How did you handle clients during Covid-19?

For all couples and clients who were contracted with us for 2020, we waived all postponement fees and lifted any timing restrictions for them to postpone. We simply copy and pasted their contracts to a new date and allowed them to postpone more than once if they wanted to. Being proactive during this time helped them to have the most informed decisions. If they ultimately chose to cancel, a normal cancelation policy came back into play and if they postponed and then canceled, the original cancelation policy was set in effect as we had waived postponement fees during this time.

What is a foundry?

A foundry is a factory that melts down and casts various metals such as steel, bronze and iron into molds.

What is the history of The Foundry?

The Foundry is a 19th Century building that housed The Albra Metal Foundry (their logo is still visible on the corner of the building at 9th Street and 43rd Avenue). By 1906, it was one of several steel foundries in the Long Island City area that catered to the needs of New York City's riverfront manufacturers. By the 1970's The Foundry was essentially an abandoned space, housing defunct vehicles and a mountain of debris. In 1982, the Du Val family purchased the property. The family restored and renovated the space to reflect its original industrial character and began hosting events in 2001. It is the only foundry in the area still standing today.

What is the maximum number of guests permitted?

The maximum capacity is 180 guests regardless of whether or not the additional areas are rented.

What is the capacity of The Foundry, Courtyard, Terrace and Greenhouse?

The Foundry can accommodate up to 180 guests for cocktails or 125 guests for a dinner (this also includes the dance floor). n the Main Space for dinner seating, approximately 80 guests can be seated on the ground floor (with dance floor area) and 32-45 guests upstairs on The Mezzanine. he Courtyard can accommodate up to 165 guests for a dinner. he Terrace, an elevated outdoor area to The Foundry, can accommodate 80-90 guests for cocktails. he Greenhouse, and interior space adjacent to The Foundry, can accommodate 70 guests for a seated dinner or 120 for a ceremony, cocktails or dancing.

Can I see more photos of the space?

In addition to the galleries of photos located in the photo section here on our site, more photos can be found online at https://flickr.com/photos/thefoundrylic

What is included in The Foundry rental?

As a raw space, our base rates cover the use of the main space, first and second floor for a total of 2,000 square feet and the Foundry courtyard. Use of the kitchen is also included. You are required to bring in your own rentals(provided by Broadway Party Rentals), caterers(chosen from the list of recommended caterers), and vendors provided that they are a professional licensed company. You can find a list of our preferred vendors and caterers here: https://www.thefoundry.info/plan The Courtyard, Greenhouse, and The Terrace are all additional spaces that can be rented only after you have rented The Foundry.

Who provides dinner tables, chairs, tablecloths, dishware, etc?

Your caterer will coordinate the rental of all the necessary tables, chairs, dishware, glasses, etc. by contacting our exclusive rental company Broadway Party Rentals. It will be left up to you to choose what styles and colors you would like, but your caterer will be the person actually placing the order with the rental company. They will ensure that you get the right size, style, and number of items.

Can I use The Foundry’s furniture for my event?

Yes. We have: (1) eight black wooden benches; (2) four round 36"x18" black lounge tables; (3) a 6' black wood table; (4) two 5' steel bar tables; (5) 35 chairs; (6) six lounge tables (22"x22"x18"); (7) four teak high tables (28”x28”42”) with sixteen accompanying stools; (8) a 6' steel table; (9) a 7' bench.

Where does the ceremony take place?

The ceremony can take place in The Foundry, The Courtyard or The Greenhouse. When performed inside, most ceremonies take place in front of the courtyard doors. Ceremonies can be staged anywhere within the designated courtyard space.

Where does the cocktail hour take place?

The cocktail hour may be conducted inside The Foundry, Greenhouse, Courtyard or Terrace.

Where does dinner take place?

A seated or buffet dinner can take place inside The Foundry for up to 125 guests. The Courtyard can be rented to accommodate up to 165 guests under the tent. If your guest number is between 165 and 180, please reach out to The Foundry staff for options.

What can I put inside the archways?

