#LOVE TRAVELS
I (Luis) was recently invited to attend #LoveTravels Beyond Barriers Launch Event. #LoveTravels Beyond Barriers is Marriott International’s latest program celebrating and supporting groups and individuals who are actively pursuing inclusion, equality, peace and human rights.
The program consisted of a series of summits that embarked on conversations with travelers, activists, and advocates to discuss how to break through the barriers that divide, drive a call to action, and highlight how travel can be a catalyst to achieving peace and inclusion. As you know, I love traveling and seeing different parts of the world broadened my horizon and gave me new found respect for so many new cultures that I was able to experience.
A centerpiece of the program was the #LoveTravels Beyond Barriers Grant Program, which over the course of a year, will distribute monetary grants to recognize groups and individuals who are actively breaking down barriers that divide.
The causes championed by each of the grant recipients span a vast array of communities and needs that are deeply important to Marriott International. From highlighting positive representations of minorities in media, to supporting good hygiene for those in need, to empowering marginalized communities to share their stories, to revitalizing a traumatized island—each of the recipients’ causes will benefit immensely from Marriott’s support.
RESTORATION HARDWARE
Real Estate is always integrating other industries as apart of its own in order to reinvent itself. Developers have been collaborating with A-listers like Lenny Kravitz at 75 Kenmare or Deepak Chopra who endorsed the health conscious village condo, Delos in order to create a buzz and separate them from the rest. Another example is Moinian’s luxury rental building, Sky, which had professional basketball players design the basketball courts in the building.You can still catch them practicing their skills there on weeknights! Now, collaborations have become the wave of the future. Musicians and food brands, bloggers and makeup or fashion companies, and the more recent collaboration of furniture stores and hospitality.
One example is a high-end French cafe right here in Soho. At La Mercerie, you find yourself dining inside the Roman and Williams Guild store. RWGuild is a furniture store by Roman and Williams, the famous design firm known for their work in restaurants, hotels, and nightclubs that you have most likely spent some time in: Upland, Freehand, The Ace, The Breslin, and the Boom Boom Room.
The newest addition to this trend was just opened by Restoration Hardware, RH (the new name for Restoration Hardware) has transformed the building in Meatpacking District which previously housed the McNally eatery Pastis, into a stunning 90,000 square-foot, six-floor home furnishings shop and gallery by designer Alison Berger. The flagship integrates all of RH’s businesses, but more importantly also includes a striking art installation, a rooftop restaurant, wine terrace, and a barista bar! The once well known furniture store is now a trendy destination downtown that offers so much more
SOUTH STREET SEAPORT
The neighborhood, along with the rest of Lower Manhattan, suffered in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks and Superstorm Sandy. Yet today, Lower Manhattan is the fastest growing neighborhood in the city. The Oculus, Brookfield Place and new World Trade Center has changed the face of the downtown forever. The area once known for not having a neighborhood has transformed into one of the city's most popular destinations for dining and shopping!
Today, neighborhood residents and visitors are drawn to the Seaport for its top retail, dining, cultural and waterfront attractions as well as its unparalleled views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the city skyline. With continued investment in its revitalization, the Seaport District will continue to thrive.
You can currently find high end retail like SJP, Sarah Jessica’s first flagship shoe store, and Roberto Cavalli. Dining includes Cobble & Co, by Chloe along with a Garden Bar and River Lounge. Coming soon: Jean Geroges, Malibu Farm and the Momofuku Restaurant Group’s, David Chang.
When Pier 17 opened its 3,400-capacity, 1.5-acre venue in Manhattan's Seaport District this summer, fans were able to look out at the Brooklyn Bridge as a backdrop to concerts and events as part of the Seaport District's Rooftop Concert Series.
For the winter, plans to bring a temporary ice skating rink to the top of Pier 17 development were approved by the city’s Landmarks Preservation Commission on a few weeks ago. The “Winter Village” will consist of ice-skating rink, a skate shop, a winter market (like the holiday markets throughout the city), and a warming hut.
465 PACIFIC STREET
465 Pacific Street is a limited collection of thirty condominium residences designed by acclaimed architect Morris Adjmi. This new development was just completed in 2015 and this residence was only owned as a pied a terre for one year. Residence 4A is a barely used Northwest corner 3 bedroom 2 bath offering approx. 1,546 sf interior and an additional 715 sf of wrap-around private terrace. The graciously planned living, dining and open kitchen offers generous ceiling heights, with 4' wide x 8' tall windows with operable casements, and oil-finished oak floors.
The sophisticated custom built kitchen features Bianco Dolomiti marble countertops, waterfall and backsplash, and light grey tinted cabinetry. An integrated suite of Liebherr, Bosch, Bertazzoni and Wolf appliances is complimented by Lefroy Brooks fixtures & built-in pantry.
The master bedroom comes complete with ensuite bath that includes double vanity as well as entrance to wrap around terrace.The 2 additional bedrooms offer generous closet space and are large enough to accommodate queen and full size beds. Amenities include a double height residents' lounge, a children's playroom, a rooftop terrace garden with open views, a large fitness center, bicycle storage, indoor parking available for purchase, and private storage units.
