The Just Right

Today was part two of our outer borough road trip, and Mom, Tom, and I trekked out to Long Island City to see the Foundry, a nineteenth century...foundry. The building actively produced metal until the mid-twentieth century, and then sat abandoned for decades. It was bought in 1982 and turned into an event space in 2001.

Tom and I really loved the space, mainly because we liked the on-site manager. (I wanted to grab drinks with her and Tom thought I should steal her haircut.) Mom, I believe, liked the space too, but had some sticker shock (really, we all did). The inside space is a bit too small for our projected guest list of 150. Either we would have to cut the guest list, or tent the back courtyard (for additional fees). Unlike the Palm House, fees are only for renting the space. Everything would need to be brought in, but two of the huge pluses to this space are the generous time allotted (twelve hours, with only one event at the site per day) and expansive on-site kitchen. The site just had this laid back, insider feel.



Doors leading out to the courtyard. Most ceremonies take place facing this direction.



One of the staircases leading up to the mezzanine catwalks. It's tough to see, but there is a beautiful fountain in one of the old forging cauldrons.



Mom and I standing where the dance floor/ceremony would be.



Tables are often set up in these alcoves, so guests can sit and watch the bravery that takes place on the dance floor. For sit-down dinners, tables and a bar can jut out from here. Also, there is a baby grand piano that lives in the Westernmost alcove (actually included in the rental fee).



View of the space in the other direction, towards the door where guests enter. Note the two catwalks (and yes, the space is handicapped accessible with the appropriate bathrooms, just the catwalks cannot be reached).