Blink Fitness is now open on Avenue A

The Blink Fitness opened today at noon at 98 Avenue A between Sixth Street and Seventh Street.

There was a ribbon-cutting ceremony this morning at 11:45. Here's more on the gym via the EVG inbox...

As a part of the Grand Opening celebration, Blink Fitness will donate 50 one-year memberships, worth over $10,000, to Lower Eastside Girls Club, an organization dedicated to connecting girls and young women to healthy and successful futures.

The newest Blink Fitness facility will boast a broad offering of top-of-the-line strength equipment that includes free weights, plates, and machines for upper body, lower body, and core, as well as a wide variety of premium cardio machines and a multi-use space for additional exercises, stretching, and functional training.

Certified personal trainers will be available for those members who wish to create a custom workout experience tailored to their personal goals. As a gym that promises to provide a premium experience to all who join, memberships are available for as low as $25 per month with a free start up personal training session.

Blink Fitness will bring its Mood Above Muscle™ philosophy to its newest location, celebrating the idea that exercise is not only about looking good, but also about feeling good. Blink Fitness strives to make working out fun and uplifting by creating a Feel Good Experience™, which is made up of five pillars that make Blink unlike any other fitness club. This includes their respectful and friendly staff, bright and open gym design using colors that are scientifically proven to enhance mood, a spotlessly clean facility, and music specifically selected to motivate members.

Here are the hours for the gym based in the retail space of Ben Shaoul's luxury residences at 100 Avenue A:

Monday-Thursday: 5 am to 11 pm
Friday: 5 am to 10 pm
Saturday-Sunday: 7 am to 7 pm

Someone tagged the incoming condos at 100 Avenue

Well, not the most noticeable tags on the south-facing wall of Ben Shaoul's under-construction condoplex between East Seven Street and East Sixth Street... but they are new as of today...



There!



Previously on EV Grieve:
Someone threw black paint bombs at the naked women condo ad along 100 Avenue A

The retail space at Ben Shaoul's 100 Avenue A is available for $24.5 million; plus, naked model marketing clarification!

[Photo Tuesday by Peter Brownscombe]

The retail space at developer Ben Shaoul's in-progress new building is now on the market.

Cushman & Wakefield has the listing:

A retail interest at the base of a newly developed eight-story, luxury condo building designed by Issac & Stern located on the east side of Avenue A between East 6th and East 7th Streets. The retail is long term leased to Blink Fitness for 15 years with two (2) five (5) year options. Blink Fitness has over 38 locations in the NYC Metro area and is an affiliate of Equinox Holdings, who’s long term debt is rated B2 by Moody’s. The retail unit will consist of 6,717 SF of ground floor space with 11’ 8” ceilings and a 5,177 SF lower level with 9’ 2” ceiling heights.

Additionally, the space will feature a glass facade and over 76’ of frontage on Avenue A. It is located just south of Tompkins Square Park and within walking distance to the F, 6, N, R and L train stops. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a long term leased, low maintenance asset in the heart of one of the fastest growing neighborhoods of Manhattan.

Price: $24.5 million.

The listing also includes some new renderings of the building, which looks even bigger than the recently disclosed 8 stories…





In other 100 Avenue A news, broker Ryan Serhant, star of "Million Dollar Listing New York," offered some clarification (sort of!) via Instagram about the naked women (and one man?) …



…that are at the center of the building's marketing campaign that we wrote about last Friday…

This is a real model, with real paint. This is my team, my developers, my clients, my friends, my family, my fans. This is for everyone who sells something who does it differently. This is for the kids who wear clothes other kids won't or don't. This is for the the Dad who goes back to school to make his kids proud. This is for the student who turns in 2 pages of a 5 page essay - and aces it. This is for everyone who has been bullied, talked about, made fun of, and pointed at. This is for the tattoos hidden under suits at work. This is for the study breaks and the over-time. The crazy dates and the rosé wine. Learn the system, use the system, change the system. 100AVEA.com

A photo posted by Ryan Serhant (@ryan_serhant) on Nov 2, 2015 at 6:14pm PST

Per Curbed, who noted the Instagram on Wednesday:

What does a naked, painted woman have to do with multimillion dollar condos? How does this, the image or the condo, speak for "everyone who has been bullied, talked about, made fun of, and pointed at," as Serhant's text suggests? Reminder: this is a development bringing expensive apartments to a neighborhood its developer has had a hand (an arm, really) in bringing into its current state.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Trying to figure out what is going on at 98-100 Avenue A

Wooing the condo crowd with naked women motif on Avenue A

Ben Shaoul's 100 Avenue A has now entered the next phase — sales!

