Who We Are

A legacy of mid-20th century pioneering American photojournalist Addie Passen, Union Square Loft has evolved from the romance novel reference photography and movie poster studio of yesterday to a versatile tech-customizable photography/video production and podcast production studio of today with seamless dual function as a creative market research facility or event space.

Emerging from the creative arts and rave culture of 1990s Downtown Manhattan with our 1994 incarnation as LexPark Studio, we’ve helped artists and culture makers bring their vision to life in our studio rental space for close to thirty years. Our loft Director, Carlos Montoya, leans on decades of experience enhancing events and projects with his technical expertise in the audiovisual fields. Focus group A/V Technician and complete A/V design with installations for focus group facilities since 1992.

Whether it’s for use as a video production or photography studio, as the inviting spot for your next intimate gathering of new or old friends, or as a centrally located and accessible creative market research study space, reach out to schedule a tour by calling 212-529-7570 or email us at info@unionsquareloft.com

Testimonials

"This is definitely an ideal location. The space is excellent for hosting meetings or classes NY style. That's not all that make this a fabulous rental---it's the people behind it. I needed to find a comfortable and accessible space to hold some classes and the people here totally treated me like a long-time customer even though we had just met. They were very accommodating even when I approached them with a last-minute request. They made sure all of my questions were answered and were generous with the finishing touches. Great rental space and people. Definitely recommended!" *J.S., Brooklyn, NY

"This is an extremely versatile space in a great location. We've used it for years to host meetings, fund raisers and auctions. For groups or projects involving five to fifty plus people, I highly recommend it!" *Leo K

"Carlos Montoya is a real market research business professional i enjoyed working with him it's been an honor and a pleasure doing business together with him and I highly recommend his services to everyone that needs any kind of market research services and work done in the most professional and time efficient manner for the best value possible! The positive, high energy environment in Union Square Loft is the ideal when conducting proper market research services, and Carlos Montoya creates a unique, one of a kind experience for all his clients that can't be found or replicated anywhere else, and that's why whenever anyone ever asks me for a referral for any kind of market research services, the first person i recommend to them is always Carlos Montoya in Union Square Loft!" *Elad P.

"I rented the space for my birthday. Great venue! Everyone had a ton of fun!" *Ilya

"We recently had our knit/crochet meetup group at Union Square & it was absolutely, phenomenal - perfect! The space was trendy, well-lit & spoke to the heart of NYC. Carlos & Raff were a pleasure to work with from setting up to A/V, and communicated with us throughout the entire planning process + on the day of the event. This was my first time planning such a big event & Carlos answered all of my questions & they made sure all of my fears about this or that were eased. All of our attendees loved the space & it made our event a great success. If you are looking to host a group of 40 ppl or so in Manhattan for reasonable rates, please choose Union Square Loft you will not be disappointed!" *Jewell Washington

"The NY Metro Chapter of QRCA (Qualitative Research Consultants of America) held its quarterly meeting at Union Square Lot in Manhattan. Both the pleasant research environment at the facility, and the capabilities and customer-service of the on-site staff, surprised and delighted all of us in attendance at the meeting. The Union Square Loft is unique for two reasons: first, with it’s high ceilings, there is a sense of limitless imagination; second, the upper-tier observation room allows one to assess body language from a truly unique perspective – coupled with face-level video monitoring, the result is a wealth of useful interpretative information of what respondents are both saying and feeling. In addition, both the space and the manager, Mr. Carlos Montoya, are quite flexible, and will adapt the space to represent whatever environment you need to reasonably project for your project. I fully intend to pursue creative research efforts with both current and new customers at this unique and intriguing facility, and heartily recommend that other qualitative researchers give Union Square Loft strong consideration for their next project. Pay them a visit and see the possibilities." *Qualitative Research Consultants Association

"Many thanks for your hospitality and help. At Dramatic Resources we are always looking for a training space which combines the creativity of the rehearsal room with the ease of a well run conference facility. Union Square Loft is the best we have used. An open space with good natural light which also has everything on hand that might be needed. Carlos and his team go out of their way to make everyone feel welcome and to provide whatever is required. They are excellent. Highly recommended.” *DRAMATIC RESOURCES

"A Pomegranate takes a highly creative approach to research. We like to tailor every element of our focus groups to inspire the highest level of results. The space we use for our groups is essential to the atmosphere we create. New York facilities are generally quite conservative - more geared towards a corporate market. In the past, when I've tried to create a more relaxed atmosphere, I've often resorted to using my own loft space. However, with Union Square Loft we hit the jackpot! Wishing to bring groups of young hip style leaders into their own style of environment, Union Square Loft perfect. From a small lobby, participants enter a huge loft space with the ability to have both a living room setting and table-top setting within the same space. High (13) ceilings, natural light pouring in from its many windows, it set the mood for an energetic creative workshop style of group. It had a "wow!" factor for both participants and clients. It is perfect for innovative groups, for younger target markets and active groups where people can move around and form breakout groups. I'm looking forward to going back there with the next project!" *Apomegranate

