In the bustling heart of Manhattan, where dreams reach skyscraper heights, a lavish 60,000-square-foot sanctuary is about to unfold its doors to the city’s crème de la crème. Get ready for the ultimate insider’s tour of Core Club, the newest gem in the crown of elite membership havens, where the key to entry comes with a hefty $100,000 membership fee.
The Rise of the Megaclub Phenomenon
Picture this: a four-story haven above Midtown, a glitzy citadel where privacy meets prestige. Core Club is the latest addition to a burgeoning trend of exclusive membership clubs that have mushroomed across major cities since the pandemic reshaped our lives.
From the chic Casa Cipriani and the suave Zero Bond in New York to the west coast allure of Aster and Heimat in Los Angeles and the pulsating vibe of ZZ’s Club in Miami – these clubs have rewritten the narrative of old-world exclusivity, catering to the privacy cravings of today’s jet-setting elite.
- More than a dozen new clubs have sprouted in Manhattan since 2020, from offshoots of luxury hotel brands to expansions of famed hotspots.
- An arms race of amenities is in full swing, with clubs flaunting celebrity chefs, wellness spas, high-tech boardrooms, and even “culinary concierges” ready to whip up any dish members desire.
The Cost of the Key: A Look Inside the Membership Fees
The price for the golden ticket is soaring into the stratosphere. The Aman Club in Manhattan demands a whopping $200,000 for membership, plus an additional $15,000 annually in dues.
Core Club, not far behind, offers memberships ranging from $15,000 for individuals to a jaw-dropping $100,000 for families, coupled with annual dues ranging from $15,000 to $18,000. With a cascade of new clubs slated to open, some are left wondering if New York is on the brink of a club-induced recession.
- Concerns arise about oversaturation, but club owners and managers remain optimistic about the insatiable demand for exclusive spaces.
The Evolution: From Clubs to Cultural Hubs
As the club scene burgeons, industry experts predict a shift towards the London model of social clubs, where institutions like Annabel’s and Soho House play pivotal roles in the lives of the upper crust. Core Club’s founder and CEO, Jennie Enterprise, notes a post-pandemic shift in priorities, emphasizing the value the wealthy now place on privacy and a sense of community.
- The proliferation of private clubs reflects a desire for curated communities and experiences.
- Discretion and private communities align with the cultural moment, where privacy is a coveted commodity in the age of social media.
Beyond the Velvet Ropes: Inside Core Club’s Opulent Oasis
Fasten your seatbelts for an exclusive tour of Core Club’s sprawling new abode at 711 Fifth Avenue, set to unveil in mid-October. Nestled on the 15th to 18th floors, this haven boasts over 6,000 square feet of outdoor terrace space, offering panoramic views of Central Park and the iconic Midtown skyline.
- The 15th floor is a luxury haven with 11 opulent hotel suites, a spa, and a salon, providing an indulgent escape for members and their guests.
- The 16th floor houses a state-of-the-art gym, a juice bar, and the Dangene Institute, showcasing cutting-edge anti-aging skincare technology.
- On the 17th floor, a speakeasy-style lounge, a glass wine and champagne vault (the wine library), and a culinary lab await members’ exploration.
- The 18th floor hosts high-tech conference rooms, a screening room, and a flexible events space for exhibits, parties, and gatherings.
Beyond Spaces: Core Club’s Unique Draw
What sets Core Club apart isn’t just its luxurious spaces and amenities; it’s the vibrant community and the fountain of ideas bubbling within. Hosting 150 to 200 cultural events annually, Core Club transcends the ordinary, curating experiences from performances, exhibits, and talks to tastings, interviews, and showcases.
- Core is ideas-led, not amenities-led, defining itself by the quality of its curated events and the diverse community it attracts.
- Membership isn’t about a single requirement; it’s about interesting, curious individuals who contribute to the tapestry of the community.
The Guestlist: A Glimpse Into the Exclusive Circle
While Core Club keeps its membership under wraps, past media reports have hinted at a star-studded lineup, including names like Blackstone CEO Stephen Schwarzman, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, fashion designer Tory Burch, Vornado CEO Steven Roth, and Estee Lauder Executive Chairman William Lauder.
With its new, larger location ready to accommodate even more members, Core Club is now welcoming and reviewing applications from those who embody curiosity and add vibrancy to this exclusive community.
As the Manhattan skyline continues to evolve, so does the landscape of its private clubs, each vying to be the crown jewel in the city’s glittering social scene. Welcome to Core Club – where luxury meets ideas, and the city’s elite find their haven amidst the concrete jungle.