After closing its lounge in the subterranean space of the W Union Square hotel in June, the Gerber Group reopened the venue on December 12, revealing a new design and upgrades to the property. Formerly known as Underbar, the site now goes by the name Lilium and offers its 1,600-square-foot interior for private events.
Updated with a more modern aesthetic, Lilium's interior was redesigned by Gulla Jonsdottir of G+Design to look like a cave of wild lilies. Metal artist Scot Brown created sculptural lilies in black steel, which decorate a twisting metal ceiling and flow down onto the walls of the space. These hard pieces are contrasted by banquettes upholstered in soft fabrics and acoustic wall panels. Contoured wood decorates the facade of the bar and DJ booth, while gold-hued accents add some color to the space.
Lilium is available for corporate functions and has the capacity for approximately 155 for receptions. The venue is outfitted with adjustable sound and lighting systems and offers an entrance on East 17th Street separate from the main hotel. Todd English, the chef behind the W Union Square's in-house restaurant, Olives, created the menu of small plates, which include grilled sirloin skewers, bistro-style fires, and risotto tater tots.
