We've long been curious about the space above Gracefully at 28 Avenue A between East Second Street and East Third Street. It's a fascinating building with those block letters that read Burger-Klein. We don't have any idea what, if anything, is upstairs.
But, perhaps there will be a big new tenant. A tipster hears that New York Health & Racquet Club is taking over all of the floors above the grocery. Again, just a rumor. (Gracefully will remain in place.)
Nothing at the DOB to note this conversion. But, in October 2011, the city approved plans to convert the "existing commercial 5-story with cellar to mixed use, commercial and residential." Estimated cost: $1.1 million. DOB records show 12 residences in total. But apparently this project is in limbo.
Regardless of the incoming tenant, it's likely going to change in appearance soon enough. Off the Grid completed a thorough history of the building back in July 2011. The building dates to 1871. And in its early days, it was part of Little Germany, serving as a German ballroom known as Concordia Hall.
Later, per Off the Grid:
The earliest evidence of furniture seller Burger-Klein occupying the building is from 1939.
In 1959, a four-alarm fire destroyed the roof and top floor of the building, resulting in a significant alteration of building’s façade, most likely the face of the building we see today. It is noteworthy that the owners chose to replace what had once been an architecturally significant facade with a mid-century modern wrapping that in its own way and for its own time is as extraordinary as the 19th century face of the building.
The Burger-Klein building’s uniqueness in the streetscape is a big part of what inspires so much curiosity about it.
Read the whole post here.
24 comments:
New York Health & Racquet Club? I really can't think of anything more boring, predictable and lame.
I can't afford NYHRC but I wish there was another gym option in the East Village. I hate the Dolphin on 4th.
@Anon 9:03 AM totally agree. And with a NYHRC I could drop my dog off at the ruff club to drink while I sweat it out.
You know, there was a time when people came to the east village because it was a dynamic, creative area existing outside of the mainstream culture. People who longed for homogenized, boring, safe neighborhoods with gyms and atm's had their own places to live, too.
Was a rehearsal studio in the 1990s. Back when musicians could afford to live here.
Another day, another chip in the breaking down of what was once so cool and enlightening. It's so over it's not funny. These people have absolutely no idea what this neighborhood is really about.
I hope this is true. There is a big shortage of gyms in the East Village...
i just hope they don't touch a damn thing on the facade of that building. a textbook example of international style architecture. i always look at it in amazement as it's so out of place down here.
I'm surprised the space was vacant this whole time. I don't really care what goes in as long as Gracefully stays - I will lose my mind if they get kicked out. Their breakfast sandwiches are the best in the neighborhood...
I love the EV with all my heart, and a great gym here would be most welcome. I go to many of the local studios but sometimes you just need a really good sweat. Being it on.
Can the facade be landmarked?
Context Studios was there, I looked at a space above them and it was an entire floor with no subdivisions, great big space. Alas a bit too rich for my tastes even back in the early 90's
It is a great Facade. Isnt this the building with like awards and "High Times" posters in the windows on a higher floor?
I kind of boycott Gracefully, seems overpriced, but good for a quick thing when in need.
@927am
do you guys copy and paste these comments from one article to the next? Yes, we know, everyone knows, spend 5 minutes on this blog and you know that the East village is changing. Its just not a very insightful comment at this point.
I was hoping that Burger Klein was an old kosher fast food joint, a knock off like Kennedy Fried Chicken. BTW, are any of those still around?
It would be nice if this area had some retail diversity, including gyms, but as long as CB3's SLA committee keeps approving bar after bar there's no reason for owners to rent ground floors to anything that closes before 10pm.
One community board committee has sucked all the oxygen out of retail diversity in this area, because the committee's bar owners rule over actual community members.
This one SLA committee has a bigger effect on this community that all the rest of CB3 combined. And not in a good way. It's sad really.
there's a Kennedy Fried Chicken on 14th St. Bet. A & B next to Otto's Shrunken Head and it's spectacular. I recommend the munchers!
I am a member of NYHRC because I find exercise helps me tolerate all the douchey yuppies (who are probably also members of NYHRC).
You know the first thing they'll do is yank out the Burger Klein sign. I always hoped a Burger Joint would move in, name themselves Burger Klein and keep the sign.
@anon 1:49pm - I couldn't agree more and this CB 3 SLA committee member in the videos below is the worst:
http://youtu.be/xJiwbCSgK9U
http://youtu.be/L5PCOL-6QnU
At the rest of you who want a decent gym that is not filled with yuppies try the YMHA gym on 14th and 1st - they have a nice pool, sauna etc and are very reasonable. You can do a monthly membership if you just want to try it out. Unless you can't live without the status associated with NHRC.
Context was a great practice/recording studio. Joey Ramone, Henry Rolling and Patty Smith were all regulars there. It should be preserved in my opinion. Dolphin does suck but at least it is cheap as hell.
How do we elect CB3 members?
Cb members are appointed by the borough president. There is an annual application process.
Wow. We should all apply for CB3 and get rid of the current corrupt members. Also, note that the borough president will not be re-elected. Lets also get Rosie Mendez out of her career ride too. If Quinn is elected nothing will change since she is under Bloomberg's spell!!!
There are several gyms around Astor Place/ Cooper Square so do some exercise and walk to one of them. NYHRC, Crunch, Blink, 24 hour fitness, and I think David Barton is still there too.
I always enjoy looking at what I believe to be bullet holes in the windows.
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