There is still room to grow in New York City – and it’s slowly happening on the West Side of Manhattan.   Immediately following New York’s defeat in its bid to host the 2012 Olympics, the fate of the Hudson Yards was not unclear.  Despite the early uncertainty a new neighborhood is starting to emerge.

Since 2005, residential buildings and new hotels have risen west of Eighth Avenue between 30^th and 43^rd Streets.  And, a boom for office space is on the horizon as well.  Related Companies, a major New York developer, announced plans to build a 51-story office tower, which luxury retailer Coach as the anchor tenant.

Development plans are so ambitious for Hudson Yards the city predicts, over the course of the next 20 years, that stretch of New York real estate could have more office space that Baltimore or Stamford, Conn. – reaching an astounding 24 million square feet of office space for the West Side.

We’ll have to see how the construction of the Far West Side progresses through these uncertain economic times.  Any economic hiccup could derail the lofty goals.

The borders around Manhattan’s central business district continue to expand, leaving businesses with more options regarding office space.  We will be following how the revitalization of this underutilized part of the city pans out.

Tonight, Thursday, November 10, from 6-8 pm, you can join Anishinaabe artist, Ramona Morrow as teaches
participants about dream catchers and how
to create them. You will get to make your own dream catcher and learn the amazing story behind them. Please note that reservations are required and can be made by calling (212) 514-3716. Cost to attend/participate: $25/20 members. Checks and money orders only.

There is a free Beaded Octopus bag making demonstration with Cody Harlo (Seminole/Otoe) on Thursday, November 17, 5-7 pm. Please note: this is not a hands-on workshop.

Thursday, November 17, from 6-8 pm, you can join Coleen Bins (Oneida) as she teaches you how to make traditional
Haudenosaunee cornhusk dolls. This
workshop is appropriate for everyone ages
12 and up. 
 Please note that reservations are required and can be made by calling (212) 514-3716. Cost to attend/participate: $25/20 members. Checks and money orders only.

See what exhibitions are going on right now by clicking here.  The museum is open 10 am – 5 pm daily; Thursdays until 8 pm. Admission to the museum is free.  For more information about this amazing resource in our local community, click here.

Findings from a new study by the Kauffman Foundation on the Entrepreneurship Gender Gap reveal women only account for roughly one third of all new business launches.  Women entrepreneurs are also falling behind men when it comes to revenue generation.  Less than two percent of female-led small businesses have revenue exceeding $1 million.  In contrast, more than six percent of male-led firms reported revenue of over $1 million.

Keeping this data in mind, ForbesWoman decided to compile its first annual list of the top 20 cities for women in business.  Criteria that were taken into consideration when compiling the list included:

• What cities have seen the biggest growth in the number of female-led firm in recent years
• Where are the most SBA-backed loans going
• Where are women turning the SBA loans into million-dollar profits

At the top of the list were New York and San Francisco.  The study showed women have an easier time finding the funding and resources that can ultimately make their businesses succeed quicker.  Cities that also made the list include:  Tampa, Fla., Bethesda, Md. and Washington, D.C.

On Thursday, November 10, from 5-7 pm, channel your inner queen for a PRISCILLA: Queen of the Desert experience.  Interact with top Broadway Make-Up Artists to learn how the fabulous looks from PRISCILLA are created, join in a karaoke contest of your favorite pop tunes and mingle with cast members from the hit musical.

On Thursday, December 1, from 5-7 pm, get transported to the 60s with hit music and cast members from Jersey Boys. Sing and dance to such songs as “Sherry” and “Big Girls Don’t Cry” and interact with the cast of the hit musical.

For details about the Karaoke with Broadway Stars, email info@studentslive.net.

Pulse Karaoke also offers a happy hour open bar every day from 6-7 pm for groups of 30 or more and 2 for 1 drinks every day from 6-8 pm for everyone else.

You need to call for reservations, so pick of the phone and dial 212-278-0090. Additional questions? Click here.

The finding of the burial ground deeply impacted the descendant and broader community and, at the same time renewed awareness in cultural significance and historic preservation. In February 2006, the site, located at the corners of Duane and Elk Streets in lower Manhattan, was designated a National Monument known as The African Burial Ground.

The National Monument features a distinctive memorial that commemorates and communicates the story of the African Burial Ground – the single-most important, historic urban archaeological project undertaken in the United States.

The memorial is free to view and is open Monday through Sunday, 9 am to 5 pm, except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

Get to know your City’s and your Country’s history and take a walk over to see The African Burial Ground. For more information, call (212)637-2019.

