David Martin, General Manager, hosted an official re-opening of the Faculty House of Columbia University, an affair that included tours of the meeting space, a jazz band and a wide selection of food & drink. Approximately 200 people attended the event, mainly meeting and event planners and media. "It’s exciting to bring this new environment in a classic university setting back to the city," said Martin.
While the current business climate in the city may not inspire an overly optimistic point of 
view, Martin is convinced this unique venue will offer meeting planners price, service and a distinctive and productive event setting. "There was probably a 40-percent dip in the corporate meetings market, especially in finance and banking industry. But we have found that our facility is flexible. We are finding a strong niche with smaller gatherings. So, we are able to compete more on price. We are probably booking smaller gatherings, but a lot of them, so it balances out. But the meetings and events now being planned tend to be smaller and cost is more of an issue. We are more responsive to those requirements."
Martin pointed out that with so many companies still based in New York—as well as associations who either are based or maintain a strong presence—the conference center has more potential. "Planners are conservative," he said. "We’re an alternative to the typical hotel meeting setting and fit well into a budget. More meetings are being held in the city to save on travel and other expenses."
"It’s all about money," said Brittani Gural, Sales Manager, of the Glazier Group, a New York-based Event and 
Restaurant management company. "In the New York market of today, price is more important than location. This is a wonderful space and they appear to be able to deliver a quality event at competitive price points."
The conference center is more than 50 city blocks from what is generally referred to as "Midtown" Manhattan, where a cluster of large scale meeting hotels are located. However, the location—the upper west side—and the University setting may add to its appeal. "This area of Manhattan needs a meeting facility, and planners are looking for different parts of the city to hold meetings and events," said Bridget Stein, Associate Director of Special Events, Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation. "The University setting is also a big draw for certain meetings."
In addition, Martin pointed out that via subway, it’s less than 20 minutes from Midtown. There are also several hotels within a 12 block radius. "The location is actually a plus," he added. "People want to get out of Midtown and see other parts of the city."
The "Re-opening" party began on the Sky Line level on the 4th Floor, which features a large event area adjacent to outdoor terrace with a stunning view of uptown right out of an 
early Woody Allen movie. The hors d’oeuvres included a full selection of chicken, pates and shrimp, oysters and mussels, all high quality food items. There were also some unique offerings distinctive to the conference center, such as smoked duck on a thin, tiny potato pancake. A lively jazz band completed comfortable, upscale, classic New York atmosphere of a well-lighted space with walls tastefully adorned with sophisticated art-work. The party proceeded to the Presidential Level (3rd floor) which is divisible into three salons where the attendees were treated to an ice sculpture of a martini glass at a beverage station, a carving table with sirloin, rack of lamb, and tuna, mushroom and lobster ravioli and a desert table featuring a full selection of pastry, ice cream, sorbet and tiramisu.
"The food service and selection here are excellent," said Stein. "The view of Manhattan is breath-taking. Manhattan views are at a premium in the available meeting spaces. That combination makes the Faculty House of Columbia 
University very competitive and very appealing."
On the Presidential Level, members of the Faculty House of Columbia University team welcomed the attendees to the re-opening event personally. "I want to welcome old and new friends here," said Nadia Donato, Assistant Director of Catering & Events. "We will work to make your event a success and offer one of most diverse menus in the city."
At the helm of the food & beverage kitchen is Executive Chef John Santiago, who boasts 
more than 20 years experience in New York culinary circles. "We have a full compliment of high-end equipment and kitchens on three of the four floors," said Santiago. "It’s all brand new and it is gorgeous."
"John is phenomenal talent," said Martin. "He and his team are able to provide incredible cuisine, including dishes from around the world."
The Faculty House of Columbia University was originally built in the 1920s, a classic red brick and limestone building. The renovation, undertaken by Manhattan-based Bogdanow Partners Architects, PC, restored to the exterior to its Jazz-age glory while 
transforming the interiors into a contemporary meeting environment, with wide open spaces, natural lighting and the latest in meeting and seminar technology. The renovation complied to standards set by the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) program. Nearly 75 percent of materials from the original structure were refurbished, re-purposed, recycled or donated during the renovation project.
"It’s exciting," said Martin of the re-opening. "The business is demanding, but we are offering a unique setting, great food and a great venue. Our strength will be our flexibility, which means we are more responsive than other venues in the city."
