The Capital Services Group at Ariel Property Advisors recently secured two significant loans totaling over $14 million. These loans will fund an affordable housing complex in East Harlem, NY, and an Industrial Outdoor Storage (IOS) site in Largo, FL. Senior Directors Matt Swerdlow and Matt Dzbanek facilitated the refinancing of the Olga Mendez Apartments, a…
We know food halls in NYC—hell, we have one of our very own—so we’re always interested when we hear of a new multi-vendor dining court opening in the city, especially when it’s at a notable address. The General Electric Building at 570 Lexington Avenue has already played host to one of the city’s most high-profile food halls, UrbanSpace, since 2018 and now a fresh new food-hall concept is moving on in.
Earlier this spring, it was reported that New York restaurant giant Stephen Hanson (Dos Caminos, Bill’s Bar and Burger, Ruby Foo’s) and international hospitality operator Alex Gaudelet would be taking over the UrbanSpace food halls. Per The New York Post, Hanson and Gaudelet’s recently formed HF Brands and Markets would be relaunching all five UrbanSpace locations, “acquiring each of the halls individually and rebranding them,” starting with the Vanderbilt location.
And now the team has signed a 25-year, 11,400-square-foot lease with The Feil Organization, which will bring top food brands into the Midtown East skyscraper.
“We’re excited to welcome a new food hall concept that will elevate the quality of food offerings for our tenants and the surrounding neighborhood,” said Randall Briskin, Vice President of Retail Leasing at the Feil Organization. “At the historic 570 Lexington, the introduction of this exciting retail program by the industry’s premier tastemakers once again showcases our ability to meet the demand for upgraded tenant needs, which are fundamental to the success of their business and talent.”
Eschewing the typical business model of similar food-hall operators, HF Brands and Markets are planning to stand out from similarly focused competitors by running the majority of the food stands in-house. The full food-and-drink lineup is still to come but per a press release, the HF Team will tap into the vast restaurant network of Hanson, who was the former owner of the fine-dining empire B.R. Guest.
“As we seek to inject new life into the food hall industry, we’re materializing our game-changing food halls in strategic, central locations,” Hanson said in a press release. “We felt magnetized to the iconic allure of 570 Lexington, located near a major transit hub and surrounded by landmarks and cultural destinations. Additionally, the Feil Organization provided us with specialized attention to detail and worked with us to bring our vision to reality, making them an invaluable partner to our future success.”
In today’s digital age, social media has become a powerhouse of information and inspiration for fitness enthusiasts worldwide. Whether you’re looking to improve flexibility, recover faster, or simply stay motivated on your fitness journey, following mobility experts on various platforms can provide invaluable guidance. This blog explores how you can leverage social media to connect…
Nestled in the heart of Manhattan, the Society of Illustrators (SOL) has been a cherished institution since its inception in 1901. This historic venue celebrates the artistry of illustration with its rich history, iconic collections, and vibrant exhibitions. A beacon in New York’s cultural landscape, it continues to showcase the evolution of visual storytelling, attracting artists and enthusiasts alike to explore its galleries and events.
Background on the Society of Illustrators
Founded in 1901 during the Golden Age of illustration, the Society of Illustrators is the oldest non-profit organization dedicated to this vibrant art form in America. Originally showcasing the best illustrations from children’s books, magazines, and advertisements, the Society continues this tradition today.
Its museum, established in 1981 within the SOL NYC townhouse headquarters, hosts a rich collection that includes works by luminaries like Newell Convers Wyeth, Norman Rockwell, and Rube Goldberg. Explore rotating exhibits, immersive experiences, and educational programs, celebrating the enduring impact of illustration on visual storytelling.
The Museum of Illustration has all-year events ranging from themed exhibits to juried competitions, virtual tours, and art education programs. There are also periodic displays of the over 2,500 permanent collection pieces. Illustration lovers must visit the MoCCA gallery, which features curated cartoon art and comics exhibits.
Source: Society of Illustrators
Where is the Society of Illustrators and how do you get there?
The Society of Illustrators is located at 128 East 63rd Street in Manhattan, New York. It’s easily accessible by public transportation. Here are some easy ways to get there:
From Brooklyn, downtown Manhattan, or Queens, take the F train to Lexington Avenue, exit on the southwest corner of Lexington and 63rd Street, then walk west.
Connections to the F train in Manhattan are available at Delancey Street (J, M, Z), West 4th Street (A, B, C, D, E, V), and 34th Street (B, D, N, Q, R, V, W).
Take the 4, 5, or 6 train from the Bronx or uptown Manhattan to 59th Street/Lexington Avenue, then walk uptown to 63rd Street.
By bus
The closest bus lines are the M98, M101, M102, and M103 on Lexington Avenue and the Q32 on 60th Street. Check the schedules and maps on the New York City Transit website before you go.
The Society of Illustrators remains closed on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. On other days, you can visit between 11:00 am and 5:00 pm. You can expect moderate crowds, especially during peak times like weekends and special events. For a quieter time, visit on weekdays.
The main gallery is wheelchair accessible, but there’s no public elevator to access other floors. Spread across the four floors of gallery space, tours are self-guided, with labels accompanying the artwork.
For beverages, you may walk in at the 128 Bar & Bistro. The Hall of Fame Dining Room and terrace are open during museum hours. However, you need admission tickets for bar access.
The Society does not offer coat-check services, and visitors with large bags may not be allowed to enter with their luggage. The building does not allow luggage, sealed boxes, garment bags, bicycles, skateboards, skates, scooters, plants, flowers, food, or musical instruments. You may ask for umbrella bags on rainy days.
Source: Society of Illustrators
What else can you do when you visit the Society of Illustrators?
