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