First rentals arrive on the market at Sioné, the new luxury building at 171 Suffolk (aka 255 E. Houston)

[Photo from Friday]

Rentals are underway at Sioné, Samy Mahfar's new luxury development at 255 E. Houston St./171 Suffolk St.

We received an email about "preliminary VIP tours" beginning yesterday at the 14-floor building. (Per the invite: "As we work to finish the building, we urge that you refrain from bringing children, strollers and or pets on the building tour.")

A new rendering and rental invitation is now on Streeteasy...



Here's what to expect:

Conceived by renowned architect Stephen B. Jacobs the Sioné is an eclectic fusion of the grit of the lower east side realized by a sophisticated partnership of professionals, bringing together a vision of art, culture, architecture, and distinguished living.

Common areas are abundant throughout and seek to satisfy a wide range of ever-growing needs. Upon entering the building, residents are greeted by a lobby lounge complete with game tables and a communal workspace with fireside seating. A double height staircase leads to a residents’ lounge featuring a private screening room, kitchenette, game room with billiards, and foosball.

Perched atop the Sioné sits a 14th floor residents’ lounge with a dynamic combination of indoor and outdoor spaces. Outside, a beautifully appointed landscaped rooftop outfitted with lounge chairs for sunbathing, misting shower, outdoor screening by the fire, private dining, and BBQ stations, ensure residents’ comfort and enjoyment at the Sioné is paramount to all else.

The Sioné also boasts a state-of-the-art gym and fitness facility, outfitted with the latest in techno gym and Peleton equipment for residents to engage in a plethora of the latest programmed classes. The Sioné ensures every opportunity for its residents to pursue a holistic approach to their work, play, and overall quality of life.

There are four rentals listed at Streeteasy, including a studio for $3,528 and a two bedroomer for $6,795.


[Suffolk Street entrance]



As previously noted, there's a lot of backstory with this development, which has been in the works since at least 2011. The links below have more details on the project, which went from 10 to 14 floors.

One questions remains: How many affordable units will be available in this complex? As the Lo-Down reported in December 2017: "Mahfar had already received 421a tax breaks to build some affordable units, but he was also seeking a floor area bonus through the city’s inclusionary housing program."

No. 255 previously housed the day-care center Action for Progress, which was forced to evacuate in 2009 after construction on the condoplex next door destabilized the building.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Next for 255 E. Houston St.: Community facility/school/medical building?

10-story building now in the works for 255 E. Houston St.

Debate over commercial overlay for 255 E. Houston St. and surrounding blocks continues

Report: Samy Mahfar drops bid for commercial overlay on East Houston and parts of the LES

Sioné is the name of Samy Mahfar's residential building at 255 E. Houston St.


[EVG photo of No. 255 from 2012]

Sioné is the name of Samy Mahfar's residential building at 255 E. Houston St.

Here's a look at 255 E. Houston St./171 Suffolk St., the L-shaped parcel where work continues at developer Samy Mahfar's 14-floor residential building. (The condoplex on the corner of Houston and Stanton is part of a different project.)


[Entrance at 171 Suffolk St.]

Branding on the sidewalk bridge now reveals that the building is called Sioné ...



There's also a teaser site where prospects may sign up to be on a mailing list. The site describes Sioné this way — "A Limited Collection of Luxury Residences"...



The residences here range from studios to three bedrooms — all with or without terraces ...



There's a lot of backstory with this development. Quickly: In September 2016, Mahfar withdrew his application — after a five-year fight with Community Board 3 and local elected officials — for a commercial zoning change for this property and surrounding parcels. He wanted to put a restaurant or retail business on the ground floor. Under current zoning, only a community facility is allowed. (The new building has 6,258 square feet set aside for that usage.)

Mahfar, who has been accused of harassing rent-regulated tenants, had approval for a 10-floor building, which turned into 14 floors and 88 units.

As the Lo-Down reported in December 2017: "Mahfar had already received 421a tax breaks to build some affordable units, but he was also seeking a floor area bonus through the city’s inclusionary housing program." It's not immediately clear how many affordable units may be available in this complex.

No. 255 previously housed the day-care center Action for Progress, which was forced to evacuate in 2009 after construction on the condoplex next door destabilized the building...


[EVG photo of No. 255 from 2012]

Previously on EV Grieve:
Next for 255 E. Houston St.: Community facility/school/medical building?

10-story building now in the works for 255 E. Houston St.

Debate over commercial overlay for 255 E. Houston St. and surrounding blocks continues

Report: Samy Mahfar drops bid for commercial overlay on East Houston and parts of the LES

Construction watch: 255 E. Houston St.

