In the heart of the Meatpacking District, particularly at the intersection of Ninth Avenue and Gansevoort Street, a unique atmosphere is evolving, especially with the presence of luxury fashion brands.
The latest addition to this upscale scene is the Italian brand Moorer, set to open its first store in the U.S. just in time for the holiday season. Situated at 73 Gansevoort Street and near the Whitney Museum, this space covers 3,400 square feet and was formerly occupied by the restaurant Lapeco Rabianca.
Though specifics on the rental price were not disclosed by Thomas Citron from Colliers, reports from the New York Real Estate Board indicate that surrounding spaces are going for approximately $550 per square foot.
Described as a blend of “grit and glam” by local business improvement districts, the area still holds onto much of its rugged charm. As noted in earlier reports, the remaining meatpacking businesses are gradually winding down.
The district is already home to high-profile brands like Gucci, Hermes, Loro Piana, Bottega Veneta, and Diane von Furstenberg, with Baccarat planning to join them soon.
Moorer, based in Verona, focuses on luxury outerwear and apparel crafted in Italy. The brand already has a presence in Europe and Japan, making its New York debut significant for its U.S. expansion efforts. Interestingly, the name “Moorer” was inspired by its founder, Moreno Faksinkani.
Citron acknowledged the efforts of Romanoff, the landlord and key developer in the meatpacking area, for facilitating the agreement. It’s noteworthy that this site falls within a historic district, and Romanoff successfully navigated the approvals process with the Landmark Preservation Committee.
However, Citron also mentioned, “I don’t think we’ve fully arrived there yet.” Romanoff was represented by Michael O’Neill from Cushman and Wakefield.
Various factors contribute to the ongoing appeal of the Meatpacking District. While some rental transactions recently reported prices near $500 per square foot, it’s worth noting that overall rates are lower than in SoHo, averaging between $195 and $257 during the first half of 2025, compared to SoHo’s $621 per square foot, which largely reflects tourist activity.
In contrast to SoHo, the Meatpacking District still has a considerable amount of retail space available, particularly along Washington and 14th Avenue.
“Rents are somewhat more reasonable than in SoHo, and I think the area retains a kind of authenticity due to its industrial past,” Citron remarked. He pointed out that attractions like the Whitney Museum and the High Line serve as significant draws, adding that the district offers more options for food, drinks, and nightlife than SoHo.
Another appealing aspect is the close proximity to the West Village and West Chelsea, according to Citron.
He also highlighted the distinctive qualities of the former industrial buildings on the cobblestone streets, remarking that they possess unique features like high ceilings and structural pillars.
James Famararo, president of Meridian Retail Lease, added that the area’s flagship retail spaces are interconnected through narrative as much as they are through sales.
However, he cautioned, “When prices exceed $500 per square foot, there’s very little margin for error, especially when you factor in build-out costs, insurance, and taxes.”
