Big Apple
If you need retail therapy in New York City, this relatively new mall could be your soothing balm.
THERE’S no doubt about it that New York City is the shopping capital of the East Coast, thanks to streets such as Madison and Fifth Avenues and neighbourhoods such as Soho that are packed with some of fashion’s finest shops. But now there’s yet another destination to add to the itinerary: Brookfield Place, a luxury shopping complex that opened last year across from the National September 11 Memorial in lower Manhattan. There you’ll find several highend brands, with storefronts across the city, all under one roof.
Formerly known as the World Financial Center, this striking glass structure with vaulted pavilion was severely damaged by debris in the Sept 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Its resurrection in recent years is part of a renaissance that’s sweeping this section of the city, which to date has included constructing the towering One World Trade Center skyscraper, the National September 11 Museum and the World Trade Center Transportation Hub, a unique winged structure by architect Santiago Calatrava that’s designed so that each year on the anniversary of the terrorist attacks, light will flood the space.
Before even stepping indoors, Brookfield Place is a treat for the eyes. Guests are greeted by floor-to-ceiling glass and a pair of 16.46m tall woven basket-like columns designed by Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects. Inside, the recovered marble staircase offers a front-row seat to picturesque views of the Hudson River and, during winter months, skaters whizzing around on the adjoining outdoor ice rink. From other vantage points, the Statue of Liberty is identifiable in the distance.
Now, back to the shopping! Brookfield Place boasts an impressive roster of labels: Hermes, Gucci, Burberry, Michael Kors, Diane von Furstenberg, Tory Burch, Club Monaco, Ermenegildo Zegna, Hickey Freeman, Paul Smith, Theory, Salvatore Ferragamo and the hip Babesta boutique for kids and babies, to name a few. (There’s also a Saks Fifth Avenue here and the men’s section is slatted to open too.) Beyond apparel and accessories, there’s Davidoff of Geneva, a premium cigar shop, a Drybar hair blowout bar, an Equinox fitness club and beautiful arrangements by L’Olivier Floral Atelier.
If shopping stirs your appetite, there’s a staggering number of eateries, many of which are tucked away in a food court-style corridor on the upper level: Blue Ribbon sushi bar, Little Muenster artisanal grilled cheese, Cambodian-inspired sandwiches at Num Pang, Skinny Pizza, San Francisco Bayarea style tacos by Dos Toros Taqueria, Umami Burger, Sprinkles handcrafted cupcakes and a bunch of other options sure to satisfy pretty much every palate. A muststop for foodies is Le District, an authentic French market stocked with delectable desserts and counters for cheeses, fish and meats, plus some sit-down restaurants and bars. (Crowd alert: Brookfield Place also houses Time Inc., Bank of New York, the College Board and a few other tenants, so expect longer lines during lunchtime.)
Some have criticised complexes like Brookfield Place, accusing them of contributing to the mall-ification of Manhattan. Don’t be mistaken – this is not your typical shopping centre. Sure, standalone stores sprinkled across the city is part of Manhattan’s charm, but Brookfield Place is a great one-stop alternative for visitors who are only in town for a New York minute. – Pittsburgh Post-Gazette/Tribune News Service