In the heart of Midtown Manhattan, a new chapter is being written in the storied history of Rockefeller Center. Pebble Bar, situated on West 49th Street in New York, NY, is not just another addition to the city’s vibrant bar scene; it’s a carefully curated experience that blends the iconic Art Deco elegance of its location with a fresh, contemporary energy. This establishment, conceived by visionaries with a knack for creating memorable spaces, is rapidly becoming a sought-after destination for both New Yorkers and visitors alike.
Pebble Bar’s allure is significantly boosted by its founders’ talent for creating buzz and attracting a dedicated following, including notable celebrity clientele. This profile caught the attention of Tishman Speyer, the real estate giant managing Rockefeller Center, who are actively reimagining the complex to feature unique, bespoke experiences rather than commonplace chain stores. In 2019, Tishman Speyer approached Mr. Kliegman with an enticing proposition: to breathe new life into the former Hurley’s space with a novel bar concept. At that time, while a Magnolia Bakery still graced the ground floor, the upper levels primarily served as office spaces.
EB Kelly, a managing director at Tishman Speyer, described this initiative as a “re-imagination of the Center,” highlighting Pebble Bar as a prime example. She noted, “The Pebble Bar team is a wonderful example of this. Their design sensibility calls back to Rock Center’s iconic Art Deco aesthetic, while bringing a new and vibrant energy.” This vision perfectly encapsulates the goal of revitalizing Rockefeller Center while respecting its historical significance.
For Mr. Quirarte, Midtown Manhattan embodies the quintessential big city atmosphere, characterized by towering skyscrapers, bustling TV studios, and the dazzling lights of Radio City Music Hall. He articulated the area’s magnetic appeal: “There’s that feeling up there of, ‘I’m in New York, I’m going to hail a cab!’” However, he also acknowledged a previous perception of the area as somewhat dated and staid. Pebble Bar aims to dispel this notion, injecting a modern vibrancy into this iconic New York locale.
The location itself carries a rich history. Hurley’s, the predecessor to Pebble Bar, traced its roots back to the 1890s, representing a bygone era of lively, convivial gathering spots. It cemented its place in New York City lore during the development of Rockefeller Center in the 1930s. Famously, the proprietors of Hurley’s famously resisted vacating their long-term lease, leading to the remarkable architectural decision to build the entire Art Deco complex around the townhouse that housed the bar. A legendary photograph captures this moment in time, showing a construction site with a gaping hole in the ground, within which Hurley’s stood defiantly alone, a testament to its enduring legacy. Pebble Bar now occupies this historically significant space, carrying forward the tradition of Hurley’s while forging its own identity as a modern New York City landmark at West 49th Street.
