Monday, August 30, 2021

Astor Place Wegmans watch, work-permit edition

Work permits are now on file for renovations of the former Kmart space at the landmarked 770 Broadway. 

Based on the work plan, here are a few takeaways about the future Astor Place Wegmans courtesy of EVG regular Upper West Sider:
  • Looks like the subway entrance is safe for now (the area is covered in the No Work in Area portion of the plan). Guess it's covered by landmarks protection. 
  • The first step in the process is demolition. Almost everything is being removed, including escalator railings, storefront window displays, bathrooms, flooring and wall coverings. 
  • Given that ceiling tiles and the 1990s furnishings are being removed, it seems like the goal is to restore the space to its previous grandeur.
Wegmans signed a 30-year lease last month for what will be the grocer's first Manhattan outpost. It is scheduled to open in the second half of 2023.

Kmart closed in this space after 25 years on July 11. Wegmans had agreed to buy out Kmart's lease to make this deal possible.
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8 comments:

  1. noble neolaniAugust 30, 2021 at 8:32 AM

    Will miss that 90's era chic Kmart brought to this building.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousAugust 30, 2021 at 9:37 AM

    Is that linked photo this Wanamaker's or the original store that burned down in the 50s across the street? I know this one was the 'annex.'

    ReplyDelete
  3. XTCAugust 30, 2021 at 9:47 AM

    If the new Wegman's resembles anything like the old Wanamaker's it will be worth the wait. Given that it's a total gut and architectural restoration (which wasn't mentioned initially) the 2 year time frame seems more reasonable.

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  4. AnonymousAugust 30, 2021 at 11:08 AM

    I wonder if Wegmans will feature it's famously awesome Burgerbar, while being located barely a block from Shakeshack.

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  5. AnonymousAugust 30, 2021 at 12:01 PM

    One could only wish for the return of any of Wanamaker's elegance, in the same way one could only wish for the return of B. Altman's elegance. It would be great, but I wouldn't bet on it.

    PS: Shakeshack is not all that, IMO. If Wegman's offers them some competition, so much the better. I consider shakeshack to be very expensive fast food.

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  6. NOTORIOUSAugust 30, 2021 at 1:20 PM

    NN, you're too kind. I was thinking Zayre's circa 1983.

    ReplyDelete
  7. AnonymousSeptember 1, 2021 at 12:19 PM

    Look at all those citibikes! Citibank must really be lining someones pockets at DOT. The stations are out of control.

    ReplyDelete
  8. AnonymousSeptember 8, 2021 at 3:51 PM

    Rather have the Kmart back

    ReplyDelete

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