06 Oct 2015
WHAT'S NEW IN NEW YORK CITY (October 1, 2015)
THIS IS NEW YORK CITY
No city in the world can match New York City's unparalleled energy, or the tremendous pride New Yorkers take in opening their arms to our more than 56 million visitors annually. There is always something fun, exciting and inviting to do here, no matter what kind of experience you prefer. With Broadway shows, outdoor movies or concerts, tours of museums or historical attractions, cuisine from every world culture, and more, there are endless opportunities in each of the City's five boroughs—the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island—to discover something new.
TOURISM IN NEW YORK CITY
In 2014, New York City welcomed a record 56.5 million visitors, whose activities generated $61 billion in economic activity—this year, the City is expected to welcome 58.3 million visitors. Tourism, the City's sixth largest industry, sustained 362,000 jobs. Currently home to more than 105,000 hotel rooms, New York City offers visitors more options to experience—and stay in—many of the City's vibrant neighborhoods across all five boroughs. New York City has the highest share of overseas travel to the U.S. (more than twice that of comparable U.S. city destinations), with international visitor spending averaging more than $18 billion annually and growing in popularity in established and emerging markets in Europe, Asia and South America. In addition, the City's airports are the nation's most popular port of entry.
WHAT'S NEW: NYC & COMPANY PROGRAMS
As part of NYCGO Insider Guides, a spotlight is placed each month on a new neighborhood in an effort to encourage exploration in areas outside traditional tourist locations across all five boroughs. Every month, new neighborhood highlights are unveiled with a short documentary-style video, a press release, B-roll, photo packages and editorial content. Launched in 2013, the campaign has highlighted more than 40 neighborhoods (nycgo.com/insiderguides).
Growing the family segment is a key focus for NYC & Company. Since the launch of its Official NYC Family Ambassador program in 2009, family travel to New York City has increased by 30.3 percent. The program was created to help position New York City as a safe, welcoming, family-friendly destination, encourage families to visit year-round and invite those who have already visited New York City to return and enjoy all of the new attractions the City has to offer. In June 2015 NYC & Company announced its newest Family Ambassador, Dora, in the organization's first-ever bilingual marketing campaign. Previous family ambassadors include Curious George, Where's Waldo, the Muppets, The Smurfs and Sesame Street (nycgo.com/family).
The first dining program of its kind, NYC Restaurant Week takes place every year in the winter and summer, during typically slower periods for the restaurant industry. The program offers three-course prix fixe menus at approximately 350 restaurants (nycgo.com/restaurantweek). Launched in 2011, Broadway Week and Off-Broadway Week are biannual promotions designed to increase ticket sales during typically slower periods of attendance and offer New Yorkers and visitors the opportunity to see some of NYC's best shows, with 2-for-1 tickets (nycgo.com/broadwayweek and nycgo.com/offbroadwayweek).
In spring 2015 NYC & Company launched a Free in NYC guide (nycgo.com/free) highlighting the best free activities New York City has to offer, including events, museums, tours, TV tapings, attractions and more.
NYCxDESIGN, New York City's official annual citywide celebration of design is produced by NYC & Company in conjunction with a steering committee. The program serves as the platform to highlight New York City's diverse design community and its contributions to the fabric and economy of the five boroughs. The celebration features hundreds of events, spanning all disciplines of design and showcasing designers and their work from around the world (nycxdesign.com).
On September 1, 2015, NYC & Company and American Express launched See Your City: Eats Edition, the largest five-borough dining program in New York City, motivating New Yorkers to explore the diverse neighborhoods and boroughs in their own backyards. The Eats Edition marks the third phase of the See Your City campaign, and as with the previous two phases, the creative elements reference vintage travel posters and food-themed suitcase stickers to reframe the familiar as foreign and idealized (nycgo.com/seeyourcity).
For a list of annual events taking place in New York City's five boroughs, visit nycgo.com/annualevents.
For general information on New York City, visit nycgo.com and for press information, visit nycgo.com/press. For images, go to nycgo.com/pressphotos.
For a list of Official NYC Information Centers, visit nycgo.com/articles/official-nyc-information-centers.
