The Warren Street Hotel, the new Firmdale project that has been under construction since February 2020, has removed its sidewalk bridge and is starting to look like a real building — albeit a turquoise one! — with an exposed façade, entrance and finally, open sidewalk (well, almost). They are working now on the sidewalk repairs, and it sounds like it will be several months before the curbside staging area is returned to the public.

I heard through the grapevine that the floors are getting completed — they are done up to seven — but there is still work to be done above that. The founders of Firmdale, Tim and Kit Kemp, also operate the Crosby Street Hotel and The Whitby Hotel in Midtown. Kit Kemp designs the spaces as creative director of Firmdale. You can see that coming together in the nighttime shots.

The construction process has not been easy on neighbors. There were regularly safety issues while the sidewalk shed created a dark tunnel and blind corners at both 92 and 80 Warren; residents on the block witnessed fires, needles and you know the rest. The rats also really enjoyed that spot. Should be moving in the right direction now.