The Bruce High Quality Foundation University settles in on Avenue A

Been meaning to note this. You may have noticed the signage — BHQFU — on the third floor at 34 Avenue A near East Third Street...

The space is serving as home to The Bruce High Quality Foundation University (BHQFU), "a learning experiment where artists work together to manifest creative, productive, resistant, useless, and demanding interactions between art and the world."

Here's more via an article last fall in the GalleristNY, which describes BHQFU as "the mostly anonymous artist collective founded by a group of Cooper Union alumni." The unaccredited art school started in 2009 on West Broadway as a response to the "$200,000-debt-model of art education."


[The third-floor classroom, via Facebook]

Spring sessions on Avenue A include "You Watching Me Googling You." Find the school's website here.

And so, for now, this closes the book on 34 Avenue A, home to some angry-neighbor angst in recent years... from the closure of Mo Pitkin's ... to the opening and closing of flip-cup mecca Aces & Eights ... to CB3 rejecting all plans for a bar-restaurant-performance space here.

Today, the building is home to Ruff Club, a dog-friendly social club, a karate center and an artist collective.

Progress?

'Open clubhouse' at Ruff Club this weekend

From the EV Grieve inbox ... from East Village resident Danny Frost, who's opening the Ruff Club at 34 Avenue A... dubbed "a social club for dogs."

We're having "Open Clubhouse" events today and tomorrow from 11am-4pm. Folks can stop in for a coffee and tour our space, meet our staff, and apply in-person for membership.

We'll likely do a couple more of these ...After tomorrow, for the next couple of weeks we'll be open only for events and temperament screening appointments.

After the holidays, our daycare (off-leash play areas) and social club (the dog-friendly space with coffee and wifi in the front — picture the front bar room at Mo Pitkins / Aces & Eights with the bar intact but with a lending library instead of alcohol) — will be open 7am to 9pm weekdays, and we are still working out the exact weekend schedule. Boarding will be available 24/7/365.

Here's their website.

What's left of Aces & Eights is now on the sidewalk along Avenue A

EVG reader Anna noted that workers are clearing out 34 Avenue A this morning... site most recently of Aces & Eights (and Mo Pitkin's previously) ...

As we first reported on June 29, the address will soon be home to Ruff Club, "a social club for dogs."

UPDATED: Expect the howling to continue at former Aces and Eights space

[June 5]

Well, perhaps the looooooooong saga about a new bar-restaurant for 34 Avenue has finally come to a close.

As we've repeatedly cut-n-pasted from past posts, CB3 has rejected all the recent plans for a bar-restaurant-performance space here. Aces & Eights, the last tenant here, closed in October 2010.

Anyway, a tipster hears that a dog-grooming business is opening here. A little fishy seeing as the rent was upwards of $15K for the main floor, but it has been empty for some time...

Last August, Patrick Hedlund at DNAinfo reported: "We don’t think you can get a liquor license at this point because of so much negative history,” said ... a broker for Coldwell Banker, noting her client is growing desperate to bring in a new tenant."

The address showed up three consecutive months on the CB3/SLA docket this year ... and the mystery applicants were a scratch all three months.

The listing at Living New York says that the space has been rented.

And the for rent sign is down...

Updated 11:02 a.m.

We heard from Danny Frost, who confirmed the rumor. He said the space will be home to Ruff Club, "a social club for dogs."

"We think of it as an updated take on 'doggie daycare' with an eye toward the unique tastes and lifestyles of our East Village neighbors," said Frost, an East Village resident. "A major piece of our concept is a dog-and-human-friendly space in our clubhouse where members can socialize, create stuff, or maybe even get a little work done."

Subject to licensing, they do intend to offer grooming (and eventually boarding) services. By the way, they are taking the first floor and basement. The karate kids will stay as the tenants upstairs...

And, for the record (based on those comments to this post!): "We do not intend to offer food or drink."

And they have a website where you can query them for more details.

As the for rent signs turn at 34 Avenue A

EVG reader Anna notes the above new "for rent" sign (with bonus typo) for the seemingly doomed 34 Avenue A ground-floor space... last occupied by Aces & Eights. By our count, this is the the third broker since last August...As noted earlier today, the mystery applicant vying for the space is no longer on this month's CB3/SLA docket.

The listing at Living New York says that the space is rented. But why would there be a new broker?

Anyone have details on the future of this address? Can we still hold out hope that a cassette-swap shop will open here?

Previously on EV Grieve:

34 Avenue A scratches again (again)

For the third consecutive month, the mystery applicant hoping to take over the bar-restaurant space at 34 Avenue A has pulled out of the CB3/SLA committee meeting.

As we've repeatedly cut-n-pasted from past posts, CB3 has rejected all the recent plans for a bar-restaurant-performance space here.