Last Monday we noted the full reveal at 287 E. Houston St. ... now here's an in-progress look at another new residential building along the corridor one block to the west — 255 E. Houston between Suffolk and Norfolk...



Been a long time coming for this one, a project embroiled in controversy via developer Samy Mahfar.

A little of the history: In September 2016, Mahfar withdrew his application — after a five-year fight — for a commercial zoning change for this property and surrounding parcels.

He had approval for a 10-floor building. Then it was 13 floors. Then 14. The Commercial Observer reported last Dec. 20 that Mahfar scored a $39.5 million construction loan from Bank of the Ozarks for the 14-floor, 88-unit apartment building. (It's not clear if any of the units will be designated as affordable housing.)

In any event, workers are on the 14th floor now...



No. 255 previously housed the day-care center Action For Progress.


[EVG photo of No. 255 from 2012]

Previously on EV Grieve:
Next for 255 E. Houston St.: Community facility/school/medical building?

10-story building now in the works for 255 E. Houston St.

Debate over commercial overlay for 255 E. Houston St. and surrounding blocks continues

Report: Samy Mahfar drops bid for commercial overlay on East Houston and parts of the LES

Construction watch: 255 E. Houston St.

Developer Samy Mahfar's controversial development at 255 E. Houston has finally made its first appearance above the plywood here between Norfolk and Suffolk.

In September 2016, Mahfar withdrew his application — after a five-year fight — for a commercial zoning change for this property and surrounding parcels.

He had approval for a 10-story building. However, amended work permits now show a 13-story building (waiting for approval). An article published by the Commercial Observer back on Dec. 20 mentioned that it will be 14 floors. (The article was about Mahfar scoring a $39.5 million construction loan from Bank of the Ozarks for the 88-unit apartment building. It's not clear if any of the units will be designated as affordable housing.)

The current plywood rendering along East Houston shows this...



No. 255 previously housed the day-care center Action For Progress.


[EVG photo of No. 255 from 2012]

Previously on EV Grieve:
Next for 255 E. Houston St.: Community facility/school/medical building?

10-story building now in the works for 255 E. Houston St.

Debate over commercial overlay for 255 E. Houston St. and surrounding blocks continues

Report: Samy Mahfar drops bid for commercial overlay on East Houston and parts of the LES

Top photos from Saturday

New East Houston condos 'effortlessly embody the sophistication of Lower East Side living'

Some seven months after the "condos coming soon" banner was unveiled at 265 E. Houston St., developer Central Construction Management has put a few of the condoplex units on the market. (H/T Curbed and BuzzBuzzHome!)



There are three two-bedroom, two-bathroom units available, ranging from $2.45 million to $2.55 million. (There are seven units total in this 10-floor building.)

Here's the pitch, via Streeteasy:

Ideally located in Lower East Side Manhattan, this spectacular collection of apartments are finished to the highest standard with exquisite Italian Carrara marble and white oak flooring throughout. Private keyed elevators lead directly into each residence, where refined design, spacious floor plans, and a modern neutral color palette perfectly meld minimalist style with contemporary luxury.

With oversized windows, sleek living areas, private outdoor spaces, and expansive common roof top terraces boasting dramatic views of the city, these stylish homes effortlessly embody the sophistication of Lower East Side living.

A tranquil escape from the city, the elegant master bathrooms offer a peaceful space to luxuriate. Smooth Carrara marble walls and floors are complemented by pure white Robern cabinetry, bespoke recessed medicine cabinets, and jet black rainshowers with attached shower heads. The ergonomic double-sinks and marble-enclosed Kohler tubs are fitted with black faucets crafted by local manufacturers Watermark Designs. Secondary baths are finished with glossy white Nemo tile and Restoration Hardware cabinetry.

The corner was home to the Iglesia Pentecostal Arca de Salvacion (below). In 2008, developer 265 East Houston LLC purchased the plot for $500,000, public records show.


[Via]

Work at 265 E. Houston St. (aka 179 Suffolk St.) dates to early 2010. As you may recall, construction in the pit conveniently destabilized the building next door at No. 255, which caused Action for Progress to vacate.

Speaking of next door... Not much construction action here just yet...



Developer Samy Mahfar, the property's owner, has approved plans for a 10-story residential complex that will look like...



But for now...

New renderings for the luxury building that will hang out over the Mercury Lounge

[EVG file photo]

Plans to build on top of the former Provident Loan Society building on the southwest corner of Houston and Essex continue to move forward.

CityRealty got the first look at the latest set of renderings for the space...


