Manhattan College and the EVAC Project Opens Pop-Up Gallery of Portraits Honoring Veterans in the Flatiron Building
“Story Portraits of US Veterans: World War II – Today” runs through the end of the year, with support from the Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership and GFP Real Estate.
Manhattan College and the EVAC Project (Experiencing Veterans & Artists Collaboration), with support from the Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership and GFP Real Estate, opened a new pop-up gallery of portraits honoring veterans from multiple generations and all branches of service, on the ground-floor of New York City’s famed Flatiron Building (949 Broadway) on Sunday, November 10.
Titled “Story Portraits of US Veterans: World War II – Today,” the exhibit features visual presentations and descriptive narratives, including a World War II Marine who fought in Okinawa, a Gold Star mother, and a post-9/11 82nd Airborne veteran who served multiple tours as part of Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom. Joining these are 21 additional images and stories of those who have served our nation.
“We are excited to partner with the Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership and GFP Real Estate to bring the EVAC Project gallery to New York City. This is a great opportunity to share stories of veterans with the public to remember and honor those who served,” said Tiana Sloan, Director of Veterans Success Programs at Manhattan College.
Flatiron’s Madison Square, steps from the Flatiron Building, has been the site of New York City’s annual Veterans Day memorial ceremony and parade since its inception, the largest such observance in the country.
“Flatiron is a neighborhood rich with meaning for our veterans, so it’s a fitting location for this moving exhibit honoring those who fought and sacrificed for our country,” said James Mettham, Executive Director of the Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership. “We are honored to work with our partners at Manhattan College, the EVAC Project, and GFP Real Estate to bring these portraits and stories to the Flatiron Building. We encourage all New Yorkers and those visiting our city to come and see this important exhibit.”
“Story Portraits of US Veterans: World War II – Today” will be free and open to the public through the end of the year, six days a week (closed on Tuesdays and holidays).
For more information on the gallery, click here.
About Manhattan College
Manhattan College is located at West 242nd Street near Broadway in the Riverdale section of the Bronx, one mile from the Westchester County line and accessible by MTA subway line No. 1.
Founded in 1853, Manhattan College is an independent, Lasallian Catholic, coeducational institution of higher learning offering more than 40 major programs of undergraduate study in the areas of liberal arts, business, education and health, engineering and science, along with continuing and professional studies, and a graduate division.
About the EVAC Project
Experiencing Veterans and Artists Collaborations (EVAC) is an art project that brings together veterans and artists. EVAC curators interviewed veterans about their experiences, and artists made an edition of prints based on their interpretation of those stories. The prints are exhibited with excerpts from the transcribed interviews. EVAC works to bridge the often precarious gap between military and civilian life. For more information about the EVAC Project.
Flatiron Partnership and Van Alen Institute Announce Winning Holiday Installation Design: Ziggy
The Flatiron/23rd 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.
Photo Credit: Cameron Blaylock
Trending in Flatiron: At the (Healthy) Heart of New York City
The Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership today issued Trending in Flatiron, a report showcasing the significant development and growth of the commercial and residential sectors in the Flatiron and NoMad neighborhoods.
Subtitled “At the (Healthy) Heart of New York City,” the report comprehensively describes the district’s 2019 vital statistics, and highlights the strength of its wellness sector, which has contributed to the neighborhood’s overall economic growth. The report is among a suite of publications from the Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership that focuses on the real estate market in the neighborhood.
“The growth of the wellness sector in Flatiron and NoMad has been remarkable, as this report demonstrates,” said James Mettham, the Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership’s Executive Director. “It’s easy to see why businesses focused on wellness want to be here. With the district’s central location, easy access to public transportation, and the sheer volume of New Yorkers who live in the neighborhood or come here to work or visit, Flatiron and NoMad offer access to a healthy customer base. Beyond the booming wellness sector, this report also shows that this is a dynamic district with an irresistible mix of commercial and residential sectors.”
The Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership is one of 76 Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) operating in New York City. From 21st to 28th Streets, and Sixth Avenue east to Third Avenue, the BID boundaries (Flatiron District) cover about 21.6 million square feet of commercial space with 212 commercial office buildings and 553 ground-floor businesses. Since the establishment of the Partnership in 2006, the Flatiron District has undergone a dramatic transformation into a safe, clean, and desirable neighborhood sought out by all types of people, businesses, industries, and interests.
A boom in the wellness industry has driven interest in a variety of practices that have become a selling point for all types of products and services. Wellness components have increasingly appeared in an array of businesses in the Flatiron District. Since 2018 the area has seen a 7.3% increase in wellness-focused businesses. Today, the neighborhood is home to 116 wellness-focused retail and services storefronts, accounting for one out of every five ground-floor businesses in the district.
Flatiron is commonly referred to as the “Fit District,” with over 60 fitness studios and gyms in the neighborhood, representing a 72% increase from 2014. This includes first-of-its-kind inventive fitness concepts, such as Brrn, the world’s first cool temperature fitness concept, and Precision Run, Equinox’s first running-only studio. Soon, Rumble, a boxing-inspired group fitness concept will launch Rumble Treading, a treadmill and strength-based class, in the Flatiron District.
Globally, the Personal Care, Beauty and Anti-Aging industry is a $1 billion sector within the wellness market. Flatiron and NoMad are home to 50 beauty-related businesses, including hair and nail salons, tanning and day spas, and beauty and cosmetics retailers. They include Alchemy 43, a Los Angeles-based aesthetics bar that debuted its East Coast location in Flatiron, L’Occitane En Provence, the New York City flagship for the international personal care brand, and Silver Mirror Facial Bar.
Also highlighted in the report are a wide variety of businesses that are removing misconceptions around wellness practices and products, to make them more approachable, including: acupuncture studio and herbal shop WTHN, wellness destination Standard Dose, community mediation space Inscape, and coworking community Assemblage NoMad.
The Flatiron District is also one of the city’s most popular food destinations, with 140 fast-casual dining spots. As New Yorkers have become more conscious of what they eat, the neighborhood has become a haven for healthier options, including Fields Good Chicken, Honeybrains, and Veggie Grill.
Among the findings in the new report:
- Retail
- There are approximately 553 ground floor businesses in the district—32.6% are national, and 67.4% are locally-owned independent businesses.
- The retail availability rate is 9.4%.
- Flatiron is home to more than 230 restaurants, bars, and quick and casual food establishments. This includes 29 newly-opened restaurants, with another 9 coming soon.
- There are approximately 553 ground floor businesses in the district—32.6% are national, and 67.4% are locally-owned independent businesses.
- Office
- Flatiron has an estimated 84,927 daytime employees.
- Average price per square foot of Class A and B office space is $69.
- Average asking rent for Class A & B office space is 7.5% higher than the Manhattan-wide average.
- The Class A & B vacancy rate is 11.4%.
- Tenants from the technology, advertising, marketing and media sectors accounting for 62.5% of office space lease signings.
- Flatiron is home to nearly 50 coworking locations
- Flatiron has an estimated 84,927 daytime employees.
- Residential
- Flatiron’s estimated residential population is 29,866.
- Within BID boundaries, there are approximately 19,986 housing units, with an additional 411 units planned or under construction.
- Flatiron has seen a 62.6% increase in children enrolled in local schools and 55.4% increase in families with children.
Image: Brrrn, 107 West 20th Street
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
Flatiron Where Then Meets Now: Hospitality Hotspot
The Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership BID's eighth annual Flatiron: Where Then Meets Now report showcases the significant development and growth of the hospitality sector in the district.
Subtitled “The Flatiron District: Hospitality Hotspot,” this year’s report comprehensively describes the district’s 2018 vital statistics, and highlights the strength of its hospitality sector, which has contributed to the neighborhood’s overall economic growth. The report is among a suite of publications from the BID that focuses on the real estate market in the neighborhood.
