What's going on at 185 Avenue B?

Last Wednesday, demolition crews arrived at 185-193 Avenue B to start work on the former theater-church... (photos from last week are here and here...)

The building is now all snug in a sidewalk shed, slowly coming down piece by piece...

There are still plans waiting approval at the DOB for a mixed-use seven-story building ...

Meanwhile, the sign on the sidewalk bridge offers up details above the space's future:

"[A] new seven-story mixed use building is being built that will include a 12,915 square foot community facility condominium in a portion of the cellar and ground floor, to be used by Iglesia De Dios Pentecostal Elim, Inc., as well as a 35,426 square foot residential apartment condominium, consisting of 40 studio and one-bedroom apartments in a portion of the cellar, ground floor and the entirety of floors 2-7."

Previously on EV Grieve:
Revival planned for church and theater on Avenue B

Inside the Charles

Former landmark countercultural theater now for rent on Avenue B

7-story building in the works to replace former countercultural theater/church on Avenue B

Demolition finally starting at formerly historic counterculture theater

After a few false starts, demolition is under way at the long-empty 185-193 Avenue B at East 12th Street. EVG reader Ron Z sent along these shots from today....

There are plans waiting approval at the DOB for a mixed-use seven-story building with 44 units. (You can read a short history of what's happening with the space here.)

The address was a movie theater for many years, first the Bijou in 1926, then the Charles. (The theater closed in 1975, and a church took over the space.) A fire broke out in the building in October 2006.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Revival planned for church and theater on Avenue B

Inside the Charles

Former landmark countercultural theater now for rent on Avenue B

7-story building in the works to replace former countercultural theater/church on Avenue B