WHAT'S NEW: GETTING AROUND NEW YORK CITY
Recently Opened
Effective October 1, 2015, Staten Island Ferry service was expanded to run every 30 minutes, seven days a week, between St. George Ferry Terminal in Staten Island and Whitehall Ferry Terminal in Lower Manhattan. The free ferry moves 70,000 passengers on weekdays and 22 million people a year, and offers unbeatable views of the Lower Manhattan skyline, the New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island (siferry.com).
As of September 13, 2015, the MTA's 7 line subway has arrived at a brand new station, 34 St-Hudson Yards, located at the heart of what will be Manhattan's newest neighborhood. Housing, restaurants and entertainment options are under construction in this redeveloped area on the Far West Side, and the new station is also adjacent to the end of the recently extended High Line park and the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. This $2.4 billion transportation project, the City's first new subway station in 26 years, extends the line by 1.5 miles (mta.info).
With its first bikes in Queens, the popular bike-share program Citi Bike began a two-year expansion in August 2015 starting in Long Island City. The expansion will include further growth in Brooklyn, with new stations in Williamsburg, Greenpoint and Bedford-Stuyvesant, and on Manhattan's Upper East Side and Upper West Side. The program will double in size, from 6,000 to 12,000 bikes across New York City by 2017 (citibikenyc.com).
On November 10, 2014, the $1.4 billion Fulton Center opened, a key component to the redevelopment of Lower Manhattan after 9/11. Nine subway lines (2, 3, 4, 5, A, C, J, Z and R) converge at the new transit hub's soaring glass and steel atrium. The transit center is expected to receive up to 300,000 passengers a day (mta.info).
Upcoming
Expected to be completed in 2015, the World Trade Center Transportation Hub will serve more than 200,000 daily commuters and millions of annual visitors. The WTC Transportation Hub, designed by critically-acclaimed Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, will connect visitors to 11 different subway lines, the Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH) rail system, Battery Park City Ferry Terminal, the World Trade Center Memorial Site, WTC Towers 1, 2, 3, and 4, the World Financial Center and the Winter Garden (panynj.gov).
The MTA's Second Avenue Subway will be New York City's first major expansion of the subway system in more than 50 years. With the first phase expected to be completed in December 2016, the Second Avenue Subway will serve approximately 200,000 daily riders, reducing travel time by 10 minutes or more for many riders traveling to and from the Upper East Side. When fully completed, the line will stretch 8.5 miles along Manhattan's East Side, from Hanover Square in Lower Manhattan to 125th Street in Harlem (mta.info).
In 2017-18, expanded Citywide Ferry Service is expected to launch, with new routes to Astoria, the Rockaways, South Brooklyn, the Lower East Side and Soundview in the Bronx (nycedc.com).
On July 27, 2015, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and Vice President Joe Biden unveiled the vision for a comprehensive redesign of LaGuardia Airport, slated to break ground in 2016. The airport will be transformed into a single, structurally unified main terminal with expanded transportation access, significantly increased taxiway space and best-in-class passenger amenities. The airport is expected to be completely rebuilt by 2021 (governor.ny.gov).
WHAT'S NEW: ARTS, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT
Recently Opened
The Metropolitan Opera's 2015–2016 Season
Upper West Side, Manhattan
On September 21, 2015, the Metropolitan Opera kicked off its 2015–2016 season, which includes six new productions, including stagings of Otello, Lulu, Manon Lescaut and Elektra; the company premiere of Roberto Devereux; and the first Met performances of Les Pêcheurs de Perles since 1916. Between September 2015 and May 2016, the Met Opera will present a total of 227 performances of 25 operas (metopera.org).
The Staten Island Museum
Randall Manor, Staten Island
On September 19, 2015, the Staten Island Museum realized a dream 40 years in the making: the expansion to Snug Harbor Cultural Center, a nationally significant historic site that was saved from demolition through the leadership and efforts of museum members in 1965 (statenislandmuseum.org).
The National Lighthouse Museum
St. George, Staten Island
On August 7, the National Lighthouse Museum officially debuted, a project in the works since 1998. The newly-opened museum, built in the original home of the US Lighthouse Services General Depot, educates visitors about lighthouses and their keepers worldwide in engaging exhibits (lighthousemuseum.org).