The archways or alcoves are commonly used for cocktail tables, lounge furniture, dinner tables, buffet stations, bars and/or your DJ or Band.

What happens on The Mezzanine?

The Mezzanine can accommodate 32-45 guests for dinner or 80 guests for cocktails. It often features an additional bar. Your DJ or band may also set up there. We recommend no more than 80 guests on The Mezzanine at the same time.

What happens in The Courtyard?

The Courtyard can be used for a ceremony, cocktail hour or dinner. Dancing is not permitted.

Can I tent The Courtyard?

Yes, you are not required to tent The Courtyard, but if you wish to rent a tent The Foundry staff will coordinate the details for you with our exclusive tent vendor, Ace Party Rentals. Ace has custom-built their tents for our courtyard, guaranteeing a perfect fit.

I prefer to keep The Courtyard exposed, but I don’t want to lose the space if it rains.

The Foundry can arrange for a tent to be on standby in case of inclement weather. Arrangements are typically made one to three months in advance of your event. Putting a tent on standby requires a non-refundable deposit. The deposit is one-third of the tent rental fee. Once the deposit is received, standby status is confirmed. The Foundry will then call you 48 hours prior to the event to confirm if you would like to move forward with the tent. If it turns out that you do need the tent, the tent company will set it up and balance due will be paid to The Foundry. If you decline the tent, the tent company will keep their deposit but you will not be required to pay the full balance. If you do not put a tent on standby at all, The Courtyard can be declined up to 48 hours in advance of your event. The Courtyard’s fee will be refunded in full provided that you give The Foundry 48 hours’ notice.

Is air-conditioning and heating available inside The Foundry?

Yes.

Is air-conditioning and heating available in The Courtyard?

Our exclusive tent company, Ace, can easily add on heaters or fans to your tent order depending on weather. Air-conditioned tents are available but extremely expensive- ($9,000-$13,000). If The Courtyard is being used without the tent during the colder months, the firepit can be rented and operated by The Foundry.

How much do tents cost?

Rates for tents vary depending on a number of factors such as size, style, delivery and additional features like heaters or fans. An estimate can be obtained by reaching out to The Foundry staff.

Is The Courtyard cleaned prior to each event?

Absolutely.

What is the noise situation in The Courtyard?

Part of the exclusive feel of The Courtyard comes from the fact that there is little outside noise. There is some soft residual noise from The Queensborough Bridge overlooking The Courtyard, but any background noise from the bridge in the distance it is quickly drowned out by activity in the space.

Can I use the plants in The Courtyard?

The plants are property of our neighbor, Plant Specialists, a landscape design company. We are not permitted to move any of their items, but many clients will contact them directly and make arrangements to rent plants, trees or flowers for their event. For more information, please contact Diana at Plant Specialists. (718) 392-9404 or diana@plantspecialists. com.

When is the ivy in bloom?

The ivy begins to blossom around mid-April and will thrive well into October. At that point certain vines will begin to change colors, mostly yellow and red. The leaves begin to thin and are usually gone by mid-November.

Can my vendors or I park our vehicles in The Courtyard?

No.

What if I don’t rent The Terrace? Can my guests go out there?

They can’t go out to Terrace, but they can go outside through the main entrance.

Is there a kitchen?

Yes, The Foundry has a 1,000-square-foot kitchen located on the ground level near the guest entrance. There is a separate loading entrance in the kitchen onto 9th Street, as well as separate courtyard access. The kitchen contains: (1) a 6 burner stovetop range and oven; (2) a convection oven; (3) an industrial refrigerator; (4) two residential refridgerators; (5) a cavity freezer; (6) four sink; (7) a proofing oven (8) stainless steel prep tables (9) mobile shelves; (10) four garbage cans.

Is the kitchen equipment working?

Yes, our maintenance staff routinely checks all appliances between events to ensure they are in satisfactory condition.

Can we have an outdoor grill?

An open-flame grill is permitted provided that it is used outside only.

Is there a dressing room?

Yes we have a dressing room on The Mezzanine. The room includes full length mirrors, large make-up counter and wardrobe steamer.

