February 27, 2018
6sqft Surveys the History of NoMad and its Hip, Bustling, Luxurious New Life
6sqft is a great site for information on New York City’s past, new architectural designs, and hot real estate deals. If you haven’t subscribed to its daily newsletter, you should on the 6sqft home page.
On February 15th, 6sqft ran an extensive feature on the NoMad District. The article summarized all the great aspects of the neighborhood past and present and provided a great summary for those who want to get up to speed quickly.
6sqft noted: “After a series of incarnations over the years, NoMad is now a super hip, bustling neighborhood from morning through night with residents, technology businesses (it’s now being referred to as “Silicon Alley”), loads of retail (leaning heavily toward design), great architecture, hot hotels, and tons and tons of food.
“Named for its location north of Madison Square Park, NoMad’s borders are a bit fuzzy, but generally, they run east-west from Lexington Avenue to Sixth Avenue and north-south from 23rd to 33rd Streets.”
6sqft pointed out that NoMad in the mid-to late 19th century was filled with private brownstones and mansions with lawns, some of which still stand today. Indeed, it was the center of New York society with the finest homes, restaurants, shopping, and entertainment venues. As the area moved into the early 20th century it became more commercial and was defined by a range of architectural styles, from the Second Empire to French Renaissance Revival to Modern mid-rises. Today’s NoMad is an expression of all that history, as beautiful commercial buildings are restored and the area once again becomes home to New York’s finest residences, restaurants and shops.
Via NYPL
The article reviewed the area’s new residences and restaurants. The residential review highlighted luxurious NoMad projects, several by some of the world’s most famous architects, including 30 East 31st Street by Morris Adjmi, 88 & 90 Lexington Avenue, 172 Madison Avenue, The Whitman, 21 Fifth Avenue The NOMA, 277 Fifth by Rafael Vinoly, and 262 Fifth Avenue.
The 6sqft article also included some great quotes about the area from the real estate industry.
Douglas Elliman’s Bruce Ehrmann: “NoMad is the great link between Madison Square Park, Midtown South, Murray Hill and 5th Avenue.”
Compass Website: “Nomad is a favorite of residents who welcome the non-stop, vibrant pace. This neighborhood tends to attract the more professional crowd… and is also a popular choice for those who can often find larger apartments in many of the luxury doorman buildings around the neighborhood.”
Compass Agent Sean McPeak: “NoMad is a neighborhood known for commercial innovation and historic architecture. People working and living in the neighborhood are accustomed to high-ceilings, ornate building details and loft architecture, which is now being mimicked by new developments in the area.”
Timothy McCarthy, Senior Sales Director at Alchemy Properties: “The NOMA at 50 W 30th Street pays homage to the neighborhood with its striking hand-laid brick facade and industrial neo-Bauhaus-inspired design. Its distinctive aesthetic compliments NoMad, the most thriving section of Manhattan that continues to attract the best names in cuisine, retail, fitness and culture.”
Ran Korolik, Executive Vice President of Victor Group: “Nomad has rapidly transformed into the cultural epicenter of Manhattan and recently blossomed into a thriving luxury residential community. 277 Fifth elevates the caliber of condo product in NoMad, an already posh destination.”
Scott Walsh, Senior Development Manager at Lendlease: “There is truly something for everyone in NoMad – from boutique fitness studios to fashionable retail to the new Scarpetta location which just moved from Meatpacking. We knew that discerning buyers for the exquisite residences at 277 Fifth would want to be just steps away from some of the chicest restaurants, hotels and retail destinations in New York City and choose this location accordingly.”
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As for restaurants, 6sqft looked back to the fine dining heritage of the area, when Delmonico’s stood at the southwest corner of 26th and Fifth Avenue and the famous of the world dined there. A tradition that continues today with fine dining and leadership in the fast-casual category. 6sqft especially noted Eleven Madison Park and The NoMad for fine dining and the fast-casual phenomenon exemplified by Eataly, Made Nice, Sweetgreen and The Little Beet.
6sqft rightfully took special note of the contributions of Danny Meyer, Daniel Humm and Will Guidera in NoMad’s culinary revival. Sarah Rosenberg, representing Made Nice, underscored Humm and Guidera’s allegiance to the area, “. . . just a short walk from Eleven Madison Park is where Will and the Chef decided to open the NoMad in 2012 and they fell in love with the neighborhood. They then opened the NoMad Bar in 2014 right next door at 10 West 28th street. It made absolute sense to open Made Nice next to the NoMad Bar at 8 West 28th. Their community of restaurants within these few blocks proves pride and commitment to the neighborhood.”
The NoMad Alliance appreciates the nod to our great neighborhood from 6sqft.