China Institute
Lower Manhattan
In late summer 2015, the China Institute moved to a new location at 100 Washington Street, to a 50,000-square-foot space that is five times its current size. The cultural institution hosts diverse programming including art exhibitions (with a gallery opening in spring 2016), performing arts, film, talks, corporate programs, a school of Chinese language and culture, shop and a tea-house (chinainstitute.org).
Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration
New York Harbor
On May 20, 2015, the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, formerly known as the Ellis Island Museum, opened to the public. The opening includes the unveiling of The Peopling of America Center® at Ellis Island: new major exhibitions that chronicle immigration to America before the processing station at Ellis Island opened in 1892 and after it closed in 1954 (libertyellisfoundation.org).
The Whitney Museum of American Art
Meatpacking District, Manhattan
The Whitney Museum of American Art's new building in the Meatpacking District debuted on May 1, 2015. Designed by Renzo Piano and situated on Gansevoort Street between the High Line and the Hudson River, the new nine-story building greatly increases the Whitney's exhibition and programming space, providing the first comprehensive view of its unsurpassed collection of modern and contemporary American art. Expansive gallery space, indoors and out, is devoted to the Museum's widely influential special exhibitions, artist projects, film/video and performing arts programs. The new building also provides state-of-the-art facilities for enhanced education programs, as well as a conservation lab and a street-level restaurant and café, both by Danny Meyer (whitney.org).
Kings Theatre
Flatbush, Brooklyn
On February 3, 2015, the renowned Kings Theatre reopened after an extensive $94 million refurbishment, restoring the venue to its original 1929 design, complete with historically authentic theatre carpeting, paint scheme, antique chandeliers and more. The theater, closed for nearly forty years, originally opened as one of five original “Loew's Wonder Theatres,” and has been home to movies, live performances and even vaudeville. The renovated 3,000-seat theatre debuted with a grand opening concert by Motown legend Diana Ross (kingstheatre.com).
Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
Upper East Side, Manhattan
The Smithsonian's Cooper Hewitt, Design Museum is the only museum in the nation devoted exclusively to historic and contemporary design. Housed in the former residence of Andrew Carnegie, a New York City and National Historic Landmark, the campus also includes two historic townhouses on East 90th Street and the Arthur Ross Terrace and Garden. After extensive renovation, the museum reopened on December 12, 2014 (cooperhewitt.org).
SculptureCenter
Long Island City, Queens
On October 2, 2014, SculptureCenter in Long Island City, Queens, unveiled its newly expanded and renovated building, adding new visitor services and amenities and improving exhibition spaces. The renovation included a 2,000 square foot expansion of the building's structure to create a new entrance lobby, a 1,500 square foot enclosed courtyard for outdoor exhibitions and events and 6,700 additional square feet of interior programming space (sculpture-center.org).
The Metropolitan Museum of Art's David H. Koch Plaza
Upper East Side, Manhattan
The Metropolitan Museum of Art opened the new David H. Koch Plaza on September 10, 2014, with a renovation that includes new fountains which operate year-round, 100 new trees (double the former number), permanent and temporary seating areas, and new energy-efficient and diffused nighttime lighting (metmuseum.org).
9/11 Memorial & Museum
Lower Manhattan
The 9/11 Memorial Museum opened on May 21, 2014. It is the global focal point for preserving the history of the events of September 11, 2001, documenting the impact of the attacks and exploring their continuing significance. Visitors to the new museum enter through a glass pavilion located between the two memorial reflecting pools and descend to a vast underground hall with artifacts from the attack, and exhibit rooms which focus on details of the day and its aftermath. The museum also includes a private space for 9/11 families and an elegant auditorium for lectures, film screenings, panel discussions, performances and other programming (911memorial.org/museum).
Upcoming
Sugar Hill Children's Museum of Art & Storytelling
Harlem, Manhattan
Harlem's first children's museum, the Sugar Hill Children's Museum of Art & Storytelling, will open on October 3, with state-of-the-art facilities and spaces where children and families can learn through encounters with art and artists. Inaugural exhibitions include People, Places and Things: Selections from The Studio Museum in partnership with the Studio Museum in Harlem; Txt: art, language, media in partnership with El Museo del Barrio; The Pollen Catchers' Color Mixing Machine: Saya Woofalk in collaboration with daughter Aya Mitchell and The 2015/2016 Artist in Residence, David Shrobe (sugarhillmuseum.org).