Where do guests enter?

Guests enter the space through the large door on 9th street.

How many bathrooms are there?

There are four bathrooms inside The Foundry. A handicap-accessible bathroom is located on the ground floor as well as a separate ladies’ room (containing two stalls) and a men’s room (also two stalls). There is also a unisex bathroom located on the mezzanine.

Where’s the dancing? Do I need to install a temporary dance floor?

The dancing takes place inside The Foundry. Due to private residences located on the property, we cannot permit dancing in the courtyard. Some venues require the installation of a temporary parquet dance floor, we do not.

Am I required to hold the ceremony here as well as the reception? Will this affect pricing?

Most of our clients do tend to hold their wedding ceremonies here as well as their reception, but you are not required to do so. Pricing will not be affected.

Do I need to provide insurance for my event? How do I get it?

Like any other raw space facility, we require a certificate of insurance that covers general liability. If alcohol is being served, liquor liability must also be included. Your caterer will often provide this certificate. You can also acquire one at https://privateeventinsurance. com or https://wedsafe. com

Am I required to use the vendors on your recommended list? How much do these vendors charge for their service?

Required vendors are a Caterer off the recommended vendors list, Broadway Party Rentals for tables, chairs, linens, glassware etc… (your caterer will place this order) and Ace Party and Tent Rental for Tents in the Courtyard (our staff will coordinate this rental). We strongly suggest contacting the vendors to obtain the most accurate pricing. Given the factors that vary from each event to the next, it's in your best interest to speak to the vendors directly.

Am I able to hire a restaurant to cater my event?

No.

Is The Foundry wheelchair-accessible?

The Foundry has a wheelchair ramp leading into the space, as well as a handicapped-accessible bathroom. Please note The Mezzanine and The Foundry Terrace are only accessible by stairs at this time.

Is someone from The Foundry here during the event?

There are at least three Foundry staff members; a doorman, host and street attendant are present during the entire event.

What does The Foundry host do?

Our on-site host will be inside The Foundry attending to duties before, during, and after the event. Prior to guests arriving, our hostess assists with setup in numerous ways, some of which include: ensuring all The Foundry furniture is in place as directed in the floor plan; helping vendors with any questions or concerns upon arrival; directing deliveries to the proper area (kitchen, mezzanine, courtyard, etc); setting up The Courtyard (if you should decide to rent it); assisting DJ/band/etc. with plugging into our speaker system; taking phone calls (guests calling for directions, etc); maintaining temperature control in the space; overseeing the in-house lighting; directing vendors as to where to dispose refuse; maintaining the cleanliness and supplies in the bathrooms; assisting the doorman at the end of the evening with guests who may need car services; overseeing the general cleanliness of the space during the event; shutting down the facilities; collecting any lost items after the guests are gone; etc

What does The Foundry’s doorman do?

Our doorman is stationed on 9th Street in front of The Foundry's main entrance. He welcomes your guests as they arrive and informs any drivers of available parking on 9th Street. It's a very quiet neighborhood, but many guests are unfamiliar with Long Island City. His presence is a way of reassuring them that their vehicles will be fine. He will also assist your guests at the end of the evening by contacting local car services for anyone who might need a cab. If a guest has to leave early and needs a car, they can simply ask him. He will also call car services and schedule as many cars as necessary to pull up to the space at the end of the party, significantly reducing wait time.

What does The Foundry street attendant do?

An additional staff member will be stationed on 9th Street to assist guests in finding suitable parking spaces and will also monitor the blocks where Foundry guests’ cars are parked.

Is there a coat-check person?

We provide a coat-check room supplied with hangers and tickets. We suggest asking your caterer if they can assign one of their wait staff to the coatroom at the beginning and end of the night. Otherwise, The Foundry can hire a coat check person for $150.

How do guests get here?

Most guests arrive by cab. Sometimes clients will contact the hotel where a number of guests are staying and make arrangements for passenger van or bus to transport them to and from the event. We also have many subway lines within walking distance, please visit the Directions section of our site for more information.

