If developers get their wish, New York City will soon be introduced to its first gay boutique hotel, complete with a 10,000-square-foot nightclub. Ian Reiser and Mati Weiderpass already received initial approval for the $20 million project, which would be located on 42nd Street and 10th Avenue and contain a 123-room hotel, restaurant, spa, stores and nightclub.
“It's going to be called 'The Out N.Y.C.' Like, 'Come out! Let's go out and play!'" Reiser told the Daily News about the new project. Early feedback has been very strong, especially the revolutionary concept of creating a boutique property that would be marketed directly to a gay audience rather than being targeted at straight couples and being “gay friendly.” The large population of gay and lesbian New Yorkers also make the project’s prospects look positive.
For the nightclub, Reiser says they are looking to collaborate with established gay nightlife “kingpins” to design and manage the space. One industry insider points at former Roxy owner and gay nightlife impresario John Blair as being a natural for the project. But first, the business license and permits committee will have to give the project the final thumbs up before construction can begin.