[Renderings by Rogers Partners via CityRealty]

Per CityRealty:

The Lower East Side development will rise within an existing two-story building from 1912 to become a 120-foot-tall structure with 12 stories. The building's design features an irregularly stacked structure that will cantilever on floors 8 though 12, hovering over a neighboring residential property.

And!

Rogers Partners drew design inspiration from former tenant Jasper Johns’ number series, pieces that allow the abstract and concrete qualities of the numbers to build upon one another and create an ultimate sense of structure. The design for 225 East Houston Street finds rhythm in both its bold form, unique rising mass, and distinct arrangement of windows. The new 44,000-square-foot building will host 38 residential apartments, as well as a rooftop terrace, a fitness center...

[Renderings by Rogers Partners via CityRealty]

As BoweryBoogie previously reported, building owners Elsa and Dunnie Lai have lived in the neighborhood for 40 years, and say that they are committed to restoring the original structure. Head over to BB for that background as well as some of the community opposition to such a tumor-like structure here.

After a string of random clubs and concepts through the past 20 years, the Provident Loan Society Building is currently unoccupied. The space served as a studio for Johns in the 1970s.

(More) Condos coming soon on East Houston

The banner is up at the new 10-story building on East Houston at Suffolk... and sounding rather ominous: "Condos coming soon."



There is a teaser site where potential condo owners can sign up to receive more info. There aren't any further details, other than a tagline of sorts: "Floor-through condominiums in the heart of the Lower East Side."

In 2008, developer 265 East Houston LLC purchased the plot on Houston and Suffolk from Iglesia Pentecostal Arca de Salvacion (below) for $500,000, public records show.


[Via]

Work here on at 265 E. Houston St. (aka 179 Suffolk St.) dates to early 2010. As you may recall, construction in the pit destabilized the building next door at No. 255, which caused Action for Progress to vacate.

And as you can see, No. 255 is no more. Workers recently wrapped up that demolition...





Developer Samy Mahfar, the property's owner, has approved plans for a 10-story residential complex here.

And so the development gold rush continues along the East Houston corridor...

255 E. Houston St. is disappearing

An EVG reader passed along these photos... showing the demolition in progress at 255 E. Houston St. between Norfolk and Suffolk...





No. 255 previously housed the day-care center Action For Progress. (Read about how that building was damaged back in 2008 here.) Controversial developer Samy Mahfar, the property's owner, has approved plans for a 10-story residential complex with space for community facilities.

The new building on the L-shaped parcel will look something like this some day... per the plywood renderings...



Or, the 13-floor version Mahfar was peddling ...



Earlier this month, Mahfar withdrew his application — after a five-year fight — for a commercial zoning change for this property and surrounding parcels.

If approved, then Mahfar would have had the go-ahead to build a restaurant or bar in the new building. The current zoning only permits a community facility.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Next for 255 E. Houston St.: Community facility/school/medical building?

10-story building now in the works for 255 E. Houston St.

Debate over commercial overlay for 255 E. Houston St. and surrounding blocks continues

Report: Samy Mahfar drops bid for commercial overlay on East Houston and parts of the LES

Report: Samy Mahfar drops bid for commercial overlay on East Houston and parts of the LES

[EVG photo from last month]

Controversial developer Samy Mahfar has withdrawn his application to rezone part of East Houston Street and the Lower East Side.

As The Lo-Down first reported, the City Council’s subcommittee on zoning and franchises was scheduled to vote on the proposal Tuesday.

If approved, then Mahfar would have the go-ahead to build a restaurant or bar in the new building he's developing at 255 E. Houston St. between Norfolk and Suffolk. The current zoning only permits a community facility.

Head to The Lo-Down for more on the story.

And some background...

No. 255 previously housed the day-care center Action For Progress. They were displaced in the spring of 2010 when construction next door at 179 Suffolk St. destabilized the building.

Last summer, Mahfar, the property's new owner, filed plans for a 10-story residential complex with 53 residences and 4,600 square feet for community facilities.

However, as BoweryBoogie reported in late February, Mahfar was seeking a commercial overlay for the parcel, with 7,240 square-feet for commercial use ... while the project grew to a 13-story building with 63 residential units that looks like...



In May, CB3 approved a resolution opposing the change. City Councilmember Rosie Mendez and Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer also opposed the commercial overlay. Still, the Mayor de Blasio-controlled City Planning Commission approved the application on July 13.

In a letter dated Sept. 6, Mahfar told City Planning Director Carl Weisbrod that he was withdrawing the application for the commercial overlay.

Updated 9/9

Here's a statement from Mendez on the situation here...

