New SoHo hotel [ModernHaus](http://www.modernhaushotel.com/) opened this month in downtown Manhattan. The 114-room property features an extensive modern and contemporary art collection with pieces from some of the world’s foremost names, 11,000 square feet of outdoor space, and a signature restaurant from Michelin-starred chef George Mendes—with a fully retractable glass roof that allows for al fresco dining in the warmer months and indoor dining on colder days. Located on Grand Street, the project sees the return of downtown nightlife mainstay Jimmy and its iconic rooftop and pool deck with stunning 360 degree views of lower Manhattan.
ModernHaus represents the debut of the first-ever hospitality brand from Thor Equities Group, a global leader in urban real estate development, leasing, and management. ModernHaus takes inspiration from the Bauhaus art movement of the beginning of the 20th century, focusing on clean lines, geometric harmony, and large windows. Designed to be an extension of the creative hub that is SoHo, ModernHaus breathes life back into the neighborhood after such a challenging year. _Flaunt_ sat down with Jack J. Sitt of Thor Equities to discuss the new property.
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**What was the inspiration for ModernHaus SoHo?**
ModernHaus SoHo was designed to be an extension of the neighborhood’s creative and artistic spirit. As a resident of SoHo myself, I’m proud to help lead a project that breathes new life into the community after such a long and challenging year. Every element has been created in pursuit of greater connectedness between the guests, the city, and SoHo’s heritage.
With Modernhaus, our goal was to create a social gathering point, the ‘living room’ of SoHo for New Yorkers and visitors alike. We wanted to mimic the ‘one-stop shop’ feeling of a member’s club, but keep it accessible; when you arrive, there’s so much at your fingertips—you can have lunch prepared by a Michelin-starred chef, take a meeting at our coffee bar, tan on the rooftop pool, or enjoy a wellness class on one of our outdoor terraces.
**What are the culinary offerings at ModernHaus SoHo?**
We put together a team including Michelin-starred chef George Mendes and veteran restaurateur David Rabin to introduce a convivial new restaurant called Veranda, that offers George’s take on a globally inspired American menu. The restaurant is housed in a gorgeous greenhouse-like glass enclosure with a fully retractable roof—perfect for al fresco dining, which is a rarity in this city.
On the second floor is Jumpin Jacks, a breakfast and cocktail bar. By day it offers a thoughtfully curated coffee program with pastries, lighter fare, and to-go options, and at night turns into a destination for guests to unwind with a drink. Last year, I became consumed by coffee culture—studying the science behind the beans and what makes a good cup—so Jumpin Jacks offers a rotation of unique offerings and rare auction lot beans you can’t find elsewhere in the city.
**Outdoor space is a recurring theme at ModernHaus SoHo, can you tell me more about how it's featured in the common areas?**
We have more outdoor space per room than any other hotel in downtown Manhattan, which is a valuable asset in a time where people are easing back into travel—not to mention, we’re entering the summer season in New York City. The hotel is an urban resort experience for visitors right in the middle of the city, and guests are continually surprised with the variety of outdoor space we have ready—including a full rooftop pool and deck, a restaurant & bar with a fully retractable roof, and event spaces across multiple lush terraces. You can curate your experience here as formal or informal as you’d like, whether it’s finding a quiet nook by our outdoor fireplace and relaxing, or enjoying drinks with your friends over a game of backgammon while you wait for dinner.
**Can you talk about the rooms?**
With 10 room categories, ranging from studios to standard queens to corner suites, we have something for everyone—no matter your price point, intended length of stay, or the purpose of your visit.
All of our rooms throughout the property feature large windows with stunning city views, luxe guest amenities, and an array of vibrant artwork. The hotel's crowning jewel, the Gallery Penthouse, is sure to stun guests with 1,300 square feet of open floor plan and views of the Manhattan Bridge and Freedom Tower that look straight out of a postcard.
**Can you tell me more about the return of Jimmy? Why did you keep the name and what can people expect?**
Jimmy has become such a staple of the neighborhood, and we wanted that familiarity to come back after this difficult year. With so much new going on with the hotel, it felt right to preserve a bit of SoHo’s old soul.
Guests can expect the same core layout that made David Rabin’s venue what it is today, but with a new design and refreshed energy including new artwork, furniture, and menu.
**What type of traveler will enjoy ModernHaus SoHo?**
Anyone looking for exceptional outdoor space, Michelin-star culinary talent, first-rate social offerings, and a distinct artistic perspective on SoHo’s trademark modernism. This is a one-of-a-kind neighborhood, and the hotel will stay true to that spirit.
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