Meanwhile, at the Post yesterday, Steve Cuozzo checked in on several high-profile projects around the city... "We gave owners, brokers, p.r. reps and inside moles a chance to share good news about the following projects, representing billions of dollars of private investment, some bolstered by public subsidies."
He couldn't find any good news about the projects including at 51 Astor Place, which he notes is being built entirely on spec. So the incoming 430,000 square-foot building remains tenantless for now...
And, as you know, it will look like this some day.
Meanwhile, EV Grieve reader Terry Howell shared these photos with us... the first is from Jan. 27, 2011...
And this is from Friday...
We echo Terry's feelings about the building:
"I have watched the demolition of the former Cooper Union building with mixed feelings, mostly deep grief for the loss of the trees. The building itself was meh but I was used to it and I fear what will replace it."
Previously on EV Grieve:
51 Astor Place demolition begins July 1; 17 months to build new black-glass tower
East Village — the new Midtown?
Workers chopping down the trees at 51 Astor Place
These buildings Cooper Union are forcing upon us are great advertisements for aspiring architecture students NOT to go to Cooper Union for their schooling.
ReplyDeleteThese buildings look like they belong in Houston, not the East Village. They are completely destroying the character of the neighborhood and are an insult to the people who love it.
I agree on the loss of the trees. The structure, not so much. I really wish this space could have been a park.
ReplyDeleteHere is what i found on the website for Minskoff equities. Apparently not residential, which is kind of amazing.
ReplyDelete51 ASTOR PLACE
NEW YORK, NEW YORK
Edward J. Minskoff Equities has entered into a ninety-nine year ground lease for 51 Astor Place with The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art to develop an as-of-right 430,000 rentable square foot, 13 story mixed-use office, education and retail building. Plans to raze the existing building and develop the Maki and Associates designed mixed-use building are underway. The building is being designed to the most advanced technological standards to accommodate the requirements for tenants ranging from corporate to financial services. Floor plates will range from 38,000 rentable square feet in the base to over 25,000 rentable square feet in the tower. Occupancy of this building is planned for Spring, 2013.
Has there ever been a period in history where most of the population hated the architecture of their time?
ReplyDelete@ Ken
ReplyDeleteVery true. I'm trying to think of any new building around here where I thought, "Wow, that looks great!"
The renovated St. Brigid's is looking lovely, but...
Ken:
ReplyDeleteThe Bowery Hotel is a new building - and the designers did a brilliant job I think, in coming up with something that fits in with the character of the neighborhood.
Too bad I can't afford to stay there!
Losing those trees WAS painful, but for now the view of the Wanaaker's building is pretty spectacular. My "if only" wish? No building/a new open square commemorating the history of the EV.
ReplyDeletethis is truly the death star that will KILL astor place entirely. how the F did they get a variance to build an enormous OFFICE BUILDING here???? we are a lowrise, residential district.. how much did the developer pay the worthless, corrupt, swiss cheese organization we all know as the DOB? that's what i want to know.
ReplyDeletethat and all the other blatant developer/city bribes would be one heck of a juicy story for any reporter worth their salt. come on village voice, please do an expose!! save our city!
heeeeeeeeelllllllpppppppp.....