The Astoria Pool
At 330 feet long, this Art Deco oasis is the city’s oldest and largest public pool; it’s been cooling off New Yorkers since 1936. If you want to bring your group and not share the space with cannon-balling 8-year-olds, your best bet is to hold an event after 7 PM, when the pool closes to the public. Because it’s part of the city parks system, you’ll need a permit; there’s a $25 application fee, and the permit fee depends on the size of the group. On top of that, park officials say you’ll need proof of event insurance, and you’ll need lifeguards—how many also depends on the length of the guest list—on duty for the duration of the event. For more information, contact Rosemary Paul in the Parks Department at 718.520.5919.Smallpox Hospital, Southpoint Park, Roosevelt Island
The spooky stone ruins of this 19th-century hospital make for a visually arresting tableau. While the hospital itself is fenced off—“Chunks of it fall off every year,” explains Cathy Johnson of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation—the grounds have been used for movie shoots by directors eager for a larger-than-life Gothic backdrop. They filmed part of Spider-Man there, and the top of the hill was used in Zoolander,” Johnson says. To hold an event here (a Halloween bash, maybe?), expect to shell out for $2 million in liability insurance plus the cost of bringing in literally everything to this remote site. “There’s a lot that can be done, but it’s not easy,” she says. If you’ve got the budget—congratulations—call Johnson at 212.832.4540.
Condé Nast Cafeteria
Looks like you still need to be on the masthead to nosh here. A spokesperson confirms that the much-discussed Frank Gehry-designed cafeteria is just for the publisher’s employees. Of course, Condé Nast uses the space for its own in-house fetes—last year’s holiday party for executive and editorial assistants was held here. But it can be tough to book the space for an event, even for planners at the company’s stable of magazines. There are some loopholes, though: The Council of Fashion Designers of America used the adjacent executive dining room for its board meeting this summer.
The High Line
This section of abandoned elevated rail line is slated to become a city park in 2008, but until then, the area itself is a no-go. “It’s an active construction zone,” explains Joshua David, co-founder of Friends of the High Line, a not-for-profit spearheading the development and preservation of the railway. For its own groundbreaking party, Friends of the High Line had to hold the festivities below the track. David points out that much of the space underneath the roughly 1.5-mile track is privately owned, so a number of nearby venues are available.
Gracie Mansion
When it comes to gatherings at Hizzoner’s official residence, Mayor Mike runs a tighter ship than his predecessor. (Who knew?) Back in Rudy’s day, Gracie Mansion hosted a Travel & Leisure party honoring the Big Apple’s inclusion in the magazine’s World’s Best awards. But a spokesperson for the mayor’s office says the policy has changed, and although Bloomberg uses the place for entertaining, no private events are allowed there anymore.
The New York Stock Exchange
By day, the floor of the exchange is the turf of traders in shirtsleeves. After hours? That’s up to you. Christiaan Brakman of the NYSE’s events department (212.656.2094) is quick to point out that while not just anybody can book this financial hub for a function, the exchange is open to working with groups of a certain pinstripe. “People who have a strong link with a listed company or are closely linked to Wall Street can have corporate events here,” he says. The exchange can host cocktails right on the trading floor after the day’s closing bell. Groups also have the option of having a full dinner upstairs on the executive floor afterwards. Keep in mind, post-9/11 security measures mean you need to plan ahead. Brakman says the NYSE must have attendee information in advance to make sure everyone can get past security without a hitch.
Silvercup Studios
This Long Island City institution has housed sets for local TV obsessions The Sopranos and Sex and the City, as well as this summer’s The Devil Wears Prada. But guests interested in getting some movie studio glamour here are out of luck. A spokesperson says the empty lots once available for group functions have been turned into production offices. There’s good news, though: Silvercup announced plans this July for a new complex on a six-acre section of Long Island City’s waterfront, which will feature a 40,000-square-foot catering hall and rooftop space.
Cloud Club
During the first half of the last century, this spot high atop the Chrysler Building was the place to be. But these days a spokesperson for the building asserts that the Cloud Club (which has been officially shuttered for decades) is not available for group functions. However, the Municipal Art Society held a reception here in 2004. “[Owner] Jerry Speyer is on our board and asked if we were interested in the space,” says membership director Regan Lynn. In some cases, it really is who you know.
Brooklyn Bridge Anchorage
Despite its unique shape and vaulted ceilings, this intriguing, cavernous space on the Brooklyn side of the iconic bridge was originally just extra municipal storage space. It became a popular venue for art shows and other cultural events around the bridge’s 100th anniversary in 1983. But unfortunately for culture vultures and planners alike, the anchorage has been off-limits for security reasons since September 11, 2001, and remains closed.
The Dakota
One of New York’s most famous residential addresses—both for the grand look of the 1880’s building and for some of its famous residents—the Dakota is, as you might expect, close-mouthed about events held here. Our numerous calls to the property managers went unanswered, while an inquiry to the on-site super was met with a laugh and an assurance that “that’ll never happen.” Never is probably too strong a word, considering we attended a benefit dinner in one of the building’s apartments a few years back, but invitations to a cocktail party in the central courtyard probably won’t be arriving anytime soon.
