Monday, July 17, 2023

So what's next for this block of 2nd Avenue?

ICYMI. On June 26, we noted activity — workers picking up trash and random bricks — inside the empty lot on the east side of Second Avenue between Second Street and Third Street. 

As previously reported (first here), there are/were approved work permits (as of last summer) for an 11-floor mixed-use building on the site of a former three-building parcel.

Gemini Rosemont Development was behind this 100,568-square-foot new building ... the development, using 42 E. Second St. for its address, included 88 residential units and 9,600 square feet for retail.

An anonymous commenter previously had claimed: "Their plans were deemed dangerous for the neighboring property by DOB. Gemini is actively trying to sell the lot."

After our post, a rep for Gemini Rosemont Development told us the following: "The project is frozen, and we are currently evaluating options for the site."

DOB records show a variety of infractions, many involving non-maintenance of the construction fence.

In the spring, the DOB posted a "Notice to Revoke" on the approved application...
The address is still on the Gemini Rosemont Development website, though clicking on the address takes you to a random landing page.

In 2020, Gemini Rosemont bought the former La Salle annex at 38 Second Ave. and Second Street. The $14.5 million purchase of the four-story building was the third of three contiguous plots they acquired. The Los Angeles-based commercial real estate investment company closed on 42-44 Second Ave. and 46-48 Second Ave. (the former Church of the Nativity) in March 2020 for $40 million. 

To date, we have not seen any new notices about the sale of this lot. (Maybe you have and want to share?)

So the space will likely remain vacant for a few more years ... by the time someone makes a purchase and gets any new plans approved. 

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Perhaps I am in the minority, but this would be a good spot for a Trader Joes. Just saying.

Anonymous said...

Is there no zoning anymore ? It used to be 80 feet. Everything being built nowadays is so huge.

Christopher Calin said...

Perfect spot for Dorothy Day community garden, with a big statue of her in the middle. But after paying $54M for the 2 lots (40 for Nativity, 14 for Lasalle annex) I doubt it. Let it sit vacant a while.

Anonymous said...

This would be a great spot for a Middle School/High School.

Anonymous said...

Re: making it a garden, what do squatter laws say about empty lots? How many trees have to be planted before they become legal tenants?

Anonymous said...

This would be a great place for housing in a city desperately need of more housing. You people are delusional