Unique Loft in Long Island City

Dating from 1909, the Metropolitan Building was first an electrical parts factory. Seventy years later it was long vacant and in a sad state of disrepair. In 1980, Eleanor Ambos, who had a successful antique furniture rental business in Manhattan, undertook a daunting restoration project, and today the Metropolitan Building is one cool venue: for parties, weddings, and film and photography shoots. Up to 300 people can be invited for an elegant dinner, and plenty more for a party. There are antique couches, cozy armchairs and some pin lighting. Think shabby, shabby chic. Special features of the Metropolitan Building are its huge windows with wrap-around views, exposed brick walls, wood floors, and prop rental services.

Last weekend I spent time coordinating an event there and fell in love with Queens. Oh, did I mention it's in Long Island City? Anyway, this might not be the place for you if you're not an artist, director, writer, bohemian or if you're not terribly outre.

The warehouse elevator doors open to the space. Prop furniture from the floor below.
There's even a grand piano.

I giant copper tub filled with Peroni, I've seen it filled with water and rose petals for a slightly different look.

Wedding Librarians Roey and Mariane setting placecards on an antique sideboard.

The simplest of dining banquet tables looked so right.

The stickly quince was quite sculptural, don't you think?

Lots of furniture got moved, but not this lady.

Bird cages from the prop house became impromptu decor.