Onassis Cultural Center NY
Midtown Manhattan
The Onassis Cultural Center NY launches its inaugural fall season with the Onassis Festival NY 2015, Narcissus Now: The Myth Reimagined, October 8–11. The program will include more than 40 events, and is followed by a World Citizens symposium on October 23 and music programs in November and December. The center, founded in 2000, has a newly renovated creative space that offers interactive experiences between audiences and artists (onassisusa.org).
Museum of Food and Drink
Williamsburg, Brooklyn
The Museum of Food and Drink (MOFAD) Lab's first exhibition, Flavor: Make It and Faking It will debut in Williamsburg on October 28, 2015. The museum is the first to include exhibits you can eat, and is aimed to enable people of all ages and backgrounds to make better, more informed choices for themselves, their communities and the environment (mofad.org).
Billie Holiday Hologram at the Apollo Theater
Harlem, Manhattan
In late 2015, the iconic Apollo Theater will launch a state-of-the-art Billie Holiday hologram show, making it the first theater in the United States to use this Hologram USA patented technology on an ongoing basis. Holiday performed at the Apollo nearly 30 times, and the theater this year is celebrating the centennial of her birth. This is the first of several presentations at the Apollo with Hologram USA (apollotheater.org).
The Met Breuer
Upper East Side, Manhattan
Opening to the public in March 2016, the Met Breuer, the Metropolitan Museum of Art's newest building, will provide additional space dedicated to twentieth and twenty-first century art. The landmark building, designed by Marcel Breuer, will expand on the Museum's modern and contemporary art program, which will see new exhibitions, performances, residencies and educational initiatives (metmuseum.org).
WHAT'S NEW: EXHIBITIONS
Recently Opened
'Ernest Hemingway: Between Two Wars' at The Morgan Library & Museum
Midtown East, Manhattan
Opened September 25, 2015 and running through January 31, 2016, The Morgan Library & Museum's newest exhibit is the first ever major museum exhibition dedicated to the work of Ernest Hemingway. The exhibit includes drafts of the celebrated author's early short stories, notebooks, manuscripts and more (themorgan.org).
'Picasso Sculpture' at Museum of Modern Art
Midtown Manhattan
From September 14, 2015 to February 7, 2016, MoMA is home to the largest museum exhibition of Pablo Picasso's sculptures in nearly half a century, with approximately 150 pieces, many of which are on view in the U.S. for the first time (moma.org).
'Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden' at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Prospect Park, Brooklyn
From September 8 through December 13, 2015, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is celebrating the centennial of its Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden through a collaboration with the Noguchi Museum, based in Long Island City, Queens. The exhibit portrays Isamu Noguchi's outdoor sculptures and is set amid the Japanese garden's rocks, ponds and plantings (bbg.org).
'Saturday Night Live: The Exhibition' at Premier Exhibitions Fifth Avenue
Midtown Manhattan
In celebration of the show's 40th anniversary this year, 'Saturday Night Live: The Exhibition' opened to the public on May 30, 2015. The exhibit features backstage and foundational elements from the show, including costumes, props, original scripts, set pieces video and more. Fans of the show will be able to interact with their favorite sets and learn about the show's creative process (SNLtheexhibition.com).
'Frida Kahlo – Art, Garden, Life' at The New York Botanical Garden
Belmont, Bronx
On display May 16 to November 1 at The New York Botanical Garden, this exhibition examines Frida Kahlo's appreciation for the beauty of the natural world, as evidenced by her home and garden and the use of plant imagery in her work. The six-month exhibit will display more than a dozen original Kahlo paintings and works on paper, and there will be a variety of accompanying events, and is expected to welcome more than 500,000 visitors before it closes in November, more than any other exhibition at NYBG (nybg.org).
Upcoming
'Pixar: The Design of Story' at Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
Upper East Side, Manhattan
On October 8, 2015 Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum will unveil a new exhibition entitled 'Pixar: The Design of Story.' The exhibition will feature original artwork, and will focus on the creative process behind Pixar Animation Studios' many beloved films such as Toy Story, Wall-E, The Incredibles, Cars and more (cooperhewitt.org).
