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The Fashion Center Business Improvement District, a not-for-profit corporation, was established in 1993 to promote New York City's apparel industry and to improve the quality of life and economic vitality of Manhattan's garment district. Through programs in the areas of streetscape improvements, sanitation and security services, marketing and promotions, economic development, and community service, efforts are aimed at promoting the district as a strategic midtown business location and ensuring New York's position as the fashion capital of the world.
Funded by the district's 450 property owners and over 5,000 businesses, The Fashion Center draws upon the talents of business, civic and government leaders to make the neighborhood clean and safe while strengthening local businesses.
To increase the frequency and duration of business visits to The Fashion Center district, the BID implements programs to improve the district's appearance and safety, including:
- The Fashion Walk of Fame celebrates the fashion designers who established New York City as a world fashion capital. Commemorative plaques honoring current and historical designers are installed along the sidewalks of Seventh Avenue to give the district a historical reference point and to provide a tourist attraction.
- Fashion Center banners bearing the "button" logo are installed on district lampposts to increase unity and pride within the community and enhance the neighborhood's visual appearance.
- Streetscape elements such as decorative avenue lampposts, informative streetscape pylons, uniform building address plaques, and new trash receptacles increase the aesthetic appeal and functionality of the district.
- Innovative side street lighting provides an increased sense of well-being in the evenings as well as an added measure of security.
- A Summer Garden with decorative plantings and cafe chairs was created to give both business tenants and visitors a place to give pause.
Public safety is improved by a team of uniformed guards patrolling the streets seven days a week. The Fashion Center works closely with the New York City Police Department and related agencies to target areas of concern. Building management and businesses are provided with special safety bulletins and programs to improve their security.
Uniformed sanitation workers keep the district clean seven days a week by removing street litter in coordination with building management, businesses and the New York City Department of Sanitation. Specialized services include graffiti removal, street furniture painting and steam-cleaning of sidewalks.
Through special events, marketing programs, information services and advertising opportunities, The Fashion Center increases the district's visibility with the public and with apparel buyers nationally and internationally. Activities include:
- The Fashion Center Information Kiosk, located at the corner of Seventh Avenue and 39th Street, serves as a vital source of business-to-business information for the apparel industry, locally, nationally and internationally.
- www.fashioncenter.com is an interactive and informative website on the New York fashion industry.
- Publications which make the district more user-friendly include buyers guides, maps, and the Fashion Center Newsletter for keeping district property owners and tenants abreast of recent and upcoming activities.
Strengthening the economic base of the district remains one of The Fashion Center's primary goals. A comprehensive Economic Profile is published each year tracking trends in district employment and real estate. Annual tenant surveys keep the organization informed about issues affecting local business.
To address the needs of companies interested in exporting, The Fashion Center initiated New York Fashion International, a cooperative effort with Fashion Exports/New York and the U.S. Department of Commerce. This program assists businesses in exploring foreign markets and developing export strategies, while promoting the New York design market internationally. Publications include The Export Guide, The Export Directory and the multi-lingual International Buyers Guide.
To increase the competitiveness of local companies, the Fashion Center also participates in numerous business seminars. Working with partners such as the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Fashion Institute of Technology, specialized business-building programs and events are held for district constituents.
The Fashion Center has taken a series of steps to address the issues of homelessness and substance abuse in the district. Foremost in this area is an outreach effort with the Partnership for the Homeless intended to wean individuals from "street life" by directing them to programs that address their particular needs.
For more information please contact:
The Fashion Center BID
209 West 38th Street,
New York, NY 10018
phone: 212.764.9600 fax: 212.764.9697
website: www.fashioncenter.com
The Fashion Center Information Kiosk
Seventh Avenue @ 39th Street,
New York City
phone: 212.398.7943 fax: 212.398.7945
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