Foundation in place for the new ABC No Rio building on the Lower East Side

Construction is moving along at 156 Rivington St., where workers last week finished the foundation for the new ABC No Rio building here between Stanton and Suffolk on the Lower East Side...

A ceremonial groundbreaking took place last summer. 

The environmentally friendly new structure, designed by architect Paul Castrucci, will include a computer lab, print shop, and a zine library, among other amenities. (Find more details here.) The city is contributing $21 million to the project through the Department of Cultural Affairs. 

ABC Rio's previous four-story building on this lot, which was said to be in disrepair, was demolished in the spring of 2017, putting ABC No Rio's programming into "exile" at other arts organizations around the city.

The first hardcore/punk matinee in several years occurs on March 23 in Ridgewood. 

According to a recent ABC No Rio Instagram post, the new building's estimated completion date is early summer of 2026.

ABC No Rio's longtime director, Steve Englander, passed away in December.

A bar dedicated to women's sports is opening on the Bowery

Wilka's Sports Bar is opening soon at 241 Bowery between Stanton and Rivington.

The bar will be dedicated to broadcasting women's sports...

According to its website, this will be "a bold and vibrant space where women's sports take the spotlight. Inspired by the strength and unity of a wolf pack — 'Wilk' means wolf in Polish — Wilka's embodies a fresh start and a sense of togetherness."

Two friends (Melissa and Lauren) from the hospitality business are behind the venture. They "believe in the incredible power of women's sports to inspire, empower, and bring people together."

You can follow Wilka's Instagram account for updates.

Reuters reported in December that "major gains in television viewing and attendance at women's sports in 2024 will give way to expansion in 2025 as start-ups and established leagues alike look to take advantage of the surging interest..."

As a result, bars dedicated exclusively to women's sports have been opening around the country. The reported first was The Sports Bra in Portland, Ore.,  debuting in April 2022. 

 

Wilka's will be one of the city's first for women's sports. Athena Keke's is in the works for Clinton Hill.

Spend an evening with Patti Smith at Cooper Union this March 5

Via the EVG inbox... 

This Women's History Month, join the legendary Patti Smith for a special event as part of The Cooper Union's Gardiner Foundation Great Hall Forum series. 

As a poet, singer, songwriter, fine artist, and New York Times bestselling author, Smith has produced a body of work with the kind of influence that reaches through generations, across disciplines, and around the world. 

Kit Nicholls, director of The Cooper Union Center for Writing and Learning, will be in conversation with Smith about her groundbreaking career. 

The event will be held on March 5 from 7 to 8 p.m. It is free, but you must register online here. 

Last week, Smith announced a fall tour that marks the 50th anniversary of her debut, Horses.

Pre-leasing for office space at 1 St. Mark's Place is underway

After a turbulent few years involving zoning battles, potential foreclosure, and a personal tragedy, the nine-story office building at St. Mark's Place and Third Avenue is finally ready to welcome prospective tenants at this gateway to the East Village.

As The Real Deal first reported, pre-leasing is underway here at 1 St. Mark's Place. 

Jones Lang LaSalle, which has the exclusive listings, notes:

Office tenants will have access to state-of-the-art amenity package, inclusive of a fitness center with locker rooms, meeting spaces, and a bike room. In addition, the offices are outfitted with high-end, residential style kitchens and bathrooms. 

The asking rents are $135 to $190 per square foot per TRD. 

The 1 Saint Marks Place website has more renderings and amenities (a few screengrabs follow). "Where Work Is Your Club" is one of several taglines for the development...

We've been documenting this story from day 1.

In November 2017, the commercial and residential real estate firm Real Estate Equities Corporation (REEC) picked up the 99-year leasehold for the assemblage on the NW corner of St. Mark's Place and Third Avenue for nearly $150 million. 

The Gabay family had owned the buildings for generations. (Other suitors also sought the property.) The previous buildings, which included retail tenants such as Korilla BBQ, the Continental, and McDonald's, were demolished in the summer of 2019.

The size of the building caused a lot of drama (flashback), and work was stopped for 10 months in 2021 when Madison Capital Realty tried foreclosing on the property.

Foundation work finally started in late August 2022 — after crews and equipment were assembled here in the summer of 2020. 

The developer, REEC's Brandon Miller, was found in his Hamptons home last July. Miller, who took his own life, was reported to be $34 million in debt. This new project was reportedly built on spec.

Now, the only question is who will call this address their business home.

The new old Lucy's sign returns on Avenue A

Sign photos Friday by Steven 

The familiar hand-painted Lucy's sign returned to the storefront on Friday at 135 Avenue A between St. Mark's Place and Ninth Street (someone painted over it in early 2024).

The new (old) sign appears to be an exact replica of what was there before...

