The Rawitser Building's Next Chapter: 5 Shocking Updates On 285 West Broadway NYC (December 2024)
The iconic corner of 285 West Broadway, a six-story structure known as the Rawitser Building, is once again at the center of Tribeca’s dynamic commercial and nightlife evolution. As of December 2024, this historic Beaux-Arts property is undergoing significant changes, including a major turnover in its prominent ground-floor retail space, solidifying its status as a constantly transforming Manhattan landmark. The latest developments focus on a new high-profile tenant and recent Community Board action that signals a fresh era for the building and the surrounding neighborhood.
Located at the bustling intersection of West Broadway and Canal Street—and also known by the address 380 Canal Street—the building continues to attract attention from real estate developers and high-end hospitality groups. Its unique architectural history and prime location make it a coveted address, ensuring that any change in ownership or tenancy sends ripples through the Tribeca real estate market and the city's dining scene.
The Rawitser Building: A Profile of Historical & Commercial Significance
The building at 285 West Broadway is not merely a commercial structure; it is a piece of living New York City history. It is formally recognized as the Rawitser Building, a name that connects it to its original industrial purpose and early 20th-century developers. The property's enduring presence and recent activity are tracked closely by the local Community Board 1 (CB1), which oversees development and licensing in Lower Manhattan.
- Primary Address: 285 West Broadway, New York, NY 10013.
- Alternate Address: 380 Canal Street (or 380-384 Canal Street).
- Neighborhood: Tribeca, Manhattan.
- Building Name: The Rawitser Building.
- Architectural Style: Beaux-Arts.
- Original Architects: Brunner & Tryon.
- Year Completed: Circa 1897–1915 (Historical records vary, with some citing an 1897 design and others a 1915 completion).
- Original Developers: S. & H. Rawitser.
- Current Use: Class B Office Space and Ground-Floor Retail/Hospitality.
- Total Size: Approximately 50,000 square feet across 6 stories.
- Current Owner/Management: Owned by Monaghan Properties and managed by Salon Realty.
The Beaux-Arts Legacy of Brunner & Tryon
The Rawitser Building is a testament to the commercial architecture that defined New York City at the turn of the 20th century. It was designed by the esteemed architectural firm Brunner & Tryon, who were prolific in creating commercial structures across the city. The building’s design is a classic example of the Beaux-Arts style, which emphasizes symmetry, classical details, and monumental scale.
Interestingly, the developers, S. & H. Rawitser, opted for a cost-conscious approach, cladding the structure almost entirely in brick, which was a more economical alternative to the popular stone facades of the era. Despite this, the building maintains a striking presence, particularly at the corner of Canal Street and West Broadway, with its large, distinctive cast-iron windows that flood the interior spaces with natural light.
The Dramatic Evolution of 285 West Broadway’s Ground Floor
The ground floor of the Rawitser Building has a storied history as a revolving door for high-profile New York City nightlife and dining establishments. This space has continuously transformed, reflecting the changing cultural landscape of Tribeca and the transition of the neighborhood from an industrial zone to a premier residential and commercial district.
From Canal Room to Canal Street Oysters
For years, the space was a major hub for entertainment. It was famously the home of the Canal Room, a popular music venue that hosted numerous events and performances. Following the Canal Room era, the location transitioned into a nightclub known as Haus NYC, and at one point, was associated with the Cosmo Night Club.
In a significant shift toward high-end dining, the space was later occupied by Canal Street Oysters, a stunning oyster bar that opened in late 2019. The restaurant was the latest project from Broome Street Hospitality, known for its sophisticated venues. Canal Street Oysters was highly regarded for its architecture-forward design, which maximized the natural light from the building’s historic windows.
The Latest Update: "The Palace" Takes Over (December 2024)
The most current and significant news for 285 West Broadway is the closure of Canal Street Oysters and the planned opening of a new establishment. The restaurant space is now set to become a new tavern and dining concept called The Palace (formally St. Helier Tavern LLC).
This transition has been a major topic of discussion at the local level. In December 2024, the Manhattan Community Board 1 (CB1) reviewed the application for the new tenant, St. Helier Tavern LLC, for a full liquor license. Furthermore, the board addressed a proposed alteration to change the floor plan of the space, specifically relocating the standup bar. The successful resolution of this licensing process paves the way for the new establishment to open, marking the next chapter for the building’s highly visible corner.
Commercial Status: A Tribeca Office Powerhouse
Above the ground-floor retail, the Rawitser Building functions as a vital commercial hub for the Tribeca neighborhood. It offers approximately 50,000 square feet of Class B Office Space spread across its six stories. The large, open floor plates, which average about 9,200 square feet each, and the abundant natural light make it particularly attractive to creative office tenants, architecture firms, and design studios.
The building’s management by Salon Realty and ownership by Monaghan Properties ensures its continued relevance in the competitive New York City commercial real estate market. Its proximity to major subway lines, including the Canal Street station directly across the street, further enhances its appeal as a prime location for businesses seeking a prestigious Lower Manhattan address.
The ongoing discussions at CB1 regarding both the retail space and any potential alterations to the building's structure highlight the community’s commitment to preserving the architectural and historical integrity of the Rawitser Building. The balance between modern commercial needs and historical preservation remains a key theme for this Beaux-Arts landmark.
Detail Author:
- Name : Miss Ila Stamm DDS
- Username : harber.maynard
- Email : jay03@koelpin.com
- Birthdate : 1988-09-23
- Address : 8584 Alvera Gateway Kirstinfurt, CT 03268-9067
- Phone : 1-903-517-9599
- Company : Monahan Group
- Job : Motion Picture Projectionist
- Bio : Iste amet est non. Et et laudantium ex ullam et recusandae esse. Et hic sit facilis.
Socials
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@yostf
- username : yostf
- bio : Deleniti ut sit id nam. Dolore soluta consequatur dolores quisquam consectetur.
- followers : 6679
- following : 386
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/fritzyost
- username : fritzyost
- bio : Rerum tempora labore velit eaque sint.
- followers : 554
- following : 2245
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/fritz1622
- username : fritz1622
- bio : Omnis velit vel architecto. Debitis qui aut autem facilis. Placeat pariatur et eos velit non exercitationem sit.
- followers : 5911
- following : 1667
