September 9, 2014 Restaurant/Bar News, Shopping
“There is unsubstantiated information regarding a proposed ‘high end gentleman’s club’ going in to 1 White Street, including parties on the roof,” emailed a reader. “I have a list of more than 35 e-mails (and growing!) of local residents who stand ready to object to granting a liquor license to this establishment if it is in fact true. The information I have is that the owner is Justin Anderson. I believe he is a football player.”
This information was thirdhand, so we have to take it with a grain of salt. But that’s obviously a prominent location in a residential area—1 White is at the corner of W. Broadway, where Columbine/Café Clementine used to be—so it bears investigating. There’s a Justin Anderson who signed with the New York Giants in May, but I wouldn’t bet we’re talking about the same person. The reader had included a phone number, which I called, but I got a message saying, “This mailbox is full and cannot accept any messages at this time. Goodbye.” Googling the number brings up a Zillow Pro listing for Justin Anderson; it also brings up a company called Ironica (listing Anderson as the principal) at 2317 McDonald Avenue in Brooklyn. According to this site, Ironica is in the auto parts business. All of this feels like a wild goose chase, Internet-style.
I looked up the building’s owner and gave her a call: “That’s not accurate,” she said about the rumor. Understandably, she didn’t feel it was for her to say what the plans are. We agreed that I’d email her and she could pass it along to Anderson, or whoever the proprietor is. I have not heard back, and I’m doubting I will.
So I’m afraid we’re stuck here unless someone in the know spills it (all tips are anonymous: tribecacitizen@gmail.com or 917-209-6473), or whoever is planning something at 1 White applies for a liquor license, if indeed alcohol will be served.
UPDATE: James did some sleuthing…
Named tenant on an SDNA registered with NYC in 2014:
A. MALEH & SONS LLC
112 WEST 34TH ST SUITE 1405
NEW YORK, NEW YORK, 10120
http://www.manoftheworld.com/pages/about-us
[and]
Justin Anderson (Snack Addict LLC) is listed as owner.
From Man of the World’s website: “Launched in 2012, Man of the World is a quarterly magazine and web site chronicling the best in international style, travel, food, art, and culture. A pioneering hybrid of independent editorial and curated e-commerce, both outlets offer an unparalleled selection of new and vintage watches, furniture, rare automobiles and design items for purchase.” The “A. Maleh” in the SDNA is founder Alan Maleh; MOTW headquarters is at 112 W. 34th.
I emailed David Dror, V.P. of biz dev for MOTW, and he confirmed that the brand is doing something there, but he can’t say what just yet: “The idea is still in development.” He did say that “everything” in the rumor stated above is “not factual.” As to when MOTW will release information about its plans, “The building has been in the same state for years,” he said, “and we haven’t done any work yet.”
A supposition: Man of the World is planning a store at 1 White, which might be more of a clubhouse, with events with partnering brands, which might possibly include events on the roof. Certainly a men’s lifestyle brand could do worse than to be across the street from J. Crew’s liquor store.
Thanks to Andrea for the photo of 1 White!
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Named tenant on an SDNA registered with NYC in 2014:
A. MALEH & SONS LLC
112 WEST 34TH ST SUITE 1405
NEW YORK, NEW YORK, 10120
http://www.manoftheworld.com/pages/about-us
Justin Anderson (Snack Addict LLC) is listed as owner.