IN THE BEST POSSIBLE TASTE

In 2004, Andre Balazs snapped up a much-discussed lot in the Meatpacking District for $24 million and will use it to build NYC's first Standard Hotel (above drawing) - a uber-trendy, boutique (whatever that means) hotel that straddles the soon to be renovated High Line. The lot is bordered by West Street, West 13th Street, Washington Street and Little West 12th Street.

Its design and marketing blurb is directed at hitting the target clientele of young and not so young but 'well-and-expensively-preserved' Meatpacking groupies, 'slap-bang-wallop' between the eyes. It has set its stall out already with its pre-completion advertising. The 'teaser' below is offering reduced rates for those rooms finished, until the entire hotel is rid of constructors, construction noise and construction 'dust and bullets.'

"WE'LL PUT UP WITH YOUR BANGING IF YOU'LL PUT UP WITH OURS" says it all really doesn't it?