New Urban Space Market Causes Stir in Meatpacking District

The new Urban Space Meatpacking Market opened last week after a brief halt in construction that threatened to delay its opening.

Operated by Urban Space — the same company that runs the popular annual Union Square Holiday Market — the newly inaugurated open-air marketplace aims to bring together top-tier food vendors, designers and artists in a creative space under the High Line Park in the Meatpacking district, according to Urban Space media manager Lula Brown.

“It’s the perfect place to spend a day eating, shopping and engaging with fellow creatives,” Brown said.

Located at 13th and Washington streets adjacent to The Standard Hotel, the new market features a variety of retail and food vendors that are open seven days a week, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays.

According to Brown, an issue arose when the New York City Department of Buildings ordered the company to stop construction only days before it was set to open because the market did not have a permit for construction. However, the permit issue was resolved and the market opened on Sept. 1 as scheduled.

Lorin Milman, co-owner of Hot Blondies Bakery on Sixth Avenue between 14th and 15th streets, believes the new market is ideal for businesses such as her own.

“It’s a great space and a great market. All of the food vendors are in one area, so it gives [the market] a social feel,” Milman said. “We are excited to see how it goes.”

She also sees this open-air market as an opportunity for her business to expand and reach new customers.

“We don’t have our own retail storefront,” Milman said. “All we have is a commercial kitchen. We started getting into the market circuit and we thought [Urban Space Meatpacking] was a good opportunity to get in front of a different audience.”

Steinhardt freshman Sarah Song, who recently visited the market, said the marketplace is a conveniently located establishment to eat and shop.

“They had tons of different places to eat, and the clothing stores were all really nice,” Song said. “The market is a really cool place to go hang out.”

A version of this article appeared in the Sept. 10 print edition. Danny Garzon is a contributing writer. Email him at cstate@nyunews.com.