LIMELIGHT BACK IN SPOTLIGHT!

LIMELIGHT MARKETPLACE BY NIGHT PH: JASON JOBSONThe Limelight Marketplace opened last week with much anticipation, as New Yorkers lined up to see the unveiling of the infamous Church turned disco - now reborn again as an upscale shopping center.   In the 90's the Limelight was the epicenter of the avant-garde club kids of New York, and the millions of revelers looking for an escape - via dance music and the drug of choice.  Alcohol and less legal, more effective mind altering drugs flowed freely - enough to see the clubs owner deported after an infamous murder - but that's another story!   

In 2010, this landmark building is as beautiful and ominous as ever.   Developers gave the interiors and landscaping a first class renovation.  LEVEL AFTER LEVEL OF DESIGNER BOUTIQUES The space houses 49 high end and lifestyle retailers.  This is a unique retail setting to say the least!  The beautiful original stained glass windows makes the experience unlike any other shopping you have ever done!   Creative use of nooks and crannies through the catwalk mezzanines are as much fun to explore as the stores themselves.

The space feels like the New York version of
Fred Segal -L.A.'s uber cool shopping bazaar.   Shop in Shops and kiosks fill the gothic hall - LIMELIGHT MARKETPLACE ATRIUMa must visit for anyone planning a trip to NYC.    The food hall is sure to be a big hit the locals as well - as it will serve for a high end supermarket.   The  Limelight sits on the edge of Chelsea /  Flatiron / and Lower 5th Ave - which has seen the addition of countless multi-million dollar residential condos in the last 5 years.    A new destination for hip young couples with babies, there are parks to play in, but very few grocery options in walking distance.   

The Limelight Marketplace could also become a very important incubator of small companies that are experimenting with their first retail venture.   Again, there are very few options in NYC for such an opportunity.   I attended the opening and was so pleased to speak with many of the retailers who are excited to be testing the retail environment.

Barbra Scott has been making one of a kind flower arrangements for 20 years.   The secret to her success is the unique process Scott BARBRA SCOTT ROSESuses to make her arrangements last for up to a year.   That's right, the flowers are suspended in time with a silica gel bath that keeps them looking as if they were just picked yesterday. OM ORGANIC BODY LOTION

Over at Om Aroma I met owner & creator Angela Kim.   We talked about Angela's desire to start her own organic skin care company after allergies kept her from finding products just right for herself.  Om products are made in U.S, are paraben free, and completely organic! 

COSME PROUD MOISTURIZER Cosme Proud skin care has a different standard - as in a 24 Karat gold standard!  That's right 24k gold ions are used to draw impurities out of the skin as it moisturizes.   Stop by for an amazing demonstration and find out more about this unique treatment.  STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN

Of course there are established retailers who are opening outposts at the Marketplace.   Mariebelle Chocolate, Olatz silks, & Petrossian Caviar are as luxurious as you can get and will have additional shops at the marketplace.   OLATZ SILK PAJAMASStop by the Limelight on the next trip to NYC and experience a truly unique shopping experience. What a great meeting place for friends.  You can plan the day over lunch or grab one of the amazing sweets in the bakery department!

For a complete list of shops & opening hours - click LIMELIGHT.