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Is FiDi becoming the Nightclub District?
Beekman Hotel's new club is another sign that the neighborhood is becoming a destination
Another hip destination is coming to lower Manhattan’s increasingly booming nightlife scene.
The Beekman Hotel has brought in veteran New York club operator Serge Becker to create a new lounge called the Alley Cat Amateur Theatre, which should open in early April, according to the Wall Street Journal. The space will span 2,500 square feet. Restaurateur and celebrity chef Tom Colicchio is creating a Japanese-inspired menu for the Alley Cat.
Although lower Manhattan used to essentially shut down by the early evening, the area has become a more popular place to meet after hours, with other prominent bars including BlackTail at Pier A and the Dead Rabbit, which plans to double its size.
Becker has previously designed New York hot spots including the Box and La Esquina, and he recently served as creative director for the Museum of Sex. He tried to give the Alley Cat a cellar-like feel with upscale and industrial touches.
“The concept is we’re in the basement,” Becker told the Journal, “so let’s not try to hide it.”
Allen Gross’ GFI Development Group redeveloped the 287-key hotel and an adjoining 51-story condominium tower. The developer bought the property for $64 million in 2012, and landed a $181 million loan to refinance the property last year. Condo units are selling north of $2,200 a square foot, according to StreetEasy. [WSJ] – Eddie Small