'On the Line: Intrepid and the Vietnam War' at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
Far West Side, Manhattan
The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum will launch a major new exhibition on October 16, 2015, exploring the events and impact of the Vietnam War through the lens of the Intrepid aircraft carrier's history, having served three tours of duty in Vietnam between 1966 and 1969. Coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the conclusion of the war, the exhibition will include artifacts, photographs and film clips from the Museum's collection, many of which will be on display for the first time (intrepidmuseum.org).
'Steve McCurry: India” at the Rubin Museum of Art
Chelsea, Manhattan
On November 18, 2015, the Rubin Museum of American Art will partner with the International Center of Photography for the first time to showcase Steve McCurry's photographs of India, a combination of portraits, landscapes, and documentary imagery that express his curiosity and commitment to capturing unexpected moments. McCurry has been considered an iconic figure in contemporary photography for more than thirty years, and has spent much of his time photographing the country (rubinmuseum.org).
'Jim Henson: The Exhibition' at Museum of the Moving Image
Astoria, Queens
A new Jim Henson gallery will debut at the Museum of the Moving Image this winter, complete with a donation of nearly 400 puppets, props and costumes by Henson's family and The Jim Henson Company. Best known for his Sesame Street and Muppets characters, his legacy will live on in the 2,200-square-foot Henson Gallery, which will also showcase Henson's sketches, storyboards, scripts and video clips (movingimage.us).
'Ocean Wonders: Sharks!' at New York Aquarium
Coney Island, Brooklyn
Scheduled to be completed in 2017, the Wildlife Conservation Society's New York Aquarium will open an exhibition entitled 'Ocean Wonders: Sharks!' The 57,000-square-foot building will house more than 115 species of marine wildlife, including sharks, skates and rays. An historic groundbreaking event earlier this year marked the beginning of the rebuilding and transformation of the New York Aquarium, post-Hurricane Sandy (nyaquarium.com).
WHAT'S NEW: BROADWAY & OFF-BROADWAY
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Recently Opened |
Upcoming |
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Therese Raquin (Oct. 1, 2015) |
On Your Feet! (Oct. 5, 2015) |
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The Gin Game (Sept. 23, 2015) |
Allegiance (Oct. 6, 2015) |
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Clever Little Lies (Sept. 18, 2015) |
Colin Quinn: The New York Story (Oct. 20, 2015) |
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The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (Sept. 10, 2015) |
The Color Purple (Nov. 9, 2015) |
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Hamilton (July 13, 2015) |
Fiddler on the Roof (Nov. 20, 2015) |
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Fun Home (March 27, 2015) |
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Finding Neverland (March 15, 2015) |
|
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The King and I (March 12, 2015) |
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For more information about Broadway and Off-Broadway, go to nycgo.com/broadway and nycgo.com/off-broadway.
WHAT'S NEW: ATTRACTIONS & SPORTS
Recently Opened
SeaGlass Carousel
Battery Park, Manhattan
On August 20, 2015, the SeaGlass Carousel in the Battery opened to the public. The new aquatic-themed ride is aimed to entertain, inspire and educate visitors by imitating an underwater experience on a rotating pavilion within its stainless-steel and glass structure (thebattery.org).
The High Bridge
Upper Manhattan/South Bronx
In June 2015, the High Bridge, New York City's oldest standing bridge, reopened to the public after more than 40 years. Spanning 2,000 feet from Upper Manhattan to the South Bronx and sitting 102 feet above the Harlem River, the bridge is an iconic landmark for pedestrians and bicyclists to explore (nycgovparks.org).
One World Observatory
Lower Manhattan
The One World Observatory, opened May 29, is a three-story observation deck atop what is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. A major new attraction in Lower Manhattan, the new observatory occupies levels 100 to 102 of One World Trade Center. To get to the 102nd floor, visitors take the fastest elevators in the world, and, at the top, guests can experience a movie celebrating New York in the "See Forever" theater, enjoy a bevy of dining choices and explore the observatory, enhanced by interactive exhibits and hosted by friendly tour ambassadors who interpret and point out the sights (OneWorldObservatory.com).
Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point
Ferry Point Park, Bronx
Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point was unveiled in April 2015 as New York City's only tournament-quality golf course. The Jack Nicklaus Signature Design 18-hole public course offers views of the Manhattan skyline, the East River and the Whitestone and Throgs Neck Bridges. It also includes amenities such as a clubhouse, snack bar and driving range (trumpferrypoint.com).
New York City Football Club
South Bronx
New York City's newest soccer club, NYCFC, kicked off its inaugural season on March 8, 2015, with a game at Orlando City SC. With stars such as Frank Lampard and David Villa, NYCFC plays in Major League Soccer (MLS), a professional sports league in the United States and Canada, with home games at Yankee Stadium (nycfc.com).
CityPASS 2015-2016
Manhattan
Effective March 1, 2015, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum and the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum joined CityPASS program. CityPASS offers discounts at six of New York City's iconic attractions, including the Empire State Building Experience, American Museum of Natural History, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, a choice between Top of the Rock Observation Deck or Guggenheim Museum, and a choice between the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island or a Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise (citypass.com/new-york).
The High Line at the Rail Yards
West Chelsea, Manhattan
On September 21, 2014, the third and final section of the High Line was opened. The final section of the elevated railway, called the High Line at the Rail Yards, now extends to West 34th Street and connects the Meatpacking District and West Chelsea with the new 7 line subway station 34 St-Hudson Yards, the Javits Center and the planned Hudson Yards neighborhood (thehighline.org).
Upcoming
New York Wheel
St. George, Staten Island
Located on the northeastern side of Staten Island near the St. George Ferry Terminal, the 630-foot-tall New York Wheel will be the tallest observation wheel in the world and the only one in New York City. The wheel will accommodate up to 1,440 people per ride, welcoming as many as 30,000 visitors per day and an anticipated 4 million visitors per year. The wheel is expected to open in 2017 (newyorkwheel.com).
Super Pier
Meatpacking District, Manhattan
When complete in 2017, the Super Pier will enhance Manhattan's west side, with 270,000 square feet of total leasable space including dining, cultural space, retail options, galleries and 3.5 acres of public open space. Some of the Super Pier's tenants currently include a beach club and spa to be operated by well-known hotelier André Balazs, an underwater rock climbing gym operated by Brooklyn Boulders and a variety of shops managed by Opening Ceremony (superpier.com).
Kingsbridge Armory
Fordham Manor, Bronx
Kingsbridge Armory in the Bronx, which has been vacant since 1996 and occupies a full city block, will be redeveloped into the world's largest indoor ice arena, a 750,000-square-foot ice sports facility to be known as Kingsbridge National Ice Center. Kingsbridge National Ice Center will feature nine year-round indoor ice rinks, including a 5,000-seat rink for major ice hockey and skating events. It is anticipated that site preparation and construction for the project will commence in early 2016, and the first full year of operation is expected to be 2018 (nycedc.com).
Pier 55
Hudson River Park, Manhattan
With construction expected to commence next year, the 2.7 acre Pier 55 will run alongside Manhattan's lower west side, from Bloomfield Street to 14th Street. The pier, funded primarily by The Diller–von Furstenberg Family Foundation, will consist of a public park complete with lush lawns and pathways, and a performance space which is expected to become one of New York City's premier venues for music, dance, theater and public art (hudsonriverpark.org).
WHAT'S NEW: NYC RETAIL
Recently Opened
Macy's Backstage
New York City
In fall 2015 Macy's opened the first of its outlet stores, Macy's Backstage, in Brooklyn and Queens, with an additional store soon to come in Fordham Place in the Bronx. The stores offer bargain hunters deals on apparel, home textiles, jewelry, cosmetics and more. (macysbackstage.com).
Apple Store
Upper East Side, Manhattan
On June 13, New York City got its seventh Apple Store, in what was the former home of the U.S. Mortgage & Trust Bank in the 1920s. VIP shoppers can even visit the building's old bank vault, where they can try on the new Apple Watch Edition, which retails for up to $17,000 (apple.com).
Brookfield Place
Lower Manhattan
In March 2015 Lower Manhattan saw the opening of Brookfield Place, a retail and dining destination that includes 300,000 square feet of retail space, a 30,000-square-foot dining terrace, a 30,000-square-foot French-inspired marketplace called Le District, and six critically acclaimed restaurants. Luxury retailers include Diane von Furstenberg, Burberry, Hermès and Saks Fifth Avenue (brookfieldplaceny.com).
