Back in February, a tipster told us that New York Health & Racquet Club is taking over all of the floors above Gracefully on Avenue A near East Second Street... turns out that's not quite accurate. According to documentation (PDF) on file at the CB3 website, the proposed new tenant for the upper floors of 28-30 Avenue is New York Sports Club.
This item is on CB3's Land Use, Zoning, Public and Private Housing Committee docket for May 8, as Serena Solomon pointed out Friday at DNAinfo.
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.
Maybe the Sports Club will keep the Burger-Klein sign?
Previously on EV Grieve:
RUMOR: New York Health & Racquet Club taking over the space above Gracefully on Avenue A (24 comments)
So, is someone going to explain to the next generation that the East Village used to be interesting?
ReplyDeleteThat facade and the sign need to be landmarked. Hopefully, with the popularity of Mad Men, NYHRC will see fit to retain it as-is.
ReplyDeleteOh man, I hope they keep that sign up...
ReplyDeleteGlad we're finally getting a decent gym in alphabet city!
ReplyDeleteThey should keep the sign on the first floor and turn it into a knockoff kosher burger joint called Burger Klein, like good old Kennedy Fried Chicken.
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile, CB3 was foaming at the mouth in outrage over the proposed independent Mexican restaurant and rock concert venue next door. Happy now, Stetzer et. al?
ReplyDeleteBoring, could always be worse but I have no use for a NYSC, another generic chain business can be found anywhere
ReplyDeleteAt least it is better than another methadone clinic or the vagrancy we have seen outside 100 Ave A due to its neglect. I actually think the increased daytime foot traffic will help the small, independent guy as well.
ReplyDeleteI'm amazed the whole building wasn't converted into hi-priced condos... those yellow protrusions are little terraces aren't they?
ReplyDelete