"Union Square Loft is my go-to for clients and participants who wouldn't be caught dead in a traditional focus group facility. They've taken the best parts of traditional facilities e.g. a real one-way mirror and back room and combined it with a relaxed space and vibe. Their service and support is tops as well. There's nothing else like it in NYC." *Jayne Charneski

"This is definitely an ideal location. The space is excellent for hosting meetings or classes NY style. That's not all that make this a fabulous rental---it's the people behind it. I needed to find a comfortable and accessible space to hold some classes and the people here totally treated me like a long-time customer even though we had just met. They were very accommodating even when I approached them with a last-minute request. They made sure all of my questions were answered and were generous with the finishing touches. Great rental space and people. Definitely recommended!" *J.S., Brooklyn, NY "This is an extremely versatile space in a great location. We've used it for years to host meetings, fund raisers and auctions. For groups or projects involving five to fifty plus people, I highly recommend it!" *Leo K "Carlos Montoya is a real market research business professional i enjoyed working with him it's been an honor and a pleasure doing business together with him and I highly recommend his services to everyone that needs any kind of market research services and work done in the most professional and time efficient manner for the best value possible! The positive, high energy environment in Union Square Loft is the ideal when conducting proper market research services, and Carlos Montoya creates a unique, one of a kind experience for all his clients that can't be found or replicated anywhere else, and that's why whenever anyone ever asks me for a referral for any kind of market research services, the first person i recommend to them is always Carlos Montoya in Union Square Loft!" *Elad P. "I rented the space for my birthday. Great venue! Everyone had a ton of fun!" *Ilya "We recently had our knit/crochet meetup group at Union Square & it was absolutely, phenomenal - perfect! The space was trendy, well-lit & spoke to the heart of NYC. Carlos & Raff were a pleasure to work with from setting up to A/V, and communicated with us throughout the entire planning process + on the day of the event. This was my first time planning such a big event & Carlos answered all of my questions & they made sure all of my fears about this or that were eased. All of our attendees loved the space & it made our event a great success. If you are looking to host a group of 40 ppl or so in Manhattan for reasonable rates, please choose Union Square Loft you will not be disappointed!" *Jewell Washington "The NY Metro Chapter of QRCA (Qualitative Research Consultants of America) held its quarterly meeting at Union Square Lot in Manhattan. Both the pleasant research environment at the facility, and the capabilities and customer-service of the on-site staff, surprised and delighted all of us in attendance at the meeting. The Union Square Loft is unique for two reasons: first, with it’s high ceilings, there is a sense of limitless imagination; second, the upper-tier observation room allows one to assess body language from a truly unique perspective – coupled with face-level video monitoring, the result is a wealth of useful interpretative information of what respondents are both saying and feeling. In addition, both the space and the manager, Mr. Carlos Montoya, are quite flexible, and will adapt the space to represent whatever environment you need to reasonably project for your project. I fully intend to pursue creative research efforts with both current and new customers at this unique and intriguing facility, and heartily recommend that other qualitative researchers give Union Square Loft strong consideration for their next project. Pay them a visit and see the possibilities." *Qualitative Research Consultants Association "Many thanks for your hospitality and help. At Dramatic Resources we are always looking for a training space which combines the creativity of the rehearsal room with the ease of a well run conference facility. Union Square Loft is the best we have used. An open space with good natural light which also has everything on hand that might be needed. Carlos and his team go out of their way to make everyone feel welcome and to provide whatever is required. They are excellent. Highly recommended.” *DRAMATIC RESOURCES "A Pomegranate takes a highly creative approach to research. We like to tailor every element of our focus groups to inspire the highest level of results. The space we use for our groups is essential to the atmosphere we create. New York facilities are generally quite conservative - more geared towards a corporate market. In the past, when I've tried to create a more relaxed atmosphere, I've often resorted to using my own loft space. However, with Union Square Loft we hit the jackpot! Wishing to bring groups of young hip style leaders into their own style of environment, Union Square Loft perfect. From a small lobby, participants enter a huge loft space with the ability to have both a living room setting and table-top setting within the same space. High (13) ceilings, natural light pouring in from its many windows, it set the mood for an energetic creative workshop style of group. It had a "wow!" factor for both participants and clients. It is perfect for innovative groups, for younger target markets and active groups where people can move around and form breakout groups. I'm looking forward to going back there with the next project!" *Apomegranate "Union Square Loft is my go-to for clients and participants who wouldn't be caught dead in a traditional focus group facility. They've taken the best parts of traditional facilities e.g. a real one-way mirror and back room and combined it with a relaxed space and vibe. Their service and support is tops as well. There's nothing else like it in NYC." *Jayne Charneski