Under new ownership with Golden Age Hospitality, the bar has been getting renovated in recent months after a decades-long run with proprietor Ludwika "Lucy" Mickevicius. 

The questionnaire on file with Community Board 3 for the new liquor license last year included a letter from Golden Age Hospitality CEO Jon Neidich to the local block association. The letter reads in part: 

While we are taking over the operation of the bar, our involvement is solely premised on preserving an East Village institution: Lucy herself will very much still be a part of this project (and will still be behind the bar!). We will not be changing the concept or design of the space (we will be adding some soundproofing in the ceiling and an ADA bathroom). 

The building at 135-137 sold for $19.1 million in January 2024. Many of the residential units are undergoing gut renovations, and a source told us that some of the construction materials spotted inside Lucy's in recent months were for the upstairs apartments. 

Here's a look inside the bar from late January (photos by Stacie Joy)...

Will the "Hurricane Streets" movie poster return to its longtime position behind the bar?

Lucy's has not been open since November 2023. 

The links below detail what has transpired here over the past year.

Previously on EV Grieve: 

• A few more details on the future of East Village classic bar Lucy's 

• Exclusive: Lucy discusses the future of her iconic East Village bar

Signage alert: HighLife Burgers on 1st Avenue

Photo by Steven

The hand-painted signage is up for HighLife, the new burger joint on First Avenue from the owners of Electric Burrito around the corner on St. Mark's Place.

HighLife is taking over part of the former Dan & John's storefront at 135 First Ave. (Dan & John's closed last April after failing to reach a new lease agreement with the landlord.)

The burger place is expected to open soon. You can follow them on Instagram for updates.

Sunday's parting shot

Photo by Francine Lange 

Steamy Sunday afternoon on Fourth Street...

HBD McSorley's

EVG photo from November

Tomorrow (Feb. 17), McSorley's will celebrate 171 years at 15 E. Seventh St. near Cooper Square, featuring live music beginning at noon.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by McSorley’s Old Ale House (@mcsorleysoldalehouse)

Relive some fake EVG-McSorley's history at the 2016 post.

Week in Grieview

Posts this past week included (with a snow-day photo from Tompkins by Derek Berg) 

• Bella's passing marks another sad chapter in East Village fire tragedy (Sunday) 

• Church to condo conversion underway on 4th Street (Monday) 

• RIP Walter Robinson (Monday) 

• New York Dolls co-founder David Johansen seeks support for cancer treatment (Tuesday) 

• School shuffle: La Salle Returning to 2nd Street as St. George seeks new tenants (Wednesday) 

• Do you have what it takes to be the coolest block in the neighborhood? (Thursday) 

• Checking in on the Hamilton Fish Park Library renovations (Thursday) 

• Willem Dafoe at the Anthology Film Archives (Tuesday)

• Openings: Alison on St. Mark's Place (Tuesday) ... Hatsu Omakase on 4th Street (Monday) 

• Bronx Brewery has closed on 2nd Avenue (Friday) ... Bluestone Lane on Astor Place (Wednesday) ... Hollywood Nail & Spa on 1st Street (Tuesday) 

• Signage alert: Dumpling Xi on 4th Avenue (Thursday) ... Meama on 2nd Avenue (Tuesday) ... Chocolate DIP for St. Mark's Place (Monday) 

• Game, set, match: Thirty Love arrives on 3rd and 13th (Monday) 

• Hey, the Heytea signage has arrived (Thursday)

Sunday's opening shot

Random Avenue A skyview... today's weather: Showers, rain and probaby more rain ... and mariners, take heed: A gale warning is in effect from 4 p.m. today to midnight Monday.

Saturday's parting shot

Early this evening in Tompkins Square Park...

Sundays at Bullet Space this month: zine swap tomorrow; 'Signs of Life' ongoing

Bullet Space is hosting a Zine Swap tomorrow (Sunday) from 3-6 p.m. 

Meanwhile, the current exhibit, "Signs of Life," remains on view on Sundays this month...

The urban artist collab is at 292 E. Third St. between Avenue C and Avenue D.

Bleecker Street Bar to host winter carnival benefiting former manager’s cancer battle

On Sunday (tomorrow), the Bleecker Street Bar hosts a Winter Carnival and fundraiser. Part of the proceeds will go to help ease the financial burden that Renee, the bar's former manager who has also worked at Coffee Shop and Han Dynasty, has incurred while battling stage 4 breast cancer. 

From 3 to 7 p.m., the bar will hold a raffle with various prizes. There will also be a vintage clothing pop-up. 

Bleecker Street Bar is at 648 Broadway between Bleecker and Bond.

Saturday's opening shot

Outside the uptown 6 on Astor Place, the MTA dropped some salt, like at other subway entrances we saw this morning, ahead of the expected snowfall (1-2 inches) later this afternoon. 

