Christine and Patrick Hall share their thoughts on building their business in Tribeca, the neighborhood’s evolution, and what it takes for small businesses to have a stronger voice in its future.

CFDC: What is your connection to Tribeca?

Christine: Well, Elan Flowers started in Tribeca. It was really Patrick’s dream to find a live-work space so we could truly be part of the community here. We moved back after a few years in Soho, and we live upstairs.

Patrick: We bought Elan Flowers, which was on Franklin Street, in 2015. The business was well respected in Tribeca since 1983 and even survived 9/11. I’d been working in the floral industry for many years. I’d worked in a corporate events company and realized I wanted to do just the flowers, which was my favorite part of designing an event.

CFDC: How would you describe the Tribeca community?

C: We have a lot of Tribeca clientele, which we love. I find that the apartments in Tribeca are just so interesting. The architecture is beautiful, and it’s a real joy when we get to do a dinner party in a home. Being close by our clients also makes it easy to be responsive and make things happen for them quickly. 

P: With our larger capacity, we’ve been able to accommodate Tribeca
clientele on the same day. We prioritize our neighbors and the neighborhood hotels. We try to make Tribeca our focus.

CFDC: How has Tribeca changed over the years?

P: I would say that Tribeca changed even in the time that we’ve been here. There’s more foot traffic. We’ve seen more growth.

C: I see a lot of young families. We raised our children on the Upper West side, and I feel like Tribeca has a similar energy to that neighborhood when our kids were young and we were taking them to the park, going to the farmer’s market. And Halloween! Never in Soho did we see this many people. Here it is so delightful and really special.

CFDC: How do you see Tribeca changing over the next few years?

P: I hope to see the great restaurants, shops, boutiques and art galleries stay in business. Some of them have been here a long time, and some have moved in. It’s heartbreaking when my friends lose their leases and their businesses are no longer. I’d also like to see the original footprint of Duane Park restored to add more green space. The Friends of Duane Park are working on that.

CFDC: What are your thoughts on real estate development in the neighborhood?

P: I’m asking how small businesses are being considered in the housing debate, because a lot of them are in mixed-use buildings where the commercial tenant is on the ground floor and there are apartments upstairs. The small businesses usually have to pay the tax increases on the building. My approach to advocacy is really “listen before legislating.” Small business owners are living with these policies every day, so I think their experience should be part of the conversation before new rules are put in place. That’s also why I’ve proposed a small business economic impact statement that would be considered alongside legislation or major policy changes.

CFDC: How do you support other Tribeca businesses?

P: I’m involved with the Tribeca Alliance, because Tribeca doesn’t have a business improvement district (BID). It’s important for local businesses to come together, support one another, and have a stronger voice in the neighborhood. Small businesses are such an important part of what gives Tribeca its character and vibrancy.

C: For me, one of my great joys is window shopping. I love interesting shops and creativity. I think people really want to live in a creative and interesting neighborhood, and that means small businesses.

CFDC: Is there a final thought you’d like to share?

P: I just hope people come visit Tribeca. Come see. It’s a beautiful neighborhood with great businesses and residents. And it’s just a lovely place to live and work.

You can visit Elan Flowers at 1 Worth Street and online here. Elan Flowers is also on Instagram and Facebook.

The Tribeca Alliance website features Tribeca Concierge, an interactive guide for local storefronts, deals, events and neighborhood information.