The Tribeca Design District may have to rethink its eastern border. James points out that “Todd Merrill […] is relocating his upscale design and furniture gallery from its current space at 65 Bleecker Street” to 80 Lafayette, according to Real Estate Weekly. That’s just north of Collect Pond Park, where the most notable establishment up to now has been the New York City Rescue Mission at 90 Lafayette. In the broker’s words, “The landlord wanted a tenant that would cater to the residents who are moving into the area’s new residential developments and seeking high-end retail stores” rather than to the students in the NYU dorm on the above floors. (I’m not sure which of the storefronts in the photo above are involved.)

More on Merrill, from his website:

Since the inception of Merrill’s gallery in 2000, the offerings have evolved from the best of mid-to-late 20th century design and studio furniture. Merrill wrote Modern Americana published in 2008 by Rizzoli, the seminal book on American Studio furniture of the late 20th Century. In 2008, he introduced Todd Merrill Custom Originals catering to client’s needs with bench-crafted custom designs inspired by Merrill’s vintage collection. In 2009 Merrill launched Studio Contemporary, a global exhibition-based program focusing on the work of contemporary studio artists. Studio Contemporary now exhibits at 8-10 of the best art and design fairs around the world each year.

Between this and Alexander and Bonin gallery opening on Walker, northeast Tribeca continues to heat up. We’ll have to see whether Merrill’s move will inspire other businesses to consider the Chinatown/Civic Center area around Collect Pond Park.