The snow will turn to rain later tonight and into tomorrow, per the National Weather Service. 

Meanwhile, over at the downtown 6 yesterday... this report came in via the Citizen app...

Who's going to blame this on congestion pricing?

Friday's parting shot

Photo by Andrew Jacobs 

Happy Valentine's Day from 10th Street between B and C to one and all...

Mind the gap

We continue to highlight indie acts performing at this year's New Colossus Festival, which will take place in East Village and LES venues from March 4 to 9. 

Here's NYC-based Mahogany with "A Scaffold." Catch them at the all-day shoegaze party on March 8 at Arlene's Grocery.

Find Festival info here.

EVG Etc.: Who's running for mayor this year?; Is curbside dining kaput?

Local stories of interest from other sources this past week include... 

• Trump administration claws back $80 million sent to NYC to house migrants (The City) 

• Fact-checking FEMA's payments to NYC to house migrants (The Associated Press) 

• Danielle R. Sassoon, a Republican and acting U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, resigned after being told to drop the corruption charges against Mayor Adams ... five high-ranking DOJ officials followed suit (CNBC ... The Associated Press) 

• Good time to mention this: Who is running for mayor this year? (City & State) 

• Park Service erases 'transgender' on Stonewall website (NPR)

• Down: Vehicular traffic. Up: pedestrian traffic (Gothamist) 

• Outdoor dining might be doomed as just 40 of 1,400-plus applicants for the new roadway dining have made it through the city's labyrinth process (Grub Street ... Streetsblog) 

• New Yorkers were more likely to be killed in traffic crashes than in shootings in 2024 (Gothamist) 

• Local landmarks and landmarks-to-be of Black History (Village Preservation) 

• A Q&A with Jamian Juliano-Villani, "the Chaos Agent of the New York Art World" (Interview ... previously on EVG) 

• About "Danger and Opportunity," a new play set to open at East Village Basement, 321 E. Ninth St. (Playbill... official play site... East Village Basement site) 

• Three nights of Paul McCartney at the Bowery Ballroom (Brooklyn Vegan)

• Inside Dirt Candy's trademark dispute (The New York Times) 

• A visit to Cuts & Slices on East Houston (ABC 7 ... previously on EVG) 

• A global coffee price spike will soon hit your wallet, or however you pay for coffee (NBC News)

... and eggs remain crazy expensive right now... so beware of these obvious traps, like on Fourth Street... sure, it's just an unattended case of eggs...

Bronx Brewery has closed on 2nd Avenue

Photos by Steven

After three years at 64 Second Ave. between Third Street and Fourth Street, Bronx Brewery has closed its East Village location. 

Monday was the last day in service...

Ownership posted this on Instagram: 

After three unforgettable years, we’ve made the difficult decision to close our East Village location. 64 Second Ave was meant to be an extension of our Bronx roots, but it quickly became something so much more — a sanctuary, a gathering place, a second home. 

To our staff, friends, family, community partners, guests, and even that one squirrel who ran inside—we are endlessly grateful. Thank you for filling this space with your energy, your laughter, your stories... and, of course, your cheers. 

The space also featured the first U.S. location for Swedish brand Bastard Burgers.

The original location in the Bronx (b. 2011) and the newer one in Hudson Yards will remain open.

This retail space had been vacant since NYC Velo moved a storefront to the north in 2016.

Friday's opening shot

Happy Valentine's Day from Key Food (and Little Debbie) on Avenue A...

Thursday's parting shot

Photo by Francine Lange 

Pre-Valentine's Day eve at Sunny's Florist, Second Avenue at Sixth Street...

Do you have what it takes to be the coolest block in the neighborhood?

So, do you think your block is cool? Here's a chance to prove it.

This month, the Lower East Side Ecology Center is launching "The Coolest Block in the Lower East Side" (and NOT a Magnetic Fields song), billed as "an exciting new initiative designed to encourage community stewardship of street trees in the East Village, Lower East Side and Chinatown neighborhoods.''

OK! What else?

... this community-driven contest fosters environmental awareness, local engagement, and a healthy dose of competition, bringing together neighbors, schools, and organizations to transform their blocks into vibrant, green spaces. 

Residents, community groups, block associations, schools, and local organizations are invited to compete for the title of the Coolest Block in the Lower East Side. Participants will focus on key street tree care activities such as soil aeration, mulching, watering, and general cleanup, all while showcasing creativity and community spirit. 

Interested? Then, fill out this Interest Form.

There will also be a kick-off event on Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. at the Sixth Street Community Center. For event information, click this link. 

Checking in on the Hamilton Fish Park Library renovations

Photos by Stacie Joy 

The Hamilton Fish Park Library, located at 415 E. Houston St. between Pitt and Columbia, has been closed since the end of 2023 for "building improvements." 

