Market Masters UrbanSpace Getting Close to Opening First Brick and Mortar Spot

Construction workers are starting to put the finishing touches on UrbanSpace's first NYC brick and mortar project, UrbanSpace Vanderbilt — a 12,000-square-foot food hall in the landmarked Helmsley Building just outside of Grand Central. There are plans for more than 20 vendors, a whole lot of communal seating, and a mezzanine area, says UrbanSpace president Eldon Scott.

You might recognize some of the vendors from the popular street markets (Broadway Bites, Mad. Sq. Eats., etc.) the team runs like Amali, Red Hook Lobster Pound, and La Palapa Tacos. The newest additions to Vanderbilt's roster include Daniel Delaney's much anticipated fried chicken concept, an outpost of Ditmas Park hummus destination Mimi's, gelato experts A.B. Biagi, Sigmund's Pretzels, and Mexican/Japanese mashup concept Takumi Taco. As for that rumored Roberta's outpost, it's still a possibility, but nothing is definite yet, says Eldon.

There will also be several rotating booths, which will host local chefs and out of towners for shorter stints. To kick that off, No. 7 man and double-decker broccoli taco evangelizer Tyler Kord will test out No. 7 Veggie, his all vegetable sandwich concept where he'll serve veggie burgers, and yes, those tacos.

The market will be open throughout the day, starting with coffee from places like Toby's Estate in the morning and staying open through happy hour (several of the booths will sell booze) and dinner. The team is keeping the timeline fairly open — because of pending permits/licenses/approvals — saying the market will open this summer.