The broker bunting arrived on the sidewalk bridge yesterday here between East Sixth Street and East Seventh Street … advertising the teaser site with contact info for broker Ryan Serhant, star of "Million Dollar Listing New York," and his team.

And how would you choose to sell these 33 (or 44!) condominium residences?

With naked women!







The design — naked women lying at rest with 100 Avenue A written all over her body — recalls the title sequences that Maurice Binder created for the first 14 James Bond films…





An homage? Or just some butt shots?





Anyway, we know who the target audience is now for these residences, which as reported, will range in price from $1.3 million to $2.3 million.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Trying to figure out what is going on at 98-100 Avenue A

Here's what Ben Shaoul's 98-100 Avenue A will likely look like now

[EVG photo from Saturday]

Now that we know Ben Shaoul's new condo building will be two floors taller at 98-100 Avenue A... what will the final product look like here between East Sixth Street and East Seventh Street?

The current rendering on the plywood looks like...



But here's the actual rendering (H/T NY Yimby!) via Issac & Stern Architects...





According to Isaac & Stern, the mixed-use building is approximately 30,000 square feet with and 44 residences. In announcing sales of the condos last month, The Real Deal noted that there would be 33 residences. Per broker Ryan Serhant, prices will range from the high $1,000s per square foot to north of $2,000 per square foot.

As previously reported, Blink Fitness will be the commercial tenant.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Trying to figure out what is going on at 98-100 Avenue A

Trying to figure out what is going on at 98-100 Avenue A

Ben Shaoul's new building going up at 98-100 Avenue A between East Sixth Street and East Seventh Street continues to intrigue and confuse local zoning enthusiasts.

We've gone through the various DOB permits and have come away generally confused.

EVG reader something structural shares our curiosity and confusion... so we took another step-by-step look here to see if we can figure out what is going on, mainly how many stories will this thing end up?

1. A new building permit was filed for and issued for a total floor area of 27,693 sf and a total FAR of 3.41. The description is "APPLICATION BEING FILED TO CONSTRUCT A NEW 6 STORY BUILDING." That suggests a pretty standard filing in R7A. Maximum FAR of 3.45 inclusive of commercial. OK!

2. A complaint was filed "NB UNDER CONSTRUCTION EXCEDS THE BULK AND HEIGHT OF THE PROPOSED 6 STY BLDG" on 9/28/15. A cursory look at the accepted ZD-1 confirms it looks nothing like what's out there. With us so far, right?

3. DOB (BEST Squad High Rise unit) stopped by 9/30/15 and issued a partial Stop Work Order. There's no indication if this was for zoning, or one of the other 8-10 violations they received for safety, protection of adjacent properties, etc.

4. Two weeks later, on 10/14/15 their Architect of Record filed a new PAA. The documents haven't been scanned yet, but:
- The PW1 now says "APPLICATION BEING FILED TO CONSTRUCT A NEW 8-STORY BUILDING."
- The residential floor area went to 30,399 sf with an additional 6,775 sf for commercial. Total FAR is 6.60, up from 3.41.
- The comments on the filing? "FILING PAA HEREWITH TO AMEND PW1: FLOOR RANGE, JOB DESCRIPTION, ZONING CHARACT ERISTICS, BUILDING CHARACTERISTICS, SCHEDULE A AND REVISE PLANS." AKA: filing for a different building. And the city approved this amended plan exam just yesterday, per DOB records.

Meanwhile, the structure was topped out before they even filed the amendment. So there you go. Plenty for zoning enthusiasts to mull over.

The new building's Schedule A shows 38 units ... and retail stores on the ground floor. Last month, it was announced that the building will house 33 condos, ranging in price from $1.3 million to $2.3 million. In addition, as previously noted, the retail space will house a 12,000-square foot Blink Fitness center.