The library is expected to reopen at the end of 2026 following the $19-million gut renovation, which includes a new open concept with floor-to-ceiling windows for better lighting. 

Per a CB3 presentation on the renovations: 

This goal will be accomplished by replacing existing translucent glass brick masonry units with new fully transparent windows on the Houston Street façade. This strengthened visual connection between the library exterior and interior improves the space's quality and draws in more visitors. The surrounding community will benefit from a revitalized and modernized public space, which accommodates the needs of the library patrons and improves its overall functionality. 

Here's a look at the work in progress the other day...

During the closure, patrons have been using: 

• Tompkins Square Library 

• Ottendorfer Library 

• Seward Park Library 

Previously on EV Grieve: 

• Hamilton Fish Park Library closing for a 2-plus year renovation

Signage alert: Dumpling Xi on 4th Avenue

Photo by Jeanne Krier 

Signage for Dumpling Xi is now on the SE corner of Fourth Avenue at 10th Street.

The China-based company has 800 outposts. As far as we know, this is the first one here. There is one in Flushing as well, per a reader email.

Plenty of dumplings and dim sum around here, like at Bites of Xi'an a few storefronts away on 10th Street and Tim Ho Wan right across the street.

Several restaurants have come and gone in the retail space of the new-ish 10-story cantilevering condoplex. Most recently, Hou Hot Pot closed on Jan. 1.

Hey, the Heytea signage has arrived

Photo by Steven 

The Heytea signage arrived Monday at 128 Second Ave. between Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place. 

As we noted in October, the brand started in China in 2012, and now there are 4,000-plus locations worldwide selling a variety of milk and fruit teas... including a handful in NYC. They are known for drinks topped with a layer of cream cheese foam.

No word on an opening date.

Wednesday's parting shot

Sir Paul McCartney in the window at Pop International at 195 Bowery this evening... around the corner from Night 2 of McCartney's surprise shows at the Bowery Ballroom.

School shuffle: La Salle Returning to 2nd Street as St. George seeks new tenants

Sharing some local school news. 

For starters, La Salle Academy is returning to its building on Second Street near Second Avenue for the 2025-26 school year after 15 years of leasing space from St. George Academy (above) at 615 E. Sixth St. near Cooper Square. 

That announcement was first made about a year ago. (More on that below.) 

Meanwhile, last week, a real-estate listing to lease three floors for office space at the current St. George Academy caught our attention. 

St. George Academy Principal Andrew Stasiw explained that with La Salle's move, they'll have extra space for use. He mentioned that they are in talks with several schools about leasing the space. (He also said he was unaware of the other listing, as the broker did not have an exclusive arrangement with the school.) 

Meanwhile, St. George — also known as St. George's Ukrainian Catholic School — will carry on as it has since 1946, when it was founded as a private Catholic college-preparatory high school. 

"[We] will continue to run our Academy on the bottom three floors, as well as our Saturday School program, and a host of other programs," Stasiw wrote in an email. 

To make way for the return of La Salle on Second Street, the Nord Anglia International School New York, which leased the building, is moving to Gramercy Park for the fall.

La Salle Academy, one of the oldest all-male Catholic high schools in New York City, will be moving back to Second Street for the fall... their home from 1856 through 2010 when they started to lease the building. 

La Salle sold its annex property on the SE corner of Second Avenue and Second Street in 2020 for $14.5 million. That building and two others were demolished to make way for a development that has yet to materialize.

According to a March 2024 release from Salvatore LaRocca, chairman of the Board of Trustees at La Salle Academy: 

" ... the renovated building on 2nd Street will allow us to expand and create new academic, athletic, and extracurricular programs to ensure that La Salle offers its students the best 21st century education possible. These improvements along with our continued commitment to providing a Catholic education in the Lasallian tradition will ensure that our graduates are prepared to succeed in a rapidly changing environment."

Bluestone Lane has closed on Astor Place

The Bluestone Lane outpost in the Death Star at 51 Astor Place has closed. 

An EVG reader shared these photos, with one showing an empty storefront.

There isn't any closing notice for patrons on the door of the Australian-inspired coffee shop. However, a Bluestone Lane rep confirmed the closing with EVG.

This Bluestone outpost (the eighth in NYC at the time) opened in April 2016.

We thought they might have seen an uptick in business after Starbucks closed on Astor Place last summer.

Still, many coffee choices are nearby, including two branches of the Bean, Astor Plate, the Madman Espresso airstream trailer outside the Uptown 6 stop, Hidden Grounds around the corner on Third Avenue, Think Coffee on Fourth Avenue, and Irving Farm New York on 10th Street. To name a few in the immediate area.