CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: The Gallery; The skyboxes, The Ballroom.
WHAT DO YOU GET WHEN the king of the Miami club scene, Eric Milon, joins forces with the godfather of New York City nightlife, Mark Baker? Roughly 23,320 square feet of pure hedonistic heaven, aka Mansion.
Formerly the site of Crobar, Mansion was designed by François Frossard, who was enlisted by Baker and Milon to create a totally unique atmosphere comprised of five themed areas and the best sound system in the city. “Our job,” Baker says, “was to create a luxurious space that was still fun and allowed us to have shows and performances and really get back to the very basics of what New York nightlife is all about.”
THE GALLERY
After passing though the foyer, where a 20-footlong fireplace along both walls sets this venue apart from the moment you enter its double oak doors, you walk upstairs to the Gallery on your way to the coat check. “The Gallery, on a monthly basis, has exhibitions from up-andcoming and established New York artists,” Baker notes. “We want the club to be a culture center of not just nightlife, but nightlife and art and literature. The works in the Gallery are for sale, and we do openings and art exhibits on a regular basis.”
THE STUDY
Next, guests have the option of going downstairs to either the Ballroom or the Study, depending on their musical tastes. “The Study is smaller, more intimate, predominantly playing ambient or R&B or hip-hop. It has a snooker table and club chairs. There are tables and booths scattered around the fireplace and along the wall. But it’s a much different feel; you can find people easier in the Study,” says Baker with a laugh.
THE BALLROOM
From the Study, guests walk into the Ballroom, where “there are a number of areas that you can hang in, or just walk between,” Baker explains. “You have the granite cross in the middle that serves as the epicenter of the room. We have no dance floor—we call it ‘dance where you are.’ People can get up on the back of the booths and banquettes and dance, but this is specifically in the middle because it allows us to do our fashion shows, have dancers and performers and aerialists swinging from the 35-foot ceilings.”
THE LIBRARY
Back on the second floor, Baker takes us through the PowerHouse Books Library, which overlooks the Ballroom. “The PowerHouse Library has cool literature, you know, but it doesn’t have to be stoic. We call it the PowerHouse Library because PowerHouse Books in Brooklyn is one of the coolest publishers in New York. The books are mostly photo books but we also have literature, and we have regular book launches and readings there.”
THE SKYBOXES
From the Library, Baker presses on to the upstairs area known as the Skyboxes. Although an effort is made to avoid reserving the entire area for VIPs, the Skyboxes are perfectly suited for private parties. “The Skyboxes are completely self-contained,” Baker says. “You have your own waitress, fridge, your own bathrooms—you’re completely self-contained, and you can pull the curtains and have your own party and look down on the Ballroom while you’re doing it. It’s perfect for people who want to see but not be seen.”
