On Monday, the city served a full vacate order on The Brownstone, the self-described "Jewish social club" at 224 E. 12th St. between Second Avenue and Third Avenue.
[Click image to enlarge]
According to public documents, the city issued the order "for altered building occupied without C of O [certificate of occupancy]."
According to The Brownstone website:
New York City does not fall short in the way of bars, cocktail parties or other social events, however, it’s finding relatable people to identify with that can be difficult to come by. Enter The Brownstone, the new Jewish social club that sophisticated New Yorkers have been longing for.
Gracing Manhattan’s East Village, The Brownstone is a one-stop shop for college students and Young Professionals to meet their needs as Jewish inhabitants of NYC. If it’s time to shake up your weekly work routine because you find yourself constantly surrounded by the same crowd, come meet new faces at one of our social events. If you are searching for that nice Jewish partner to bring home to mom and dad, join us at one of our dating events. If you are seeking a business opportunity, attend our networking events that feature prominent leaders from various fields and industries. If interested in further cultivating your Jewish identity, enroll in our classes that range from Hebrew Ulpan to Dating in Today’s World.
Sounds as if they were fitting into the East Village just fine. In a complaint dated Aug. 8:
APARTMENT BUILDING CONVERTED TO DORMITORY WITH ROOFTOP BEING USED AS PARTY SPACE, SERVING ALCOHOL & PLAYING AMPLIFIED MUSIC.
There's no mention of the closure on The Brownstone's website, Facebook page or Twitter account.
Previously on EV Grieve:
12th Street brownstone becoming mini university for Jewish education
Looking at the East Village Brownstone
their desire to meet does not supersede others need for peace. they are right, plenty of bars around.
ReplyDeleteFrom the looks of that building "The Brownstone" could not be a less fitting name...
ReplyDeleteDo people today really care about religion that much when dating or is it just another business model to reach an untapped niche in the bar market?
ReplyDeleteKfbeau,
ReplyDeleteHave you had many ethnically Jewish, Evangelical Christian, Muslim or Mormon friends? It is kind of a big deal to a lot of them. And since the latter three groups don't tend to do a lot of drinking, there is quite the niche.
There should be a penalty/fine just for the butt ugly building that takes the word "non-descript" to the lowest of lows.
ReplyDeleteWhat do they do in a Jewish Social Club. Watch Seinfeld reruns?
ReplyDeleteI thought that this was supposed to be some sort of community center. Instead, it is a brothel?
ReplyDeleteThey call themselves an non-profit educational institution but their focus (via the website) is on drinking, socializing and networking. Fine, but don't disturb the whole area with loud music and parties.
ReplyDeleteLove that this "social club" gets non-profit status.
Hi guys,
ReplyDeleteThe Brownstone is a community center. At least 90% of their events and programs are educational, without any alcohol of any kind. It is a place where Jews come to learn about their heritage, their religion, and meet other Jews. I think they want to get people involved, so they may market it like a social club, but really, it is a place to take classes. It is a shame that they now have to stop their programs until this is all figured out.
Best wishes,
A secular, Jewish, 24-year old girl, who attends a few classes a month at the Brownstone, to learn things not taught to her in her formative years, and to connect to old and new friends.
Sorry, but your community center is being shady. There is no way in the world you could buy a building, do pretty substantial construction and still be unaware of your certificate of occupancy status and change in use permit status unless you just didn't care and thought that the DOB will just give you a slap on the wrist AFTER you already did all you wanted without proper permits.
ReplyDeleteStill locked up tight and there's now also a flashing emergency light going on and off. ..
ReplyDeleteThey're back and the parties have begun...
ReplyDelete