Previously on EV Grieve:
A little bit of Hollywood on Avenue A

Inside the abandoned theater at East Village Farms on Avenue A

New Facebook group is advocating for a Trader Joe's on Avenue A

Workers back demolishing what's left of 98-100 Avenue A

Rest assured, there isn't a fire in the hole at 98-100 Avenue A

Ben Shaoul's 98-100 Avenue A emerging from the dewatering hole

Life next to 98-100 Avenue A

Condos at Ben Shaoul's 98-100 Avenue A will start at $1.3 million; high-end gym eyed for retail space

Life next to 98-100 Avenue A

After our post yesterday about the progress at Ben Shaoul's new building at 98-100 Avenue A, a reader who lives overlooking the site between East Sixth Street and East Seventh Street shared some photos from this angle...



The reader, who often works from home, says that the years-long demolition and subsequent construction "has been hell."

Cracks in my walls, ceiling, etc., and the lovely noise from 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday - Saturday. I only have one window to see out of for the air conditioner as I put 3-inch foam in the others.

Updated 11:42 a.m.

Another neighbor shared another view...

Ben Shaoul's 98-100 Avenue A emerging from the dewatering hole

By late afternoon yesterday, Ben Shaoul's incoming retail-residential building between East Seventh Street and East Sixth Street made its first appearance above the plywood, as these photos by EVG contributor Steven show…





Last time we checked in on the address here on Avenue A, a report of smoke from the construction pit prompted a visit by the FDNY. Earlier in the summer a sign appeared on the plywood noting that — "We are currently performing dewatering on this construction site. This is condensation (water vapor) coming up through the pipes."

Not sure where workers are with the dewatering. We didn't notice any smoke water vapor when we walked by yesterday.

Anyway, you know the rest… the building will one day look something like this…



Previously on EV Grieve:
A little bit of Hollywood on Avenue A

Inside the abandoned theater at East Village Farms on Avenue A

Workers back demolishing what's left of 98-100 Avenue A

Rest assured, there isn't a fire in the hole at 98-100 Avenue A

Demolition finally over at 98-100 Avenue A

Meant to note this earlier in the week… after seemingly 20 years, the demolition of the former theater-turned-grocery has ended on Avenue A between East Seventh Street and East Sixth Street … No more pesky building to see!



The smooth lot will some day make way for developer Ben Shaoul's 6-floor residential building with 29 apartments and ground-floor retail here.



… also, someone is keeping score on the side of the building that houses Sidewalk…



Previously

Taking a pit stop at 98-100 Avenue A

As we pointed out on Friday, there isn't much, if anything, left of the former theater-turned-grocery at 98-100 Avenue A between East Seventh Street and East Sixth Street.

And what's it looking like from the top?

An EVG reader shared these photos...







Developer Ben Shaoul is putting in a 6-floor residential building with 29 apartments and ground-floor retail here.

Previously on EV Grieve:
A little bit of Hollywood on Avenue A

Inside the abandoned theater at East Village Farms on Avenue A

Workers back demolishing what's left of 98-100 Avenue A

[Updated] Stray voltage warning along Ben Shaoul's Avenue A project

Con Ed has has put up cautionary tape and cones outside the rotting carcass of 98-100 Avenue A between East Sixth Street and East Seventh Street.



So be careful!

As for the address, there hasn't been any much activity in about six months at developer Ben Shaoul's incoming retail-residental complex. There are now approved plans for a 6-floor building with 29 apartments.

Meanwhile, the area under the sidewalk bridge has served as a makeshift shelter for a handful of people...


[Photo by Edward Arrocha]

Updated 7:01 p.m.

The warning signs are gone ...



Previously on EV Grieve:
A little bit of Hollywood on Avenue A

East Village Farms is closing; renovations coming to 100 Avenue A

Inside the abandoned theater at East Village Farms on Avenue A

Reader reports: Village Farms closing Jan. 31; building will be demolished

Asbestos abatement continues at 98 Avenue A, Ben Shaoul's latest East Village trophy

Ben Shaoul's proposed new Avenue A building will be 8 stories with a roof deck

Meanwhile, 98-100 Avenue A is lying in ruins

New Facebook group is advocating for a Trader Joe's on Avenue A

There is a new Facebook group titled "We Want a Trader Joe's at 98-100 Avenue A."

