Acquainted: An Interview With Olivier Lordonnois
Acquainted is a three-part series featuring conversations with downtown entrepreneurs based out of Spring Place, Tribeca.
We recently caught up with the irrefutably dapper Olivier Lordonnois, CEO of Spring Place—the workspace and private membership club in Tribeca that attracts some of the city’s most inspiring and progressive creative minds—to talk about everything from how he spends the first and last hours of his workday to the Tribeca culinary scene and more.
Where did you grow up?
Olivier Lordonnois: I grew up in the Bastille neighborhood of Paris, France.
What motivated the move to New York?
OL: An amazing professional challenge presented itself. When I was offered the opportunity to take over the Management of The Mark Hotel, I couldn’t refuse.
Where is home for you in New York?
OL: Tribeca. When I first moved to New York, I lived on the Upper East Side. I loved it but was eager to experience another neighborhood. My wife was keen on Tribeca, and I don’t regret it. I love the architecture, the proximity to the river and the culinary scene. We’ve lived here for almost eight years now.
For those who haven’t had the opportunity to spend time at Spring Place, how would you describe the goings-on and general vibe at the New York location?
OL: I am no stranger to private clubs, and the sheer vibrancy that Spring Place radiates—there’s no other coworking and private membership club that comes close. The energy is incredible—the mix of creative culture that Spring Place both attracts and curates is something I’m thrilled to be a part of every day. Such an inspiring mix of minds, events, and culture throughout.
What do the first and last hours of your day at Spring Place usually look like?
OL: I usually begin my day with a tour of the restaurant. I like to say hello to everyone and make sure the day is off and running. If there are any special events or member programming happening that day, I like to make sure we’ve made the appropriate adjustments and that the day will run seamlessly. My evening usually ends there, too.
Can you tell us your favorite downtown spots to…
Eat amazing sushi?
OL: Sushi of Gari on West Broadway. It’s one of the best and most well-curated Omakase sushi in the city.
Go for dinner?
OL: Locanda Verde in The Greenwich Hotel.
Take a stroll?
OL: North Cove Marina in Battery Park City with my wife and daughter… and our dogs!
Go for a drink?
OL: During the winter months, I like the coziness of Tiny’s restaurant on West Broadway. Come Springtime, Grand Banks on Pier 25 is the place to be. And since I end my days at Spring Place, our restaurant-bar is my go-to for enjoying an after-work Black Russian cocktail. Sleek design meets culled eclecticism thanks to our membership of creative professionals. It’s a choice haunt for relaxed but fascinating conversations. I also enjoy Smith & Mills on North Moore [for an after-work drink]. It’s a converted carriage house that’s quite literally a hole in the wall. It’s intimate, authentic, and well designed.
Shop for a new suit?
OL: I typically reserve suit shopping for when I’m in London. Anglo-Italian in Marylebone is a favorite. But I am also a fan of Sartoria Vanni 1818 on the Upper East Side.
Have brunch on a Sunday?
OL: Perry St. by Cédric Vongerichten.
Enjoy a quiet moment?
OL: A nice bike ride along the Hudson River is a much appreciated and refreshing moment of reprieve from the day-to-day grind.
Eat a French meal?
OL: Frenchette on West Broadway. It’s pretty close to the flavors that I left behind.
PHOTOGRAPHY Sally Griffiths