>> Download the Report Here
“The growth of the hospitality sector in the Flatiron District has been remarkable, as this report demonstrates,” said Jennifer Brown, the Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership’s Executive Director. “It’s easy to see why hotel developers want to be in Flatiron. With the neighborhood’s central location, proximity to historic and cultural sites, plethora of restaurants, and easy access to public transportation, Flatiron is a popular destination for tourists and local visitors alike. The report also shows that Flatiron is a dynamic neighborhood with an irresistible mix of commercial and residential sectors.”
“Flatiron is a welcoming destination for global travelers who want to experience everything that comes with one of Manhattan's most dynamic neighborhoods—world-class arts and culture, rich history and architecture, and exciting dining and nightlife,” said Fred Dixon, President and CEO of NYC & Company,the official destination marketing organization for the five boroughs of New York City. “With everything the neighborhood has to offer, including its wonderful and growing array of hotels, Flatiron's hospitality is an integral part of the New York City tourism landscape.”
From 21st to 28th Streets, and Sixth Avenue east to Third Avenue, the BID boundaries cover about 21.8 million square feet of commercial space and house approximately 4,200 commercial tenants and 560 ground-floor businesses. Since the establishment of the BID—one of 75 in the city—in 2006, Flatiron has undergone a dramatic transformation into a safe, clean, and desirable neighborhood sought out by all types of people, businesses, industries, and interests.
As New York City’s tourism boom continues—with a 19.8% growth in visitors in the last five years and 65.1 million tourists expected citywide this year—the Flatiron District’s hospitality sector has grown substantially. The number of hotel rooms in and around the neighborhood is up 93.8% since 2011, to a total of 4,652.
With another 1,620 hotel rooms currently under development in the neighborhood, Flatiron is a prime illustration of a broader citywide trend: one out of every five dwelling units now under construction in New York City is a hotel. The number of New York City hotel units in the construction pipeline has doubled between 2013 and 2018. Among the seven hotels currently in development in Flatiron include the Renaissance Hotel, Moxy Hotel, Ritz Carlton, Virgin Hotel, and Springhill Suites Marriott.
Sixty restaurants, bars, cafes, and retailers operate within the area’s 25 hotels, offering both tourists—as well as New Yorkers—more than just a place to stay. Flatiron: Where Then Meets Now takes a deep dive into the rich history, beautiful architecture, luxurious amenities, and diverse dining options at five of the district’s most exciting hotel developments: Freehand Hotel, The James New York NoMad, The Evelyn Hotel, The New York EDITION, and The NoMad Hotel.
The report also provides a snapshot of how hotel development on both Broadway and 28th Street have been catalysts for business growth, paving the way for other new and trendy dining and retail offerings nearby.
>> Flatiron Where Then Meets Now - Flatiron District: Hospitality Hotspot
Photo credit: Benoit-Linero
City Lights Comes to the Flatiron District
NYCDOT has begun work on City Light, a distinctive lighting project in the Flatiron District. The 63 energy efficient light poles will feature LED light bulbs for greater illumination along 23rd Street (between Third and Sixth Avenue) and Broadway (between 20th and 28th Street).
Architect Thomas Phifer & Partners was the winner of an international design competition held by the NYC Department of Design & Construction (DDC). City Lights seamlessly provides crisper light through light-emitting diodes (LED).
The City Lights program has been long-supported by the Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership and Phase One was funded with a $575,000 grant from New York City Council and the Manhattan Borough President. City Lights enhance safety in the district by providing higher quality lighting while improving the public realm through the new design.
“This much-anticipated project will help this dynamic neighborhood shine even more – and while saving energy,” said Jennifer Brown, Executive Director of the Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership. “I’d like to thank the DOT and DDC, and our City officials for their work to improve the pedestrian experience with this sleek, new amenity.”
Each new fixture will include LEDs, which provide higher-quality, more natural light. Further benefits include reduced maintenance costs, more efficient electricity usage, and a lower carbon footprint.
