After a three-year renovation, Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum reopened in December. The Upper East Side mansion, formerly the home of Andrew Carnegie, retains many of its original architectural details such as the wood paneling and grand staircase in the Great Hall, which seats 70 or holds 250 for receptions, but now boasts 60 percent more exhibition space and systems upgrades that modernized the building. The museum also offers event space in its large and lush Arthur Ross Terrace and Garden, a ground-floor lecture room, and the intimate Trustees Room located adjacent to the mansion.
The redesigned De Gustibus Cooking School by Miele, located on the eighth floor of Macy’s Herald Square, opened in December. The school, celebrating its 35th anniversary, offers classes for as many as 60 people as well as hosts corporate groups. Warren Red designed the interiors, which combine a professional kitchen, stage, and classroom as well as appliances from Miele.
Ink48, a Kimpton hotel, finished a renovation of its "Heaven Over Hell" penthouse suite in November. The bilevel space—which has views of the city skyline and Hudson River—features a living room and bedroom with floor-to-ceiling windows, two bathrooms, and a 2,200-square-foot wraparound terrace. Located in Hell's Kitchen near the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, the space has been used as an off-site showroom and for post-trade show receptions, as well as for weddings and other social events. The hotel's Print restaurant provides catering. The space holds 60 for receptions.
Located near the southern end of the High Line park, Gansevoort Market is a former trading post that now contains a number of food and beverage purveyors. The 8,000-square-foot marketplace retains historic detail such as its brick walls that date to the mid-1800s and is fronted by four garage-style doors that stay open in warmer weather. A 60-seat area, topped by a skylight, can be used for private events and is bordered by a twisted vine structure created by Charlie Baker of Baker Structures. The entire venue holds about 400 people for receptions, and amenities include a full PA system and other audiovisual capabilities. The marketplace opened in October.
The Prohibition-theme speakeasy Bandit's Roost opened in TriBeCa in November. Located underneath Church Street Tavern, the hideaway is named from a 19th-century Jacob Riis photo of a New York alleyway filled with gangsters. The space features more photos by Riis, black subway tile walls, and black leather banquettes. Guests enter using a keypad, and planners can set up customized door codes for events. The venue has a DJ booth and holds 75 people at 10 tables and standing room.