Valentino
Midtown Manhattan
In August 2014, Valentino opened a 20,000-square-foot flagship store in Manhattan, featuring 27-foot high ceilings and stunning architectural details. The store's Palazzo atmosphere promotes a more traditional retail boutique structure, showcasing the latest in menswear and womenswear, including snakeskin and camo handbags, belts and other trending accessories. (valentino.com)
Upcoming
Westfield World Trade Center
Lower Manhattan
Opening spring 2016, Westfield World Trade Center will be one of the most complete retail destinations in New York City. Westfield World Trade Center will provide Lower Manhattan with 350,000 square feet of fashion, culinary and artistic experiences and will be home to a diverse mix of 150 global and local fashion, lifestyle, technology and culinary brands; an exquisite collection of casual and upscale dining; a range of New York-centric services and amenities powered by state-of-the art technology; and must-see cultural experiences. The WTC Transportation Hub's “Occulus”, designed by Santiago Calatrava, will be a destination unto itself, and is the design centerpiece of Westfield World Trade Center. Westfield World Trade Center will serve a dynamic, diverse and fast-growing community, including travelers to Lower Manhattan, one of the world's most visited areas (wtc.westfield.com).
Empire Outlets
St. George, Staten Island
Located in St. George, Staten Island, the Empire Outlets will debut in 2017 with 1.1 million square feet of retail space including approximately 100 shops and an extensive array of waterfront food and beverage concepts, in addition to a 190-room boutique hotel (empireoutletsnyc.com).
Pier 17
South Street Seaport, Manhattan
Anticipated to open in 2016 after an extensive reconstruction, Pier 17 will create 40 percent more open space than was there previously which will showcase expanded views of the New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan. The new Pier 17 building will feature a glass façade encompassing a wide range of stores, restaurants and neighborhood shops (howardhughes.com).
Hudson Yards
Far West Side, Manhattan
Hudson Yards is the largest private real estate development in the history of the United States and the largest development in New York City since Rockefeller Center. The site will include more than 17 million square feet of commercial and residential space, more than 100 shops and boutiques, 20 restaurants, approximately 5,000 residences, a unique cultural space, 14 acres of public open space and a 150-room luxury hotel. The retail space will include New York City's first Neiman Marcus store. The initial phase of Hudson Yards is expected to open in late 2016 (hudsonyardsnewyork.com).
WHAT'S NEW: NYC DINING
Recently Opened
UrbanSpace Vanderbilt
Midtown Manhattan
In September 2015, UrbanSpace Vanderbilt opened near Grand Central Terminal. With more than 20 vendors ranging from favorite Brooklyn pizza joint Roberta's to popular doughnut chain Dough to the Red Hook Lobster Pound, this food hall offers something for everyone (urbanspacenyc.com).
Jams by Jonathan Waxman
Midtown Manhattan
Opened August 2015, the new eco-friendly luxury 1 Hotel Central Park unveiled Jams by Jonathan Waxman, featuring farm-to-table dishes with locally sourced and organic ingredients. Waxman originally introduced California cuisine to New York City in the 1980s with his restaurant JAMS on the Upper East Side.
(1hotels.com)
The Clocktower
Flatiron District, Manhattan
Opened May 2015 as part of Ian Schrager's New York EDITION hotel, The Clocktower is a new restaurant from British Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton and acclaimed restaurateur Stephen Starr. Located on the second floor of the iconic Metropolitan Life building overlooking Madison Square Park, the 90-seat restaurant features seasonally-inspired contemporary cuisine (theclocktowernyc.com).
Streetbird Rotisserie
Harlem, Manhattan
Opened April 2 by restaurateur Marcus Samuelsson, Streetbird Rotisserie has its roots in street food from around the world, and serves a variety of rotisserie chicken dishes. This is Samuelsson's fifth restaurant in New York City (streetbirdnyc.com).
Le District
Lower Manhattan
In March 2015, Le District was unveiled as part of Brookfield Place in Lower Manhattan. A French-inspired marketplace, Le District offers shoppers the opportunity to visit one of three restaurants, or head to one of four “districts” selling fresh produce, meats, flowers, pastries and more (ledistrict.com).