For more information on the City Light design and all DOT projects, visit nyc.gov/dot.
Flatiron Partnership and Van Alen Institute Unveil Winner of Flatiron Public Plaza Holiday Design Competition: Flatiron Sky-Line by LOT
On Monday, November 21st, the Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership and Van Alen Institute unveiled LOT’s Flatiron Sky-Line, the winner of the Flatiron Public Plaza Holiday Design Competition, the third annual competition of its kind, which called for proposals from New York City designers for a temporary installation in the heart of the Flatiron District. Flatiron Sky-Line will be the centerpiece of the Partnership’s annual holiday programming and a highly visible landmark in this thriving New York City neighborhood.
Flatiron Sky-Line is a series of ten large contiguous arches constructed of white powder-coated steel tubes with LED lights. Hammocks suspended from the arches allow visitors to relax and gaze upon the district’s architectural sights. LOT, an architectural and design firm based in New York City and Greece and directed by principals Eleni Petaloti and Leonidas Trampoukis, has developed an array of projects across the world, ranging from objects and installations to interior spaces and buildings, including showrooms, lofts, and sculptural displays. Flatiron Sky-Line will be the firm’s first large-scale public installation in New York City.
“Flatiron Sky-Line creates a dynamic new social space underneath its illuminated arches. The structure invites visitors to walk within and around it, gaze through it toward the skyline, and experience the Flatiron District’s surroundings through a unique lens,” said Leonidas Trampoukis. “The simplicity of the design draws in passersby and inspires them to savor this iconic intersection.”
The installation will remain on view to the public on the North Flatiron 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 from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., daily, weather permitting.
Download the full press release here.
For high-res images, click here.
Press Release: Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership’s Annual Flatiron Summer Series Full Lineup Unveiled, Featuring 8 Weeks of Free Tech Classes, Fitness, Games, and Entertainment on the Flatiron Public Plazas
Starting this month, the Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership Business Improvement District (BID) is holding eight weeks of free community programming - fitness sessions, tech courses, games, and entertainment - on the Flatiron Public Plazas in the shadow of the famed Flatiron Building this summer.
The BID will launch the 2016 Flatiron Summer Series with a special event - in partnership with the National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath) - to celebrate the Summer Solstice on Monday, June 20. Starting the next day, activities will run every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday through August 11 on the Flatiron Public Plazas at 23rd Street, Broadway and Fifth Avenue.
“The Flatiron Public Plazas are always abuzz with people, particularly in the summer,” said the Flatiron BID’s Executive Director Jennifer Brown. "Every year, we hear from residents, employees, and visitors that they enjoy lively programming in our plazas, so we're excited to provide an even more robust lineup this summer."
The 2016 Flatiron Summer Series takes place on the North and South Plazas – located at the intersection of 23rd Street, Broadway, and Fifth Avenue. To view the full calendar of local events, RSVP to classes, and discover more about special offers in the neighborhood, visit: www.FlatironDistrict.nyc/summer2016.
Download the full press release here.
Press Release: Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership Unveils Video to Celebrate a Decade of Transformation, Partnerships, and Success
The Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership Business Improvement District (BID) is celebrating its 10th anniversary by unveiling a video illustrating the significant transformation of the neighborhood over the last decade.
The video – which was first shown at the BID’s Annual Meeting this Tuesday - focuses on the amazing neighborhood of today and all that it has to offer.
“The neighborhood of today is a model of progress and growth, a desirable mixed use community, brimming with commercial activity, residents, visitors from around the world, cultural amenities, and promise,” Jennifer Brown, the BID’s Executive Director since its inception, said at the Annual Meeting before showing the video.
The video illustrates the diversity of the neighborhood, showcasing the dynamic dining, commercial, and cultural options, the appeal as a world-class destination to visitors from across the globe, and the growth of the residential and technology, advertising, media and information sectors.
Download the press release here.