—Martha C. White
Photos: Stephen Chernin/Getty Images (NYSE)
Posted 10.03.06
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Venue Report: Where to Go in the Upper East Side
At 330 feet long, this Art Deco oasis is the city’s oldest and largest public pool; it’s been cooling off New Yorkers since 1936. If you want to bring your group and not share the space with cannon-balling 8-year-olds, your best bet is to hold an event after 7 PM, when the pool closes to the public. Because it’s part of the city parks system, you’ll need a permit; there’s a $25 application fee, and the permit fee depends on the size of the group. On top of that, park officials say you’ll need proof of event insurance, and you’ll need lifeguards—how many also depends on the length of the guest list—on duty for the duration of the event. For more information, contact Rosemary Paul in the Parks Department at 718.520.5919.Smallpox Hospital, Southpoint Park, Roosevelt Island
The spooky stone ruins of this 19th-century hospital make for a visually arresting tableau. While the hospital itself is fenced off—“Chunks of it fall off every year,” explains Cathy Johnson of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation—the grounds have been used for movie shoots by directors eager for a larger-than-life Gothic backdrop. They filmed part of Spider-Man there, and the top of the hill was used in Zoolander,” Johnson says. To hold an event here (a Halloween bash, maybe?), expect to shell out for $2 million in liability insurance plus the cost of bringing in literally everything to this remote site. “There’s a lot that can be done, but it’s not easy,” she says. If you’ve got the budget—congratulations—call Johnson at 212.832.4540.
Condé Nast Cafeteria
Looks like you still need to be on the masthead to nosh here. A spokesperson confirms that the much-discussed Frank Gehry-designed cafeteria is just for the publisher’s employees. Of course, Condé Nast uses the space for its own in-house fetes—last year’s holiday party for executive and editorial assistants was held here. But it can be tough to book the space for an event, even for planners at the company’s stable of magazines. There are some loopholes, though: The Council of Fashion Designers of America used the adjacent executive dining room for its board meeting this summer.
The High Line
This section of abandoned elevated rail line is slated to become a city park in 2008, but until then, the area itself is a no-go. “It’s an active construction zone,” explains Joshua David, co-founder of Friends of the High Line, a not-for-profit spearheading the development and preservation of the railway. For its own groundbreaking party, Friends of the High Line had to hold the festivities below the track. David points out that much of the space underneath the roughly 1.5-mile track is privately owned, so a number of nearby venues are available.
Gracie Mansion
When it comes to gatherings at Hizzoner’s official residence, Mayor Mike runs a tighter ship than his predecessor. (Who knew?) Back in Rudy’s day, Gracie Mansion hosted a Travel & Leisure party honoring the Big Apple’s inclusion in the magazine’s World’s Best awards. But a spokesperson for the mayor’s office says the policy has changed, and although Bloomberg uses the place for entertaining, no private events are allowed there anymore.
The New York Stock Exchange
By day, the floor of the exchange is the turf of traders in shirtsleeves. After hours? That’s up to you. Christiaan Brakman of the NYSE’s events department (212.656.2094) is quick to point out that while not just anybody can book this financial hub for a function, the exchange is open to working with groups of a certain pinstripe. “People who have a strong link with a listed company or are closely linked to Wall Street can have corporate events here,” he says. The exchange can host cocktails right on the trading floor after the day’s closing bell. Groups also have the option of having a full dinner upstairs on the executive floor afterwards. Keep in mind, post-9/11 security measures mean you need to plan ahead. Brakman says the NYSE must have attendee information in advance to make sure everyone can get past security without a hitch.
Silvercup Studios
This Long Island City institution has housed sets for local TV obsessions The Sopranos and Sex and the City, as well as this summer’s The Devil Wears Prada. But guests interested in getting some movie studio glamour here are out of luck. A spokesperson says the empty lots once available for group functions have been turned into production offices. There’s good news, though: Silvercup announced plans this July for a new complex on a six-acre section of Long Island City’s waterfront, which will feature a 40,000-square-foot catering hall and rooftop space.
Cloud Club
During the first half of the last century, this spot high atop the Chrysler Building was the place to be. But these days a spokesperson for the building asserts that the Cloud Club (which has been officially shuttered for decades) is not available for group functions. However, the Municipal Art Society held a reception here in 2004. “[Owner] Jerry Speyer is on our board and asked if we were interested in the space,” says membership director Regan Lynn. In some cases, it really is who you know.
Brooklyn Bridge Anchorage
Despite its unique shape and vaulted ceilings, this intriguing, cavernous space on the Brooklyn side of the iconic bridge was originally just extra municipal storage space. It became a popular venue for art shows and other cultural events around the bridge’s 100th anniversary in 1983. But unfortunately for culture vultures and planners alike, the anchorage has been off-limits for security reasons since September 11, 2001, and remains closed.
The Dakota
One of New York’s most famous residential addresses—both for the grand look of the 1880’s building and for some of its famous residents—the Dakota is, as you might expect, close-mouthed about events held here. Our numerous calls to the property managers went unanswered, while an inquiry to the on-site super was met with a laugh and an assurance that “that’ll never happen.” Never is probably too strong a word, considering we attended a benefit dinner in one of the building’s apartments a few years back, but invitations to a cocktail party in the central courtyard probably won’t be arriving anytime soon.
—Martha C. White
Photos: Stephen Chernin/Getty Images (NYSE)
Posted 10.03.06
Related Stories
Converse Takes Guests Back to School
Wine Company Throws Brooklyn House Party
Mag Puts First Event in Historic Building
Venue Report: You Asked, We Found
Venue Report: Where to Go in Midtown East
Venue Report: Where to Go in the Theater District
Venue Report: Where to Go in the Financial District
Venue Report: Where to Go in the Flatiron District
Venue Report: Where to Go in the Upper East Side
Summertime revelers could enjoy a private party complete with night swimming after the 330-foot-long Astoria Pool closes to the public at 7 PM.
The 19th-century Smallpox Hospital is a decidely unique—albeit costly—venue option on Roosevelt Island.
Giuliani allowed Travel & Leisure to host a summer cocktail party on the suburban-size back porch and lawn at Gracie Mansion in 2001.
After the traders go home, parties—with the right hosts—can take to the floor of the New York Stock Exchange.
The MAS hosted a 2004 cocktail party in the raw space that once housed the Cloud Club.
