Tishman Speyer is looking to put the fun back into the Rockefeller Center as workers and visitors continue to drag their heels on returning to Manhattan.
With just 30 percent of workers back in their office since the city entered it’s Phase 4 reopening, according to location data tracker, Unacast, the owner of the Rockefeller Center complex is hoping some new outdoor dining and shopping options – along with some public art and a customized vending machine experience – will breathe new life into the area.
“Rockefeller Center is known for its beloved public spaces, especially its plazas and gardens, and we are thrilled to make them available this summer to our tenants and to New Yorkers in new and unexpected ways. Even while adapting to these changing times in our City, Rockefeller Center can continue to be a favorite destination for culture, commerce, and community,” said EB Kelly, Tishman Speyer Managing Director who oversees Rockefeller Center.
“Along with our incredible partners, we have created a summer program consisting of multiple public art installations, pop-up food and retail options, and of course those special ‘surprise and delight’ moments that can only occur at Rockefeller Center. Where else could you enjoy a delicious bite under the watchful eye of a masked Prometheus?”
The Rockefeller Ice Rink has been taken over by Summer at The Rink with restaurants including the famous Rainbow Room and Alidoro offering outside dining and the Makina Cafe Truck serving up Ethiopian and Eritrean lunch options.
City Winery, Ben & Jerry’s, Limani and Del Frisco’s Grille are also part of the expanded dinign experience.
Public Art includes work by Ghada Amer, Beatriz Cortez, Andy Goldsworthy, Lena Henke, Camille Henrot and Thaddeus Mosley.
The Flag Project that includes the 193 flagpoles around the complex, are flying the winning designs from a competition Tishman Speyer ran earlier in the year for flags celebrating New York’s diverse culture, energy, strength, and resiliency
And The Vend invites the public to try out customized vending machines offering a variety of products designed to surprise customers with unique versions of everyday products that are not found elsewhere.
Developed by Tishman Speyer and debuting at Rockefeller Center last year, The Vend features new products such as a selection of masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, and wipes, as well as unique food and beverage options carefully curated from different parts of the world, as well as sundries and PPE (masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, and wipes).
The Vend is open 24/7 and will be located on the Concourse Level of Rockefeller Center, as well as the 45 Rockefeller Plaza lobby.