Pier A Harbor House
Lower Manhattan
In March 2015 Pier A Harbor House, a dining location on the 127-year old, landmarked Pier A at the southern tip of Manhattan opened, complete with three levels named “Mix,” “Dine,” and “View.” These include a beer hall, oyster bar, fine-dining, bars and event space, and offer views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Governor's Island and the Verrazano Bridge (piera.com).
Ralph Lauren Polo Bar
Midtown Manhattan
Designer Ralph Lauren opened his first restaurant in New York City, the Polo Bar, in January 2015. With décor including green tartan throw pillows and leather trim throughout, the restaurant pays tribute to the designer's style. The menu features American classic dishes including corned beef sandwiches, crab cakes, ranch house chili and more. Reservations are required for the restaurant's 132 seats (ralphlauren.com).
Upland
Park Avenue South, Manhattan
In early 2015, Upland opened on Park Avenue South near Madison Square Park. Managed by STARR Restaurants and with Chef Justin Smillie in the kitchen, Upland offers California-inspired cuisine and a 500-bottle wine list (uplandnyc.com).
Rainbow Room
Midtown Manhattan
New York City's iconic Rainbow Room, the historic NYC landmark, restaurant and event space atop 30 Rockefeller Plaza in Rockefeller Center, reopened to the public on October 5, 2014. Originally opened in 1934, the Rainbow Room now operates as a combination of catered event space as well as a restaurant that's open to the public. In addition, a previously unused outdoor terrace on the 65th floor is combined with a connecting interior space and transformed into a bar and lounge that is open to the public five or more days each week, serving cocktails and light fare (rainbowroom.com).
Gansevoort Market
Meatpacking District, Manhattan
Among the City's newest food halls, Gansevoort Market, which opened in October 2014, features food from local and international vendors. The market, located near the southern tip of the High Line, offers fresh organic juices, imported coffee, fresh produce and meat, as well as vegan options. Gansevoort Market vendors include a Greek yogurt bar, The Pig Guy, Crepe Sucre and the Bruffin Café (gansmarket.com).
Hudson Eats
Lower Manhattan
In June 2014, Brookfield Place opened Hudson Eats, an upscale dining terrace that features 14 chef-driven eateries. The 30,000-square-foot space seats up to 600 guests, with expansive views of the Hudson River. Eateries include Black Seed Bagels, Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar, Chop't, Dos Toros, Umami Burger, Sprinkles and more (brookfieldplaceny.com).
Upcoming
La Chine
Midtown Manhattan
Expected to open mid-October 2015, La Chine will be the Waldorf Astoria New York's newest restaurant offering. La Chine is poised to be one of the city's finest Chinese restaurants, presenting diners with an authentic modern Chinese experience (waldorfnewyork.com).
La Sirena
Meatpacking District, Manhattan
In November 2015 Maria Batali and Joe Bastianich will open their first new restaurant in years, at the Maritime Hotel. La Sirena will feature a 40-foot glass-enclosed bar, plus “elevated trattoria” fare like baby octopus Siracusa style and grilled swordfish Messinese (themaritimehotel.com).
Salvation Burger
Midtown Manhattan
April Bloomfield and Ken Friedman will open Salvation Burger at the Pod51 Hotel in November 2015, serving American classics like a classic double cheeseburger, veggie burgers, chicken burgers, housemade hot dogs, and more. The duo also manage Salvation Taco in the Pod39 Hotel (thepodhotel.com).
Indian Accent
Midtown Manhattan
In December 2015 Indian Accent, Manish Mehrotra's New Delhi restaurant will come to Le Parker Meridien, New York. The winner of several awards including S. Pellegrino Best Restaurant in India by Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2015, this is the restaurant's first international outpost. The contemporary menu will feature fresh local produce with the flavors and traditions of India (indianaccent.com).
Bourdain Market
Meatpacking District, Manhattan
In 2017 celebrity chef and television personality Anthony Bourdain will open the 155,000-square-foot Bourdain Market at Pier 57 on 15th Street (at the Hudson River). The market will include approximately 100 retail and wholesale food vendors, including fishmongers, butchers, bakers and other artisans, and eventually at least one full-service restaurant, in addition to prepared-food stalls (anthonybourdain.net).