Most recently, the address was home to East Village Farms (RIP February 2012). Developer Ben Shaoul bought the property for $15.5 million. Permits filed with the DOB last December show plans for a proposed building that is 37,042 square feet — 29,881 for residential and 7,161 for a ground-floor retail space ... good for 8 stories and 43 residential units, plus bicycle storage in the basement and an "outdoor tenant recreation space" on the roof.



The new retail space is likely destined for some type of local or national franchise. Or bank branch.

Here is the group's mission statement:

This group is advocating for a Trader Joe's at 98-100 Avenue A, the former site of a great Korean deli. We are witnessing the loss of many neighborhood services, like grocery stores and laundromats, throughout New York. WE ALREADY HAVE A CHASE BRANCH AND A DUANE READE…

East Village resident Bryan Keller (an EVG Facebook friend) created the group. He has lived nearby for the past 22 years and says that the group is a form of "social persuasion to get services like good grocery stores that we need instead of more banks, drugstores and 7-Elevens."

And what about the Trader Joe's on East 14th Street near Union Square?

"[T]he long lines are proof that people really really like Trader Joe's," he says. "I try to go on the off hours. But it's really more about getting a decent grocer [at 98-100 Avenue A]. I really miss the old deli."

Previously on EV Grieve:
Inside the abandoned theater at East Village Farms on Avenue A

Reader reports: Village Farms closing Jan. 31; building will be demolished

That's it for East Village Farms

Asbestos abatement continues at 98 Avenue A, Ben Shaoul's latest East Village trophy

Meanwhile, 98-100 Avenue A is lying in ruins

[EVG file photo from December]

There hasn't been much activity lately at developer Ben Shaoul's incoming 8-story retail-residental complex at 98-100 Avenue A. For starters, the city has yet to approve the plans for the formally ornate theater turned grocery store. (The city last disapproved the plans on Feb. 14, according to public records.)

There are also two partial Stop Work Orders from late January … one for "failure to protect adjoining structures" and one for "debris/building — falling or in danger of falling."

And so, what's left of the now roofless building has been exposed to the elements… here's a view of things from Saturday via EVG reader Scoop Wilson…









… and here's another view from EVG reader Shannon Kendall …



Previously on EV Grieve:
A little bit of Hollywood on Avenue A

East Village Farms is closing; renovations coming to 100 Avenue A

Inside the abandoned theater at East Village Farms on Avenue A

Reader reports: Village Farms closing Jan. 31; building will be demolished

Asbestos abatement continues at 98 Avenue A, Ben Shaoul's latest East Village trophy

Ben Shaoul's proposed new Avenue A building will be 8 stories with a roof deck

A look back at 1941, when 98 Avenue A was a movie theater

So we've been monitoring the progress at the former 98-100 Avenue A, most recently East Village Farms. As you know, developer Ben Shaoul is building a new 8-story retail-residental complex with a roof deck.



[2009]

As we've previously pointed out, the address opened as the Avenue A Theatre in 1926 … and remained a theater until 1959.

On Monday, Off the Grid, the blog of the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation, published two photos when the building was operating as a theater… here's Avenue A between East Seventh Street and East Sixth Street in 1941...





Meanwhile, EVG reader Trevor Ristow recently shared some photos of the old theater that he took before crews started to demolish the building…











There's not much of the building left today. At last look, the interior was completely gutted… basically down to four walls…

Here are more photos that we've published of the interior … here … and here.

[1941 images via the NYPL digital archives]

Previously on EV Grieve:
A little bit of Hollywood on Avenue A

East Village Farms is closing; renovations coming to 100 Avenue A

Inside the abandoned theater at East Village Farms on Avenue A

Reader reports: Village Farms closing Jan. 31; building will be demolished

Asbestos abatement continues at 98 Avenue A, Ben Shaoul's latest East Village trophy

Ben Shaoul's proposed new Avenue A building will be 8 stories with a roof deck