“The application to rezone Houston Street to add a commercial overlay in my district did not move forward at the City Council. While a vote was scheduled to take place on September 8th, I did not feel that moving forward with the proposed commercial overlay was in the best interests of the community and the applicant withdrew their application.

In 2008, my office worked closely with Community Board 3, the Department of City Planning, advocacy groups, residents, and businesses to address out-of-scale development happening across the Lower East Side and East Village. The selection of residential contextual districts was done in a purposeful manner which would allow for new development but protected the residential character of the community. The planning efforts completed in 2008 was the community’s self-determination for its future. It was the result of a transparent process that involved comprehensive thinking about the entire area. Continuing that tradition, the community board, and my staff evaluated the change in zoning and felt that only community facility or residential uses are the most appropriate uses in this area.

In addition, the significant interest of area community facility providers leads me to believe that there is a high demand for the community facility space that will be offered at 255 East Houston Street. I remain open to helping to place 4,000 square feet of a non-profit or community-oriented community facility at the location.”

Previously on EV Grieve:
Next for 255 E. Houston St.: Community facility/school/medical building?

10-story building now in the works for 255 E. Houston St.

Debate over commercial overlay for 255 E. Houston St. and surrounding blocks continues

Debate over commercial overlay for 255 E. Houston St. and surrounding blocks continues

On Tuesday morning, City Council’s Zoning and Franchises subcommittee heard from community members and elected officials about controversial landlord Samy Mahfar's request for a commercial overlay on East Houston Street and parts of the Lower East Side.

First, a quickie recap of what has transpired through the years at 255 E. Houston St. between Suffolk and Norfolk...

No. 255 previously housed the day-care center Action For Progress. They were displaced in the spring of 2010 when construction next door at 179 Suffolk St. destabilized the building.

Last summer, Mahfar, the property's new owner, filed plans for a 10-story residential complex with 53 residences and 4,600 square feet for community facilities.

However, as BoweryBoogie first reported in late February, Mahfar is seeking a commercial overlay for the parcel, with 7,240 square-feet for commercial use ... while the project grew to a 13-story building with 63 units that looks like...



In May, CB3 approved a resolution opposing the change. City Councilmember Rosie Mendez and Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer have also opposed the commercial overlay. Still, the de Blasio-controlled City Planning Commission approved the application on July 13.

Now to Tuesday's City Council meeting. Both the Lo-Down and DNAinfo attended and covered what transpired.

Per the Lo-Down:

The developer argues that it makes little sense to restrict ground floor uses along a thoroughfare that already features many different kinds of shops and food/nightlife establishments. But Mendez said there’s no question the community wanted street-level spaces along this part of East Houston Street to be reserved for community facilities. “There is by no means,” said Mendez, “a shortage of places to eat and drink in my neighborhood. Yet facilities meant to provide services for people living in the area have become harder and harder to find.”

Mahfar's lawyer reportedly said repeated efforts to find a tenant failed. "There is no demand for a community facility on East Houston Street."

However, CB3 district manager Susan Stetzer disagreed. Per DNAinfo:

Stetzer ...provided written testimonies from the operators of several not-for-profit community groups —The Educational Alliance, Henry Street Settlement and University Settlement — stating the groups had never been contacted regarding the space and would be interested in renting it as a facility.

The subcommittee did not reach a decision on Tuesday. There's no word yet when that might occur.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Next for 255 E. Houston St.: Community facility/school/medical building?

10-story building now in the works for 255 E. Houston St.

Space at 249 E. Houston is for rent, and an update on the proposed 13-floor building on the block

An office and store for rent sign arrived late last week at 249 E. Houston St. between Norfolk and Suffolk.

The listing hasn't appeared online just yet at EVO Real Estate Group. (We'll update when that arrives.) There is, however, an approved work permit to renovate the basement retail space and doctor's office on the first floor.

Interesting timing on this given the recent zoning developments involving the neighboring property at 255 E. Houston St.



No. 255 previously housed the day-care center Action For Progress. They were displaced in the spring of 2010 when construction next door at 179 Suffolk St. destabilized the building.

Last summer, the property's new owner, the controversial Samy Mahfar, filed plans for a 10-story residential complex with 53 residences and 4,600 square feet for community facilities.

However, as BoweryBoogie first reported in late February, Mahfar is seeking a commercial overlay for the parcel, with 7,240 square-feet for commercial use — "most likely Use Group 6 retail and/or an eating and drinking establishment" ... while the project grew to a 13-story building with 63 units. (Under the city's voluntary inclusionary housing program, 20 percent of the residential units would be affordable.)