Looking for more space and flexibility in New York? Call OfficeLinks!

As history would point out, New York law firms have traditionally preferred East Side business addresses.  But that is now changing.  Manhattan-based firms are looking for office space that can accommodate their needs and are moving within the city to find the right environment.  Recent real estate deals suggest all areas of the city, especially the West Side, are up for consideration.

A New York Times article tracked the transactions of New York-based firms and found that since the beginning of last year, more than a dozen have crossed Fifth Avenue and have ventured as far west as Eighth Avenue.

In 2010, space occupied by firms west of Fifth Avenue grew by 3.1 million square feet.  Cushman & Wakefield numbers reveal that law firms occupied 10.3 million square feet in 2010.  A lot of this square footage is occupied along Sixth Avenue.

Like any other business, law firms are looking for cost savings and more flexibility.  In addition, their need for a neutral and confidential environment makes the availability of appropriate meeting space a top concern.

The rationale for moving to the West Side varies from firm to firm.  However, brokers in the market cite upgraded buildings, greener buildings and improved operational efficiencies as the top reasons firms are looking in this area.

21^st Century businesses are in need of office space that is modern, adaptable and efficient – and this shift confirms it.

Less than 1 mile from OfficeLinks' Chelsea office space, Chelsea Wine Vault offers various libation classes.

Less than 1 mile from OfficeLinks’ Chelsea office space is Chelsea Market, a fantastic local hub for everything you need, including Chelsea Wine Vault (specifically located at 75 Ninth Avenue at 16th Street).

June 2, 6:30-8 pm, you can enjoy a Wine and Cheese Pairing Class at Chelsea Wine Vault.  Enjoy and learn about the decadence of pairing wine with artisanal cheese. For this class, Chelsea Wine Vault will partner with Chelsea Market neighbor, Lucy’s Whey, purveyors of handmade cheeses from across the country. Tickets are $75 and can be bought by clicking here.

Wine and cheese not your thing?  Chelsea Wine Vault will host a Cider Class with Farnum Hill Cider on June 8, 6:30 to 8 pm. Summer is a great time to reach for a sparkling apple cider when celebrating. These carefully crafted ciders are truly more like wine made with a different fruit. Tickets are $35 and can be bought by clicking here.

With this local jewel offering fun classes and being literally steps from OfficeLinks’ Chelsea office space, what’s stopping you?

Every Friday starting at 6 pm, you’re invited to come by for a FREE improv show with $3 drinks…and you might be randomly picked to jump up onstage to perform without a script!  Now that is a way to end a work week and kick off a weekend! There are four rotating formats with different hosts, so this Happy Hour stays fresh and fun.

The Peoples Improv Theater is composed of three elements: a school that focuses on the craft of improvisation, an eclectic variety of electives, and an unparalleled professional writing program; a theater that presents original comedic shows seven nights a week; and a corporate and educational workshop program that offers team building, leadership, and business training.

So, if you’re looking for some laughs while cutting loose after a long week, check out Happy Hour at The Peoples Improv Theater.  For more information about The Peoples Improv Theater, click here.

Despite the challenging climate, we have found businesses are willing to invest in relationships with partners, suppliers and, yes, office providers, that will enhance their business, boost their productivity and put them in a position to succeed.  Our newest location in midtown Manhattan at 1140 Avenue of the Americas is a perfect example of this.  Businesses could have easily secured space in another part of town with fewer amenities and a less desirable address – especially with the amount of space available in New York.  However, when they weighed their options, our clients made a purposeful decision to secure space that meets their complete business needs – from floor plan design, to technology and from location to amenities.
As the article said, most businesses require an office at least some of the time to conduct business.  Companies just need to secure the one that best matches their needs.

Citi CEO Vikram Pandit said: “Small businesses are the engine that drives our economy and these businesses need a boost during these challenging economic times. Helping New York City’s entrepreneurs get started, grow and thrive is a big part of our commitment to strengthening the communities we serve.” New York City is home to Citi’s headquarters and has about 20,000 employees in the region.

An interesting element of the alliance is the volunteer component. Citi employees will volunteer their time and pair up with NYC Business Solutions financing account managers to provide support on loan packaging and tax-related issues for small business owners.

Small business owners still face an uphill battle but there seems to be a concerted effort by larger, multinational institutions to help prop up this import sector of the overall economy.

There has been a flurry of start-up business activity in New York City, particularly in the tech sector, let’s see if  this Citi / SBS alliance will help more small businesses get off the ground.  Stay tuned.