Apart from admiring the works of art, there are networking opportunities. The Society of Illustrators is a meeting ground for illustrator enthusiasts, professionals, and industry experts. Outside of these, you can explore nearby events and venues, such as:
The Society of Illustrators is known for celebrating and promoting the art of illustration. Besides, it provides illustrators a platform to discuss, demonstrate, and exhibit their work.
When is SOL open to the public?
SOL Museum is open from Wednesday to Saturday between 11 am and 5 pm. It remains closed on all the other days. Please note that operating hours may vary, so check the official website before planning a visit.
Is the Museum wheelchair accessible?
Only the main gallery is wheelchair accessible. In addition, there’s no public elevator to access higher floors.
The Society of Illustrators offers a memorable experience exploring and appreciating some of the best artworks from renowned illustrators. Trace the journey of visual storytelling through over 2,500 artworks on display.
The Society offers interactive activities suitable for families, ensuring an inclusive visit for people of all ages. Here, you can engage with creative minds and learn from industry leaders, gaining firsthand insights into the artistic process.
After exploring the Society of Illustrators, continue your cultural journey in the vibrant surroundings of Manhattan, where numerous attractions and dining options await.
Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a family looking for a day of exploration, or someone seeking inspiration, the Society of Illustrators promises an enriching experience combining art appreciation and creative discovery.
NYC Health + Hospitals today announced the appointment of Syra Madad, DHSc, MSc, MCP, CHEP to the new role of Chief Biopreparedness Officer. In this role, Dr. Madad will lead the systemwide special pathogens team in preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery efforts. She will oversee the development and implementation of comprehensive bio-preparedness strategies and policies…
By: Dr. Burchell M. Marcus Across the country, patients are paying more for their prescription drugs than they ever have before. New York is not immune to this problem. Last year alone, our state spent the third most of any state on prescription drugs. While patients bear the burden of these costs, it’s insurance companies…
The site just released its 2024 Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best Things to Do, which highlights the highest-rated attractions and experiences in the U.S. and around the world based on thousands of Tripadvisor reviews. The Empire State Building has over 60,000 5-star reviews on the site, “reinforcing its claim as the “World’s Most Famous Building,” Tripadvisor states in a press release this morning.
“Reviewers are wowed by the 360-degree view of New York, where they can point out all of their favorite landmarks and see up to six states on a clear day,” it says. “Over 300 reviews deem it a ‘once in a lifetime’ experience.
Photograph: Courtesy of the Empire State Building
The Empire State Building beat out the Eiffel Tower in Paris (No. 2), the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam (No. 3), the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia in Barcelona (No. 4) and the Cayman Crystal Caves in Grand Cayman (No. 5). Others farther down on the list include the Colosseum in Rome, the Louvre Museum in Paris, the Gardens by the Bay in Singapore, the Duomo di Milano in and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center in Abu Dhabi. No other U.S. attractions made the top 10 global list.
You can see the top 25 Best of the Best Attractions in the world here.
Of course, the Empire State Building beat out all other U.S. attractions too, including Central Park and the Brooklyn Bridge. These two other NYC attractions did make Tripadvisor’s Top Attractions in the U.S. list at No. 3 and No. 8, respectively, which you can check out here.
So what else makes the ESB so darn special? Well, it’s also one of our picks of the top attractions in NYC because it boasts some beautiful Art Deco details, many of which were restored in the last decade, and it’s become much more than the views of NYC that it offers. Yes, it has the iconic open-air 86th Floor Observatory and another open-air observatory on the 86th floor, but it also has a 102nd-floor observation deck with floor-to-ceiling views stretching up to 80 miles on a clear day. In addition, there’s an impressive museum that has fun photo opps and showcases the amazing history of the building and those who built it, as well as its identity as a pop culture icon.
Recently, the building has gotten some pretty cool additions. It often plays host to fun events, like movie screenings, and it is now home to the Starbucks Reserve Cafe, where you can sip ESB-exclusive coffee drinks and dine on Italian pastries and other snacks. If you want a fancy night out, its STATE Grill and Bar is the building’s signature restaurant.
If you want to learn more about the famous building, we’ve got it all right here.
Tripadvisor also ranked the top experiences in the world and the U.S. as well as the most unforgettable vacation moments, which you can peruse on its website.
The Chair & Executive Director Linda Tigani of the NYC Commission on Racial Equity (CORE) welcomed today the Mayoral appointment of two new commissioners. The commissioners are Almirca Santiago, and Wendy M. Star brings decades of experience addressing disparities and promoting inclusivity across New York City. Along with existing CORE Commissioners, their appointments will further the Commission’s efforts to advance…
Excitement may mount once more: Eater reports that a second Manhattan location, this one at 1932 Broadway between 64th and 65th Streets on the Upper West Side, will open some time in the next couple of years.”
Here is the back story: back in February, the New York Post reported that the privately owned grocery chain had signed a long-term deal for the former Bed Bath & Beyond space, although details about what the store would look like and serve were left unclear.
From the sounds of it, though, the destination is set to become a market.
“A spokesperson for Wegmans confirmed that it’s still early stages for the spot, with the crew clearing things out from the previous tenant,” writes Eater.
At 58,000 square feet, the space is smaller than the 87,000-square-foot Astor Place shop and the 74,000-square-foot one in the Brooklyn Navy Yard that opened back in 2019. If the success of the various markets is of any indication, the new destination will feature a mix of premade foods, deli products, fresh produce and the kind of pantry staples that all kitchens are constantly in need of.
One more thing: according to Eater, Next Door at Astor Place, the Japanese restaurant that was set to open inside Astor Place Wegmans some time this year will actually not become a reality until, at least, 2025 due to “significant changes in design and menu.”
We’ll be sitting here, patiently waiting for all of these exciting openings to take place.
