pleasure, Il Fiorista believes that flowers can elevate a dish, positively impact health and wellness, and bring people together. Along with the restaurant and bar, Il Fiorista serves as an educational center and floral boutique. The restaurant hosts educational programming like DIY Bouquet Making, Edible Flowers 101, fermenting classes, and a variety of topics to come. The floral boutique offers different flower arrangements and bouquets featuring seasonal flowers. A store-front table offering la carte stems of flowers that diners can buy to take home with them is to come. The on-site shop will sell books and home goods as well. 

Il Fiorista emphasizes the importance of sustainability. With locally and regionally sourced flowers and food, water-use reduction and composting methods, and recyclable and compostable packaging, sustainability and social responsibility are at the core of Il Fiorista's mission. On top of its unique menu and commitment to sustainability, Il Fiorista boasts a beautiful space. Designed by award-winning architect Elizabeth Roberts, the bright, 85-seat space features energetic murals by artist Leanne Shapton and custom furnishings by Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola. Stepping inside elicits feelings of a magical garden.

 Il Fiorista is open every day from 5 pm to 11 pm. Stop in and take some time to smell the roses.


Il Fiorista, 17 West 26th Street between Broadway and Sixth Avenue, (646) 490-82409, @ilfioristanyc

Police Officer Moira Ann Smith Playground

On the anniversary of September 11th, many members of the Flatiron community remember fallen neighborhood Police Officer Moira Ann Smith. The playground in Madison Square Park was renamed “Police Officer Moira Ann Smith Playground” on March 10, 2012, in honor of Moira Ann Smith who lost her life that day. As a member of the NYPD 13th Precinct, Officer Smith proudly served Madison Square Park and the surrounding Flatiron District.

Officer Smith is credited with being the first police officer to report seeing the attacks calling the Communications Division so it could notify others (via Investor's Business Daily). Next, she reportedly took witnesses to the 13th Precinct for statements. After dropping the witnesses off for interviewing, Smith joined several police officers on their way to the World Trade Center. At the site, Officer Smith evacuated hundreds of people out of the towers as she continually returned to the building after exiting to save as many lives as possible.

Officer Smith kept people moving out of the buildings while trying to prevent mass hysteria. Her coolness under pressure was remembered by a survivor, Martin Glynn: “The mass of people exiting the building felt the calm assurance that they were being directed by someone in authority who was in control of the situation. Her actions even seemed ordinary, even commonplace. She insulated the evacuees from the awareness of the dangerous situation they were in, with the result that everything preceded smoothly” (via Law Officer). Reportedly, Smith learned of a woman who was having an asthma attack, so she reentered the building to assist just before the south tower collapsed.

Officer Smith was the New York Police Department’s only fallen female officer that day. This playground renamed in her honor pays tribute to her selfless sacrifice. Officer Smith loved walking through Madison Square Park as a community police officer. Officer Smith was posthumously awarded NYPD's Medal of Honor three months after her death. Her shield and '13’ collar brass indicating her assignment to the 13th Precinct are preserved in the 9/11 Museum in New York City.

Sources: Law Officer, Investor's Business Daily, CBS Local News. 

New Neighbor: Jane DO

The Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership welcomes Jane DO to the neighborhood! Jane DO was established in 2015 by Jacey Lambros & Danielle DeAngelo, two former Radio City Rockettes who were fed up with the fitness stereotypes, and wanted to create a space where women could come and workout with confidence. 

The studio on the second floor of 24 West 23rd Street is one of five locations, with the Flatiron studio marking Jane DO's debut in New York City and the other locations found across New Jersey. Of their new home in the Flatiron District, co-founder Jacey Lambros says "We are so excited to be in Flatiron. It has been a dream of ours since the beginning, and ever since dancing at Radio City Music Hall with the Rockettes, NYC has felt like our home.  We are so happy and honored to bring Jane DO to the women of NYC". 

Jane DO pronounced [Jān] + [dü] positions its studio offerings as "every woman's workout" with Jane referencing every woman (whether that be a grandma, sister, or friend) that can DO just about anything from crushing a business meeting to crossing a finish line. Jane DO isn't just about looking and feeling good, it's about bringing together all women, from diverse backgrounds, and giving them confidence, information, and a safe platform to find their voice and DO incredible things with it. From finance and business tips to the latest trends in beauty, Jane is like the wiser, cooler older sister every girl always wanted.

(Tramp Stamp Class) 

Each studio location offers five different classes, and with no experience required, it is easy to step inside the space and feel confident. Each class is 50 minutes, mixed-level and provides a total body workout. The Train Jaine class provides a total body workout, by pairing strength training and high- and low- impact cardio. Dance Your A$$ Off is a dance cardio class with a goal right there in the name. Get Lifted aims to achieve total body sculpting with resistance training and bodyweight exercises. Tramp Stamp is a low impact workout that uses trampolines to tone your body while increasing energy, circulation, and vitality. Step It Up is a cardio step class that is challenging, but is guaranteed to get you results. Jane DO also offers on-demand classes on their website and the NEOU app, so you can participate in their workouts from home.

Committed to female empowerment, Jane DO has women reaching new levels of strength and confidence in the studio, so they can take it outside the studio and DO incredible things.

Jane DO, 24 West 23rd Street between Fifth Avenue and Sixth Avenue, (210) 938-1000 (ext. 4), @janedo