What is the parking situation?

Street parking is available for your guests. There are no parking meters or street regulations. The Foundry’s street attendant will guide your guests towards available parking upon arrival.

What if guests need a cab at the end of the event?

If a guest should need a cab at the end of the evening, our doorman will see to contacting a cab company located in the neighborhood. Approximate wait time for a car is 5-10 minutes.

How far is the walk from the subway?

There are several trains within an 8-10 minute walk from The Foundry. The closest subway lines are the E, G, N, W, 7 and F. Please visit the Directions section of our site for more information on train and driving directions.

Why are there skylights in the stairwell, dressing room and mezzanine?

These skylights cap the top of The Foundry’s original chimneys. The stairwell, dressing room and mezzanine bathrooms occupy former chimney shafts.

Can I bring my family or vendors to see the space?

Of course. We simply ask that you please make an appointment with our office.

What if my caterer, DJ, photographer, etc.

have never been there before?

It is a good idea for a vendor who is unfamiliar with the space to visit The Foundry. All caterers on the required list have worked here before.

What is the lighting like?

Most of The Foundry’s lighting is on track dimmers and can be adjusted throughout the event to enhance the ambiance. Most clients do not bring any additional lighting other than votive candles (ideally we recommend 150-200 votives). The Courtyard is lit and night with uplighting and sconces that showcase the surrounding buildings and ivy. Tents come with globe lighting that can be dimmed as well.

Are there any restrictions on decorations?

Confetti, rice, sparklers, smoke machines, helium balloons and flower petals are not allowed. Candles must be contained in a cup, hurricane lamp or on a base. Items may not be places in the fountains. Any ornamentation attached to brick work must be done without nails, screws or staples. Tape or other adhesives may not be used on The Courtyard’s flagstones. If sound or lighting equipment needs to be taped down, The Foundry will supply gaffers tape to avoid damage to our floors.

Are you dog friendly?

You are more than welcome to bring along canine companions (as long as they are curbed properly on 9th street).

Who does the decorating?

The decorating is usually done by one of three parties, depending on expertise and ultimately what you decide to do. Florists are often hired to decorate the space, though sometimes the family/friends of the client will set up smaller items. Some caterers will also do some minor decorating (be sure to ask them in advance).

Who is responsible for cleaning the space? Do we bring in a cleaning crew?

Your caterer and/or decorators are responsible for breaking down their items at the end of your event. We ask they essentially leave the space the way you found it. Once they leave, The Foundry has a professional cleaning crew that arrives afterwards to go over the fine details. You do not need to hire a separate cleaning crew.

Is there a sound system available?

Yes, we can offer use of our multiple in-house sound systems for an additional rental. The Foundry’s main system consists of ten Community VERIS V2-28 & V2-26 wall-mounted speakers plus two 18” JBL subwoofers, with an auxiliary Polk Audio distributed speaker system on the mezzanine floor at 25% of the main volume.

The Greenhouse and Albra Room each have their own independent systems; there are six V2-26 speakers plus two V2-212S subwoofers in the Greenhouse and four V2-26 speakers plus one V2-21SS subwoofer in The Albra Room. The Pool room and patio share a fourth independent system which is also wirelessly interconnected to the other systems while The Terrace has a fifth independent system which can be played locally using an MP3 play-back device or fed directly from the main Foundry system via a permanent audio connection.

Your DJ can tie in their mixer or controller using our summed-mono XLR hook-up in either of two locations inside The Foundry, a single location in The Greenhouse or a single location in The Albra Room. You can also opt to plug in an MP3 player or laptop via our RCA-to-mini jack adapter at these locations. All five systems are permanently interconnected and can be used as one large “global” system with a single DJ connection from The Foundry or Greenhouse DJ input locations.

The Foundry system also has the capability of sending a controlled-level audio signal feed to an external recording device that can be used to capture line-level music or speech audio for videographers or other vendors that you may elect to capture microphone speeches, toasts or any audio program with minimal ambient room noise or distortion, as long as the in-house system or microphone is used.

Do you have a DVD projector and projection screen?

