Highline Stages: OPEN MARKET’s Home Base
January 31, 2018
HIGHLINE STAGES: PROUD HOST OF OPEN MARKET
We’re just few short weeks away from OPEN MARKET, the Meatpacking District’s annual block party and fundraiser where area restaurants, bars, boutiques and icons come together to celebrate and raise funds for the care of this unique neighborhood. This years event will feature food and beverage from 27 bars and restaurants plus sample sales by area boutiques, DJ sets by Coco & Breezy, a silent auction and raffle.
The block party is hosted at and made possible by the generosity of Highline Stages, an incredible location that houses sound stages, photo studios and raw event space.
An impressive array of talents and brands have worked with Highline Stages including Apple, Nike and Diane von Furstenberg, Oprah and many more. Highline Stages is much more than a venue; it’s a group of remarkable people and an extraordinary center of production and creative energy. The team at Highline Stages view Open Market as a way to bring the community into their world, to showcase the ultimate venue and to give back to their neighborhood, which they call home.
“It’s a no brainer for us to host Open Market,” said Gary Kline, Owner & CEO of Highline Stages and predecessor of the space when his father bought the business in 1985. “Being involved in the district is something I take very seriously and seeing the evolution over the last 31 years is something that I have a unique perspective on.”
For New Yorkers and travelers who may not be familiar with the the neighborhood and what it represents, Open Market gives attendees the ability to witness the district under one roof. From retailers, restaurants and community hosts, Open Market is an opportunity to discover a new favorite food spot and experience the neighborhood’s charm.
“There are so many hidden gems in the Meatpacking District and the theme of the decor will take into account the layers that are happening in the district” said Alina Lundry, Owner & Partner of Highline Stages. “[The event designer] is using materials that will represent connectivity and connection, much the way the businesses here feel about each other and about the neighborhood itself. This is a true community and visitors that come to the district do feel that vibe.”
In addition to design of Open Market, Highline Stages as a venue represents the district indoors with its original cobble flooring, fire doors and all brick work that is still ‘proudly’ in tact.
“We renovated the space in 2010 and we tried to keep as many original elements as we could,” said Alina who noted the building used to be home to the Nabisco factory and Astor Family Stable before the stages emerged. “The brick is really reflective of the neighborhood, so we paid close attention to hold its integrity in the remodel.”
Externally, Highline Stages has entrances on two prominent streets, 14th and 15th streets, framing the western edge of the heart of the district.
“We are proud to be a focal point in the district,” said Peter Triolo, Partner & Director of Operations for the stages. “You can see images of our building in district photos, from the Standard, etc. It’s really special. ”
The three partners have over 75 years combined experience in Meatpacking, and have spent their adulthood experiencing the evolution of the district and watching the community expand, all while remaining iconic, creative and community driven.
These neighborhood themes will be front and center at Open Market, alongside live music, fashion, food + hospitality and technology will make for a true to form, epic and lively experience the district is known for.
“We are always proud to do Open Market,” said Gary. “And I think that we’re damn good at it. “
Purchase your tickets today and join the Meatpacking District on March 9 at Highline Stages.