Into the Limelight: The Limelight Marketplace

The landmark 19th century Episcopal church on West 20th and 6th avenue has undergone another transformation. This time the Church of the Holy Communion which converted to the Limelight Club which peaked in the 80′s and 90′s has been converted to the Limelight Marketplace.

For 6 weeks now the Marketplace has been opened. The church was gutted, redesigned, constructed and $15 million dollars later, owner Jack Menashe transformed the once 12,000 square foot neo-gothic club into a gourmet boutique marketplace filled with luxury goods, food and fashion kiosks. The marketplace is three floors which will soon include two restaurants and a bar (currently under construction).

Menashe purposefully wanted the landscape of the marketplace to be reminiscent of the maze-like Limelight Club back in it’s hay day. ‘We wanted that feeling of discover, like you’re finding something new and exciting around every corner, but we don’t really want that to be associated with the past.’ Lucky for Menashe, he was successful in revamping this space into a completely different atmosphere.

This is a place for refinery, luxury, and gourmet goods. Desire to try gourmet chocolate, ice cream, specialty soaps, or hand crafted perfumes? Indulge yourself with these finer goods. There’s an outpost for different flavored olive oil at Carter & Cavero, caviar at Petrossian Caviar, specialty cheese, spreads and breads, bakeries, cake shops, and gelato kiosks. Even custom made shirts are available. It’s also home to esatblished brands such as Le Sportsac, and the first stand alone US stores for Hunter Boots which sells it’s wellies and leather goods, a Haviana’s outlet that offers custom sandals for $25 on the weekends, and London’s Mayfair Avery Perfumes. Nearly 90% of the 60 retail spaces have been leased with some retailers taking up two spots–such as the case with the SoHo store Brocade Home.Think of the Limelight Marketplace as a flea market for yuppies. And yes, I’ll admit, I can appreciate this space for what it is.

Limelight Marketplace is located at 656 Avenue of the Americas and 20th Street, Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Phone number is (212) 226-7585.

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