If you’re reading this, you’re likely entertaining the idea of hosting your next NYC event at a loft space. First and foremost, it’s a wonderful idea, given how much the ‘New York City loft experience’ concept has grown over the past 10 years and the wide variety of venue options available in both Manhattan and Brooklyn. Just a few years ago, NYC rental lofts were rarely viewed as true event spaces due to their limited on-site amenities and below-average customer service. Today, there are a number of successful event lofts in New York that can easily compete with more traditional venues like hotels and restaurants when it comes to hospitality.
So, what kinds of loft spaces are out there for your NYC wedding, party or corporate event?
Street-Level / Ground-Level Rental Locations
New York City’s street-level lofts work very well for corporate events like pop-up stores, launch parties, sample sales and trunk shows. If heavy foot traffic and branding opportunities are crucial to your event, then Downtown and Midtown Manhattan loft spaces should be at the top of your list.
Ground-level raw venues in NYC are also recommended for very large weddings, bar mitzvahs and other social events, as accessibility often becomes an issue for higher level lofts.
Penthouse Lofts, Rooftops and Outdoor Event Spaces
Penthouses and NYC rooftop event spaces are obviously in high demand for all types of parties and receptions, especially in the warmer months. You should expect to pay a premium for second-to-none views of the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, the Highline, the Hudson River and other New York City landmarks. Your private event is sure to be an unforgettable experience, and I highly recommend this option if you can fit it in your budget.
Rental Lofts with Full Kitchens and Dedicated Prep Areas
NYC lofts designed with events in mind offer a lot of room for caterers to work their magic (and they’ll certainly thank you for it!). You’ll find that many of these loft spaces provide on-site catering as a full-service event venue or work with a diverse list of experienced New York City caterers. In fact, you’ll often end up paying less money per person (for venue rental and catering) at a NYC event loft than a traditional full-service venue like a restaurant or banquet fall.
Some key things to remember as you start your search for the perfect NYC loft space:
- Make sure to ask the loft’s coordinator about any important restrictions (# of hours in rental package, curfew, freight elevator hours, delivery hours, etc.)
- Find out whether venue rental for events is the primary or secondary source of revenue for the loft space. You’ll have more room for negotiation with businesses that aren’t 100% dependent on events.
- Decide early on whether you’ll need multiple rooms or dedicated areas for your private event, whether a corporate function with breakout space or a wedding with separate areas for the ceremony and the reception. This will significantly narrow down your NYC loft space rental options.
- Will parking be required for many of your guests? The majority of NYC party lofts are located in the busy Midtown West, Chelsea, SoHo, TriBeCa, Gramercy and Flatiron neighborhoods of Manhattan. However, many loft owners have agreements in place with nearby parking lots to make things a little easier on the day of your event.
