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When Lord & Taylor closed up shop at its historic midtown Manhattan building at 424 Fifth Avenue in 2018, the masses mourned. Although the fashion giant is not, unfortunately, making a comeback, the landmark building will soon become the site of a massive new food fall and entertainment destination celebrating all things New York and honoring the legacy of Lord & Taylor itself.
Shaver Hall, as the new 35,000-square-destination is called, is scheduled to debut by the end of the year, according to Sean Dillon, part of the strategic development team at Shaver Hall.
"This project has been in the works for over three years," said Randy DeWitt, co-founder of The Food Hall Co., in an official statement. "We see Shaver Hall as a chance to reimagine the food hall experience in midtown—creating a space built for connection, community and culinary discovery, with the freedom to spotlight emerging chefs and the latest food trends."
To achieve that goal, the team will be operating 11 curated food stalls, a central bar, two anchor restaurants (a steakhouse and a wine and cheese bar), a 12-seat omakase eatery and a modern bodega.
"It will be a New York style bodega selling traditional items like grab-and-go snacks," Dillon tells Time Out New York. "There will also be a nice coffee program."
Among the confirmed stalls are Brooklyn's F&F Pizzeria, Korean inspired chicken purveyor Chick Chick, Taqueria Al Pastor, ZaZu, Tonchinette by Tonchin and Pasta Sole, known for its viral parm wheel pasta dish. Clearly, the culinary lineup is meant to honor the city it calls home.
Dillon tells Time Out New York that the omakase experience will come courtesy of chef B.K. Park from Chicago, who has been awarded a Michelin star for his work at Chicago's Mako restaurant.
Also on deck? A "pour-my-beer wall:" basically, a self-service tap system for all sorts of ales varieties.
What will likely differentiate Shaver Hall from the many other food halls currently operating around the city, though, is the concert stage that will be built in the middle of the space.
Although no official acts have yet been signed, Dillon is quick to note that the future lineup will be "dialed into the New York-centric music scene as much as possible." The team hopes to partner with locals to help out with the programming, which will potentially include non-music-related activations as well—think fashion shows, comedy nights and more.
"We're going to offer a music and entertainment program seven days a week," says Dillon.
The building, which also houses Amazon offices, is clearly a historical address—and so is the project's name.
"Shaver Hall is named after Dorothy Shaver," explains Dillon. "She was actually the first President of Lord & Taylor and one of the first female CEO executives in the world."
According to Dillon, Shaver was responsible for the very concept of department stores, shaping the destinations into what they are today.
"She also brought in food and beverage options, a unique idea at the time," he says. "She opened a cafe, which was unheard of, and focused on American designers. She's our muse. A trailblazer. Who better to inspire us?"