Workers clear out Chris French Cleaners as demolition looms for corner of 4th Avenue and 9th Street

Photos by William Klayer 

Workers were spotted yesterday hauling out the dry-cleaning equipment from the now-closed Chris French Cleaners on the northeast corner of Fourth Avenue and Ninth Street.

In case you missed the news: A 10-story condoplex with 10 residential units is in the works for the site, per public records. The pending new-building permit was added to the DOB's system on Sept. 24. 

The dry cleaner closed for good on Sept. 19, ending a 65-year run in the neighborhood. 

In the spring of 2022, we noted that this corner property — a single-level structure — was being pitched as a development site shortly after the family patriarch, Chris Mitrofanis, passed away. Public records show the family also owned the building. 

According to Crain's, Ilyas Abayev, founder of the real-estate firm Moonshot Development, is behind the new project. BKSK Architects LLP, whose local credits include The Jefferson on 13th Street between Second and Third avenues, is listed as the architect of record. 

There's already a demolition permit on file with the DOB for 101 E. Ninth St.