James Mettham: Sharing an insider’s view of the neighborhood
NOMAD Magazine recently caught up with James Mettham, President of the Flatiron NoMad Partnership, to get his take on the best live, work, play, shop, dine, stay aspects of the neighborhood.
NM: Tell us about your job at the BID?
JM: The Flatiron NoMad Partnership is one of NYC’s 76 Business Improvement Districts (BIDs). I’m a proud and inspired urban space manager and practitioner serving the businesses, people, and places that help make this district one of Manhattan’s most iconic and authentic destinations.
NM: How long have you worked in the area?
JM: I’ve worked in NoMad for nearly 6 years and each day, I look forward to taking the “Silicon Subway Line” (aka the F-train) from my home in Carrol Gardens, Brooklyn directly to Flatiron and NoMad.
NM: What are the most exciting parts of your job?JM: Getting to champion and enhance NYC’s best and brightest neighborhood alongside NYC’s best and brightest coworkers, businesses, residents, and stakeholders.
NM: Why is the BID a critical part of this vibrant neighborhood?
JM: Since our founding in 2006, our public-private partnership has helped transform the bustling and diverse neighborhood we represent into a vibrant and shared place for residents, commuters, visitors, and an ever-growing business network. BIDs are community based not-for-profits that create thriving, clean, and safe districts. We deliver services and improvements above and beyond those typically provided by the City. These services include:
- Street, sidewalk, and plaza cleaning and maintenance
- Public safety and hospitality
- Districtwide marketing, events, and business promotions
- Public space management and activations
- Streetscape beautification
- Capital improvements
- Business support
- Advocacy and economic development research
NM: What’s your favorite coffee shop or lunch spot in Flatiron/NoMad?
JM: When I’m in the neighborhood, I love stopping by Patent Coffee. It’s tucked inside the historic Radio Wave Building, where Nikola Tesla used to live, and they make a fantastic cup of coffee. My insider tip? Check it out at night when it transforms into the speakeasy bar Patent Pending, with cocktails as good as their coffee. For lunch, I often head to Lupetto on the NoMad Piazza. It’s one of the places along the newly transformed Broadway, which is now more pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly, making the experience feel so much more like a true city escape.
NM: Do you have a favorite spot for after-work drinks? What makes it stand out to you?
JM: Nubeluz at The Ritz-Carlton NoMad has to be one of my favorites. The view from the 50th floor feels like you’re floating above the city, with floor- to-ceiling windows that make it feel truly special. As an urban planning enthusiast, I enjoy seeing the cityscape from up there. If there’s a big Mets game on, though, you’ll probably find me at Grey Bar, catching all the action.
NM: Which restaurant do you consider a hidden gem in the Flatiron/NoMad neighborhood?
JM: It’s tough to pick just one, especially with all the new restaurants popping up around Flatiron and NoMad. But a spot I’m really into lately is Lola’s. It’s a mix of pan-Asian and Southern cuisine, led by Chef Suzanne Cupps, who’s known for her work at Gramercy Tavern. They bring unique, creative twists to the menu, which makes it a fun, unexpected find in the area.
NM: Where is your favorite place to buy flowers?
JM: The historic Flower District in NoMad has so many family-owned florists. For same-day arrangements, I usually head to Superior Florists on Sixth Avenue; they have a beautiful selection, perfect for any occasion.
NM: What are your favorite shops or boutiques to visit in the neighborhood, whether it’s for fashion, gifts, or something unique?
JM: For gifts or just a little something different, MAISON 10 is a favorite. They have a unique, ever- changing selection that you can’t find anywhere else. And I can’t resist Rizzoli Bookstore — just walking into that beautiful space feels like an experience, and I rarely leave without a new book.
NM: Are there any local parks or outdoor spaces you enjoy for a break or inspiration during the workday?
JM: I draw so much creative inspiration from the re-imagination of Broadway as a model people- first corridor that weaves Flatiron and NoMad together through a variety of shared/slow streets, parks, squares, plazas and piazzas. For moment of respite, I think there’s nothing better than collecting one’s thoughts on the stoop of Theodore Roosevelt’s childhood brownstone on East 20th Street. It’s a registered National Historic Site.
NM: Is there a particular building, street, or view in the neighborhood that you find especially inspiring?
JM: West 28th Street. This is a quintessential New York City street in the heart of NoMad. Within two blocks you can experience the flourishes of the Floral District, the landmarked history of Tin Pan Alley, and an eclectic mix of bustling wholesale businesses alongside some of the city’s best dining and nightlife establishments. There is also a collection of extravagant hospitality experiences at the Ritz-Carlton New York NoMad, the Ned NoMad, and the Fifth Avenue Hotel.
It’s capped off with an unimpeded framed view of the Empire State Building between Broadway and Fifth Avenue.
NM: What cultural or arts spots, like galleries or museums, do you like to visit in the area when you have time?
JM: Flatiron and NoMad are filled with arts and culture spots! Poster House, the only U.S. museum dedicated to the art of the poster, is one of my go-tos — they currently have a Nike exhibition that’s definitely worth seeing. MoMath, the Museum of Mathematics, is another favorite for me and my two kiddos. They make math interactive and fun for the entire family.
NM: Favorite classes, activities in the area?
JM: You can’t talk about the neighborhood without mentioning Madison Square Park — it’s a green oasis in the city and Manhattan’s only arboretum. I’m also a fan of Electric Shuffle, where you can play shuffleboard with a twist; they keep score and even have instant replays for high scores. And if you’re looking to pick up a new skill, Eataly offers fantastic cooking classes — try the mozzarella-making class if you get the chance.
NM: If you had to describe the Flatiron/NoMad neighborhood in three words, what would they be and why?
JM: Describing the neighborhood in just three words is hard. But I’d say “inspiring,” because it’s such a vibrant example of a pedestrian-focused, mixed-use district. “Iconic,” because of the many historic landmarks that attract so many visitors and locals alike. And finally, “vibrant,” because it’s a place people want to come back to, time and again.