Not much has been happening here on East 10th Street and Avenue B since Life Cafe abruptly closed "until further notice" this past Sept. 11, as we first reported...
As The Villager pointed out in September, the sidewalk shed and scaffolding have been covering Life's sidewalk cafe for more than a year. Meanwhile, exterior renovations have yet to start.
Making this more challenging — Life "spans a space belonging to two different buildings with two different landlords whose dispute over the price of the work contract has prevented construction from starting," according to The Villager. At the time, owner Kathy Kirkpatrick said that she'd stay closed until the landlords complete the repairs.
On Tuesday, the city issued a new work permit for 343 E. 10th St. ... the first sign of any substantial exterior work here...
Anyway, none of this means that Life will actually reopen here once the repairs are made. Kirkpatrick was spotted removing kitchen equipment back in the fall... Regardless, it would be nice to see some kind of life here again... (ad: something useful and not horrible!)
Disagree with you there Grieve. It would NOT be nice (will not?) to see another G-D yuppie watering hole or pricey upscale eatery open on this important nieghborhood corner and what I now consider hallowed ground, after the death of Life Cafe.
ReplyDeleteRIP best nachos in the neighborhood, i miss you so!!!
@Glamma
ReplyDeleteOf course! I didn't mean it would be nice to see anything open here ...
I was sad to see the gates were painted, covering that rib-cagey animal that had been there forever.
ReplyDeleteIt is sad and tragic to see Scott Borofsky's graffiti art destroyed. Removing it from the gates of Life Cafe was sacrilegious. His art was an iconic and important element of the fabric of the outdoor art arena from the 1980s. I am touched by the ongoing sentiments of support and loss expressed here and elsewhere. I miss you and many of my staff still tell me they miss being with you all at the Cafe as well. I want you to know that I'm still fighting for Life but cannot say more at this time. However, when this is over I promise to share the full Life story of the last few years.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment, Kathy. I have some photos of Scott's art that I will post...
ReplyDeleteGreive, work has been ongoing. It is largly completed on the ground floor and cellar. Face brick has been removed between the two buildings. structural ties have been installed through the party. The new permit is simply a function of the contractors insurance renewal schedule. The job is taking a lot longer than anyone would like.
ReplyDeleteguys.. i know you want Life back, however the building is 150+ years old and in severe need of structural restoration. I've seen the condition of some of those walls and i wouldn't sit comfortably sippin a cup under those conditions. also, i lost faith after CBGB's closed.
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