The History of
Conwell Hall
Conwell is a coffee shop, eatery, and cocktail hall set within a historic bank. By day, we serve exceptional coffee and fresh fare; by night, the space transforms into a refined cocktail hall with craft drinks, delectable offerings, and live entertainment.
History of J.G. Conwell
J.G. Conwell was one of Life And Trust’s most influential CEOs and chairmen, overseeing Life And Trust during the first few decades of the 1900s.
Conwell was also a noted philanthropist and influential patron of the arts in New York City: serving on the board of directors for a number of New York cultural institutions, as well as funding a number of groundbreaking scientific discoveries.
Originally making his fortune with Conwell’s Cough Syrup before becoming the biggest banker on Wall Street, Conwell claimed he generated his best ideas over a stiff drink… caffeinated or otherwise! Indeed, J.G. was personally fond of all manner of compounds, and encouraged jittery coffee drinkers to subdue themselves with his soothing syrup: the two paired nicely together in an endless loop. It was during one of J.G.’s famous assemblages— sessions in which he invited young, ambitious entrepreneurs to gather and share ideas— that J.G. decided to develop his own coffee enterprise.
Sadly, it has been many years since the great tycoon himself graced the cobbled streets of the Financial District: J.G. died suddenly under tragic circumstances before he was able to fully preserve his cultural legacy.
Emursive Productions
Founded in 2010 and led by principals, Jonathan Hochwald and Arthur Karpati, Emursive’s first-ever production was Punchdrunk’s Sleep No More at The McKittrick Hotel, which is produced in association with rebecca gold productions. To this day, it is considered the most monumental immersive installation ever presented in New York.
Emursive’s latest venture was Life And Trust: New York’s grandest and most colossal site-specific work. Additional successful theatrical productions include The Lost Supper, and presenting residencies by UK-based companies, including The Woman in Black, The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart, and Vox Motus’ Flight. Emursive has also produced countless live concerts, intimate music festivals, showstopping events, and spectacular themed holiday celebrations at Gallow Green, The Club Car, Manderley Bar, Conwell Coffee Hall and The Overlook Bar. Emursive infuses a desire for the extraordinary into our theatrical productions, event venues, and food and beverage ventures.
