Weird not to have the Strand Annex at 95 Fulton Street in the Financial District around anymore...the store had been in this location for 12 years (in other locations downtown for another eight years)...but the double whammy of a 300 percent rent hike and the ongoing gutting of Fulton Street gave the Strand folks no other choice than to shutter the place, which happened the third week of September after some dandy sales.
And so the 15,000-square-foot space sits empty.
This box was out front the day I walked by...
At least locals can console themselves with another Dunkin' Donuts opening down the street.
[Top Strand photo taken for Downtown Express by by Jefferson Siegel]
It was obviously mainly the rent hike, but don't minimize the gutting of Fulton Street. I work in the area, and its been getting increasingly difficult and unpleasant to walk around. Strolling to the Strand was getting less and less enjoyable. Part of me is almost relieved at the closure.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if all the construction will impact plans to turn the area into a residential neighborhood.
I'm with you, Ed. Fulton Street should be eligible for disaster relief from the government.
ReplyDeleteIf they actually had any money left.