Take a look...



The Lo-Down laid out what the zoning change would mean here:

A zoning text amendment enacted in 2008 prohibits commercial uses in this area. Mahfar is asking the city to map a C2-5 commercial overlay in the current R8A district to allow retail and restaurant/nightlife uses on the ground floor.

The change, if enacted, would not only impact Mahfar’s development parcel but 20 lots stretching two-and-a-half blocks along East Houston St.

On March 9, Mahfar's reps appeared before CB3's Land Use, Zoning, Public & Private Housing Committee. It did not go well for Mahfar. The committee unanimously (19-0) denied the application, and the meeting turned into "basically a public crucifixion of Samy Mahfar and his predatory actions." Head to BoweryBoogie here for the meeting highlights. (Bedford + Bowery covered the meeting here.)

And here is the official CB3 advisory opinion from the meeting notes:

TITLE: To disapprove the application, C160137 ZMM ULURP Zoning Map Amendment, to map a C2-5 commercial overlay to a depth of 100' along two and one-half blocks on the south side of East Houston Street between the east side of Norfolk Street and the centerline of the block between Clinton Street and Attorney Street to facilitate the construction of a 13-story mixed use building on 255 Houston Street.

Whereas, the applicant Samy Mahfar has a well-documented history of illegal construction and construction harassment at sites including but not limited to 210 Rivington Street, 22 Spring Street, and 102 Norfolk Street; and

Whereas, the development site, was previously a community facility, an affordable city- subsidized day care center serving 350 children that had operated for over 40 years; and

Whereas, the day care center had over fifteen years remaining on its lease; and Whereas, the day care was forced to be vacated due to the open violations and the applicant's failure to address them; and

Whereas, there are still open violations on the site; and

Whereas, the community intended that this site remain a community facility during the 2008 East Village rezoning and is currently facing the loss of many community facilities throughout CB3; so

Therefore be it resolved, CB3 disapproves the C160137 ZMM ULURP Zoning Map Amendment, to map a C2-5 commercial overlay to a depth of 100' along two and one-half blocks on the south side of East Houston Street between the east side of Norfolk Street and the centerline of the block between Clinton Street and Attorney Street to facilitate the construction of a 13-story mixed use building on 255 Houston Street.

Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer will next review Mahfar's proposal.

You can read the 120-page PDF posted on the CB3 website for more on the proposed change. The document notes the commercial rezoning would allow for two other potential "development sites" nearby, including 249 E. Houston St. The new for rent sign shows that the landlord is seeking tenants that are allowed within the current zoning.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Next for 255 E. Houston St.: Community facility/school/medical building?

10-story building now in the works for 255 E. Houston St.

10-story building now in the works for 255 E. Houston St.

[EVG photo of No. 155 from 2012]

Permits are now on file for a 10-story residential complex at 255 E. Houston St. between Norfolk and Suffolk.

The new building joins the 10-story, almost-complete 179 Suffolk St. next door ... in the ever-changing East Houston Street skyline.


[EVG photo from June]

No. 255 E. Houston St. previously housed the day-care center Action For Progress. They were displaced in the spring of 2010 when construction next door at 179 Suffolk St. destabilized the building. (BoweryBoogie has more on that situation here.)

Here are more details about the new building via New York Yimby, which first reported on the filing yesterday:

Whenever the building bites the dust, it’ll be replaced by 53 apartments and community space. Those apartments will be divided across 47,020 square feet of residential space, and the average unit will clock in around 887 square feet.

The first floor will include 4,600 square feet of community facilities and indoor and outdoor recreation space. There are fewer, larger units on the higher floors, starting with eight units on the second floor and finishing with four units a piece on the eighth through tenth floors. The building will rise 112 feet into the air and encompass 51,623 square feet of interior space.

The property's owner is Samy Mahfar, who's up for multiple Landlord of the Year Awards. (See here and here and here.)

Previously on EV Grieve:
Next for 255 E. Houston St.: Community facility/school/medical building?

10-story building in the works for Suffolk and East Houston

We were walking by the long-vacant lot at the corner of East Houston Street and Suffolk Street… and saw the rendering on the plywood for what's coming next...



Turns out that the city approved plans for a 10-story building here back in July. According to the DOB, there will be 14 residential units here… Plans show 11,522 square feet for residential use … and 2,527 square feet for community facility space.

Not sure what the fate is of 255 E. Houston St., which previously housed the day-care center Action For Progress. They were displaced in the spring of 2010 when construction next door destabilized the building.



Previously on EV Grieve:
Next for 255 E. Houston St.: Community facility/school/medical building?