Of all the restaurants and bistros in the Meatpacking district that pioneered chic and posh culture, few came close to that of Florent’s diner. Located at 69 Gansevoort Street, the restaurant opened in 1985 and has been a staple of of the neighborhood for over two decades. Due to rent increases, however, it is running the risk of being closed.
Florent Morellet has owned and operated the trendy eatery since its conception in the mid 80’s. He may have to shut down unless he strikes a deal with the landlord, Joanne Lucas. Unfortunately, there are no laws permitting commercial rent control. Ms. Lucas plans on raising the rent from the original $6,080 to a whopping $43,000. According to her lawyer, there is $24,074 in unpaid rent whereas Morellet’s attorney states that he has in fact overpaid taxes connected to the property by as much as $27,000.
Ms. Lucas’s ability to adjust the property’s rent at a whim highlights the double edged sword that exists with commercial development in the Meatpacking District. There are a variety of establishments in the area that have grown from pre-mature beginnings during the early to mid 90s into thriving businesses.
Restaurants like Florent’s must battle with landlords given the demand for space in the district. Offers from higher paying corporate conglomerates cancel out those of small businesses that give character and identity to a neighborhood. He states that, “It would be a mistake to open another Florent because everyone would compare it to this one. Florent began organically from the space itself – you can’t recreate that.”
love this article. the rise in commercial rent is unbelievable and i bet not too many are aware of it. this would be a great piece to continue.