2014, you were great. But this is New York City. Onward and upward, both in rent and spirit. Behold, our 9 Reasons to Be Optimistic in 2015. Get pumped.
9. Food, by Ralph Lauren
In 2015, Mission Chinese finally returns, two Keith McNally vets land at the Hotel Chelsea, and Ralph fucking Lauren debuts a restaurant. A very, very handsome restaurant.
8. Queens (Seriously) Becomes Cool
Lonely Planet declared Queens the best U.S. travel destination for 2015. The good stuff: curio-rich bars in Ridgewood, epic ramen in LIC and the Rockaways. Looking to take your lady on a dining adventure? This is the borough.
7. Spa Castle Comes to Manhattan
Spa Castle has finally opened an opulent palace of hydrotherapy in Midtown to rival their College Point facility. Inside: saunas (All-gold sauna?!), a futuristic water lounge, and come spring, rooftop pool views.
6. You’ll Buy All-Custom Everything
In 2014, Acustom Apparel used 3D tech to churn out everything from suits to denim. This year, Left Shoe Company will do the same for your dogs, and at Lululemon’s new men’s shop they’ll be doing custom gym shorts. Yes, gym shorts.
5. We Just Might Legalize Weed
A long shot, but: New York passed The Compassionate Care Act in June legalizing marijuana for certain medical uses. And NY Senator Liz Krueger is pushing hard for recreational use legislation. So we may just be getting closer to a more irie NYC.
4. New Sports Teams Galore
Hockey. In Brooklyn. And they ain’t half bad. In addition to NHL action at Barclays, we’ll be treated to footie at Yankee Stadium with the 2015 debut of New York City FC. Pro tip: keep an eye on forward David Villa, Spain’s all-time top scorer.
3. Ian Schrager Comes Home
It’s been 12 years since hotel kingpin Schrager debuted an NYC project. Coming in 2015: his collab with Marriott at Madison Square Park’s iconic Clock Tower, plus the development of his 215 Chrystie condo project ($4,000 a square foot, bub).
2. Brand New Whitney on the High Line
After a final gala November 19th, the Whitney shut the doors on its famed 75th St. digs in preparation for a move to a gorgeous 60,000+ square-foot facility situated between the High Line and Hudson River off Gansevoort. Opens May 1st.
1. Cuba!
In case you hadn’t heard, we’re kissing and making up with Cuba. And while the floodgates are still a ways from being fully open, relaxed travel restrictions means New Yorkers are in prime position for quick jaunts to La Havana.
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