The Rise, The Fall, And The Rebirth: 5 Shocking Facts About La Marina Dyckman Street And Its New Life As The Hudson

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For over a decade, La Marina at 348 Dyckman Street was synonymous with Upper Manhattan's elite summer nightlife, a sprawling, 75,000-square-foot waterfront oasis that attracted celebrities, socialites, and party-goers looking for a slice of Miami in Inwood. Yet, the iconic venue’s story is a complex one, a dramatic narrative filled with legal battles, community controversy, and a sensational fall from grace. As of late 2025, the location has undergone a significant transformation, moving past its contentious past to embrace a new identity.

The original La Marina is officially closed, having lost its concession to operate the coveted spot in Fort Washington Park. The space has been successfully rebooted as a new, seasonal waterfront restaurant and event venue called The Hudson. This article dives deep into the high-profile drama that led to the closure and explores the fresh vision that is now redefining the Dyckman Street marina experience.

The Controversial History of La Marina (2012-2019)

The story of the Dyckman Street waterfront location is one of incredible potential marred by persistent operational issues. While the venue, which opened in 2012 after years of planning and construction, quickly became a New York City hotspot, it was perpetually embroiled in conflict with the local Inwood community and city regulators.

1. The Battle Over "Quality of Life" Issues

The primary catalyst for La Marina’s downfall was a relentless barrage of "quality of life" complaints from residents of the surrounding Washington Heights and Inwood neighborhoods. The size and scope of the venue—a restaurant, bar, lounge, and event space—meant that its operation, especially late-night parties, generated significant noise and traffic.

  • Noise Complaints: Amplified sound and late-night music were constant points of contention, leading to numerous confrontations with Community Board 12 and the NYC Parks Department.
  • Traffic and Parking: The influx of thousands of patrons overwhelmed Dyckman Street, causing severe traffic congestion and illegal parking issues that frustrated long-time residents.
  • Public Safety Concerns: The venue was also linked to more serious public safety issues, including reports of violence and, most sensationally, the arrest of a La Marina manager on charges of selling drugs on the premises.

2. Bankruptcy and The Concession Fight

Despite its massive popularity and revenue, the original operator, Manhattan River Group LLC (whose owners included Fernando Mateo), faced financial and legal troubles. The situation culminated in a high-stakes bankruptcy proceeding that put the fate of the waterfront concession in the hands of a federal judge. The concession agreement, which allowed the business to operate on city parkland (Fort Washington Park), was ultimately revoked due to the operational violations and financial distress.

3. The City Inspection That Sealed the Deal

In a final, decisive blow, a city inspection of the premises reportedly yielded over 90 violations, providing the regulatory authority with the necessary ammunition to terminate the concession agreement. This move, combined with the bankruptcy ruling, effectively ended the era of the original La Marina. The concession was then put up for bid, ushering in the next chapter for the prime Dyckman Street location.

The Rebirth: Introducing The Hudson at Dyckman Marina

The closure of La Marina left a massive void in Upper Manhattan's summer scene, but the prime waterfront location was too valuable to remain dormant. In September 2019, following the judge's decision to award the concession to a new operator, the space was reborn as The Hudson.

4. New Ownership, New Vision: Jimmy Goldman Takes Over

The new operator is restaurateur Jimmy Goldman, a veteran of the NYC hospitality scene best known as the owner of the popular Brother Jimmy's BBQ chain. Goldman’s approach with The Hudson marked a deliberate departure from the high-octane, party-centric atmosphere of its predecessor. The new vision focuses on creating a more community-friendly, rustic waterfront escape.

  • A Focus on Dining: The Hudson is primarily marketed as a seasonal restaurant and event space, shifting the emphasis away from the late-night club scene. The menu offers a variety of American cuisine, with a comfortable, informal ambiance perfect for sunset dining.
  • Community Engagement: The new management has made efforts to work with Community Board 12 and local residents, including agreeing to restrictions on amplified sound outdoors after 10 p.m. to mitigate the noise issues that plagued La Marina.
  • Event Space: The venue continues to capitalize on its breathtaking Hudson River views, offering the space for weddings, corporate events, birthday parties, and graduations, maintaining its status as a premier New York City event venue.

5. The Current Status of The Dyckman Marina

While the restaurant component has successfully transitioned, the status of the actual Dyckman Boat Marina remains a separate and ongoing issue. In May 2019, the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation took over the Dyckman Boat Marina, effectively closing the boat docking and marina services. The Parks Department announced a two-year closure for necessary repairs and renovations. However, the history of delays and non-reopenings at other city marinas has created skepticism among the local boating community.

As of the current date, the Dyckman Street waterfront is defined by this duality: a successful, albeit seasonal, restaurant (The Hudson) operating on the land concession, next to a still-closed or limited marina area. This situation highlights the complex regulatory and physical challenges of maintaining a public waterfront space in Upper Manhattan.

What The Hudson Means for Dyckman Street Today

The transformation from La Marina to The Hudson represents a significant shift in the cultural landscape of Dyckman Street. The "new" waterfront spot aims for sustainability and community integration over pure spectacle and profit. By transitioning to a more dining-focused, seasonally-operated model, The Hudson has attempted to shed the controversial reputation of its predecessor while retaining the undeniable allure of the Hudson River views.

For visitors and locals, the location at 348 Dyckman Street remains a must-visit destination, offering a rustic waterfront escape that is rare in New York City. While some patrons miss the high-energy, celebrity-driven atmosphere of the original La Marina, many others appreciate the calmer, more inclusive vibe of The Hudson. The venue typically operates seasonally, closing for the colder winter months and reopening in the spring (often around May) to welcome the summer crowds back to the riverfront.

The ultimate lesson of the La Marina saga is that in New York City, a beautiful location is not enough. Success requires navigating the intricate balance between commercial appeal, regulatory compliance, and community goodwill. The Hudson is now writing the next chapter, striving to be a long-term fixture that honors the spectacular setting of the Dyckman Street waterfront without repeating the mistakes of the past.

The Rise, The Fall, and The Rebirth: 5 Shocking Facts About La Marina Dyckman Street and Its New Life as The Hudson
la marina restaurant dyckman street
la marina restaurant dyckman street

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