Yes, the projection screen is mounted above The Courtyard doors. The screen can be pulled down to The Courtyard’s door handle and covers the width of the doors. The DVD projector is mounted underneath the middle platform of the mezzanine. The projector package is available to rent for an additional $350. Neither the projector nor the projection screen can be moved.

Can I drop off items the day before?

Some small items such as wine and liquor can usually be dropped off prior to the event. The Foundry has very limited storage space, so we can only lock up a few items.

What is the timing situation?

The Foundry offers 12 hours for the rental rate. These 12 hours should cover time for setup, the event itself and breakdown. The curfew for your guests and music is 12:30AM. At 12:30AM, the guests will depart the space and your vendors can begin breaking down. The vendors will have until 2:00AM to clean up and leave the space. The guest curfew can be extended for an overtime charge for $1,000/hour.

Can I set up my event the day before free of charge?

No.

How long does setup and breakdown take?

Depending on your table arrangements and decorations, setup can take anywhere from 2-4 hours. Caterers typically arrive 2-3 hours prior to the guest arrival time to begin setting up tables, chairs, etc. The typical breakdown period is 1. 5 hours.

Is smoking permitted?

Smoking is not permitted inside The Foundry, but your guests may smoke in The Courtyard or on The Foundry terrace if rented. If neither outdoor area has been rented, guests may smoke outside the main entrance on 9th street where standing ashtrays will be provided.

When can I come in for a tour?

Tours are conducted by appointment, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturday mornings and some Sunday mornings. Please call The Foundry’s office at 718. 786. 7776 for details and to schedule an appointment.

Do you have floorplans?

Floor plans for the space can be found on our website at: https://www.thefoundry.info/plan

Is there a separate entrance for my vendors to load in?

Yes. There is a ground-level loading entrance to the kitchen located at 42-32 9th Street. Depending on the timing, vendors can also load into the space through The Courtyard doors.

Is there more than one event at The Foundry on the same day ?

No, The Foundry books only one event per day.

How do I find out if my date is available?

We have an online calendar that is updated daily so you can see which dates are available. You can access this calendar at: URL****

How do I hold a date at The Foundry?

Once you have come in for a tour of the space, The Foundry can reserve a date for you as a notification hold at no charge. This hold entails placing your name and contact information on a date for 7 days. The courtesy of this hold is that we will not book the date with another client during that 7-day period without notifying you first, and giving you the option to book the date by sending in a deposit. The hold is released after 7 days.

How do I book a date at The Foundry?

A 50% deposit is due upon booking a date at The Foundry. The Foundry can accept checks, money order or cash as forms of payment. We cannot accept credit cards. The remaining balance is due the week of the event.

How far in advance do I need to book a date at The Foundry?

You can book up to 72 hours in advance of your event

What forms of payment do you accept?

The Foundry accepts checks (personal or certified), money orders and cash. We cannot accept credit cards.

Is there a cancellation policy?

Notice of cancellation is required at least nine months prior to event and a cancellation fee of $500 will be incurred. If event is cancelled less than nine months prior to the event, a cancellation fee of $2,500 will be incurred. If the event is cancelled less than six months prior to the event, The Foundry will keep the 50% deposit.

Is there a postponement policy?

Yes. If event is rescheduled less than nine months prior to the event, a postponement fee of $1,500 will be incurred.

Is there a valet?

You can hire a valet parking service if you wish. Since parking is easily accessible, valet services are rarely used here at The Foundry.

Am I allowed to hold a rehearsal at The Foundry?

A rehearsal can be held at The Foundry, however, we cannot confirm the date and time until about a week beforehand in case we book another last minute event or a film/photo shoot.

Are there any additional spaces we can use to take photos in prior to the event?

Yes, one option is to rent The Foundry Terrace for a half-hour for $250. In addition, The Du Val Terrace is also available for wedding photos for $500 for two hours (max 30 people) only. The Rooftop Terrace is a privately-owned 4,000 square foot garden with breathtaking views of both Manhattan and the 59th Street Bridge.