There’s a Posh New Basement Club in FiDi, and James Murphy Has Tried Out the Soundsystem

WeWork’s Financial District location advertises building amenities such as “fruit water”, but here’s something the co-working company hasn’t publicized yet: In the basement of the former Goldman Sachs building at 85 Broad is a new club called the Mailroom. The place was popping last night as James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem did a set under the disco balls.

The new space, from the folks behind Montauk’s Surf Lodge, has a distinctly midcentury modern vibe, with Noguchi-style lamps, tulip tables, and handsome wood paneling. In the bordello lighting, I couldn’t tell whether they were original Saarinen tables or reproductions, but with bottles going for upwards to $600, they better be originals. Amidst the refinery, there are nods to the grit of old New York, like framed skateboarding photos and posters for Andy Warhol’s Exploding Plastic Inevitable show.

The Mailroom shares space with the building’s actual mailroom, and the decor plays this up with old-school post-office boxes.

On another wall, there’s the obligatory selfie mirror.

And nearby, shuffleboard and bocce.

But here’s what everyone’s really here for: the booze.

In addition to bottle service at the pleather-type tufted banquettes, you can order $14 cocktails like a chilli [sic] margarita or a negroni with housemade coffee vermouth.

It’s uncertain what the space’s future programming will look like. Last night’s party was thrown by model Nick Hadad; downtown fixture Tommy Saleh, who does events for Surf Lodge and others; and Travis Bass, another downtown impresario who hosted parties in the old Jamulowsky bank building before going on to do downtown hotspots like Madame Wong’s. In addition to Murphy, spinners included Clara 3000, “fashion’s favorite new it-girl DJ”, who also DJed last week with another fashion-world fixture, Alix Brown.

With names like these involved, we’re guessing the Mailroom is going to give the Public hotel’s new basement spot a run for its money during Fashion Week. Good luck at the door! Or rather, the lobby.

Update, 3:15pm: We now have more details from a WeWork spokesperson, who tells us the Mailroom will serve as “a vibrant after-work and evening destination” where “you can expect performances by promising new artists and inspiring speeches from industry experts.” It’ll be open Monday through Sunday, 11am to 2am, and is operated by Jayma Cardoso of The Surf Lodge, GoldBar and Lavo New York.