This space has been one long dramedy since Aces & Eights opened in March 2009.

The CB3/SLA committee meeting is on June 18. Good seats still available.

34 Avenue A scratches again

For the second consecutive month, the mystery applicant hoping to take over the bar-restaurant space at 34 Avenue A has pulled out of the CB3/SLA committee meeting.

As we've cut-n-pasted from past posts, CB3 has rejected all the recent plans for a bar-restaurant-performance space here.

This space has been one long dramedy since Aces & Eights opened in March 2009.

Meanwhile, you can find the rest of the CB3/SLA docket for tonight here.

34 Avenue A is now off this month's CB3/SLA docket

34 Avenue A was one of the more intriguing items on this month's CB3/SLA committee docket... As you know, CB3 has rejected all the recent plans for a bar-restaurant-performance space here.

This space has been one long dramedy since Aces & Eights opened in March 2009.

In any event, we'll have to wait longer to find out what the new applicants have in mind here — they are now off this month's agenda...

And now, 34 Avenue A is just fucking with us

That damn sign! Changing it all the time!

August!

Two weeks ago!

Last week!

Now!

Previously.

As the For Rent sign turns at 34 Avenue A

August!

Last week!

Now!

New listing for 34 Avenue A

Back in August, 34 Avenue A hit the market as a rental via Coldwell Banker Commercial ...

Of course, there's a long recent history here, from Mo Pitkin's to Ace & Eights to a CB3 smackdown.

Anyway, there's now a new listing at Living New York ...

Here are the details:

Full Built out Turnkey Restaurant for Lease/Sale - Prime East Village Avenue A Location!
34 Avenue A between 2nd and 3rd Street

Originally the Famous Mo Pitkins Performance Space Venue!

Fully Built out Turnkey opportunity for a unique, cool space.

Fully built 1 or 2- story restaurant space available leased together or separately.
3000 Sqft + 1500 basement. Loaded with charm and character this space features high original tin ceilings, exposed brick, floor to ceiling windows and plenty of natural light..

Ground Floor - 1,500 Sqft + full 1500 sqft Basement built out as a bar/ restaurant with banquet seating and full kitchen including commercial appliances, beer taps, walk ins, security system, Ice maker, etc…
$15,000/mo

2nd floor 1,500 Sqft Large open space with platform for performance use, Large Bar and glassed in front Lounge area.
$7,500 /mo

Total Rent $22,500/mo
Key money $250,000

Or you can just buy the whole fucking building. That possibility is mentioned at the bottom of the listing. No details on the price. Living had it at $4.65 million back in May.

Regardless, securing a liquor license will be a challenge.

As Patrick Hedlund at DNAinfo reported back in August about the rental:

“We don’t think you can get a liquor license at this point because of so much negative history,” said Debra Stelnik, a broker for Coldwell Banker, noting her client is growing desperate to bring in a new tenant.

In any event, it has been awhile since we've been inside the place... and Living New York has some photos...

Looks like someone from Aces & Eights left behind the Jäger machine!

Even an empty 34 Avenue A is upsetting neighbors

34 Avenue A has been focal point for criticism since Aces & Eights opened in the spring of 2009... Then, of course, came the drama with the various restaurant-bar-performance space proposals... In August, "for rent" signs went up here.

On Saturday morning, Dave on 7th spotted the following Urban Etiquette Sign outside 34 Avenue A... (EV Grieve reader Matt also sent us photos ...)

So what's going on? Debra Stelnik, a broker for Coldwell Banker, told me this weekend via email that the space is still for lease.

If the noise came from the tenants upstairs, then you'd think the sign leaver would have placed the note to the left on their entrance... Theories? Ideas?

In any event, here is the rental info for the main floor and basement...

34 Avenue A is for rent, again

There is a new "for rent" sign up in the window at 34 Avenue A, most recently home to Aces & Eights ...

Backing up for a minute. We first noted the building was for sale back in May for $4.65 million. The listing is no longer active at the Living Real Estate Group. Someone removed the listing at Streeteasy on July 16. Nothing in the city property records indicates that a sale was made... or is in the works.

So, we can assume the current owner is now trying to lease the space again. A rep for Coldwell Banker Commercial said that she was hired by the owner to lease the current retail, and said she knew nothing about the building sale. (So much for the rumor via a commenter that there was a lease on the table for a Subway sandwich shop here.) The rental listing wasn't online as of last evening at the Coldwell site.

Meanwhile, as you probably know, CB3 has rejected all the recent plans for a bar-restaurant-performance space here.

At this point, it's clear that the CB3 won't approve any nightlife-related operation here. How about a shoe store then?

Community Board 3 rejects proposal for restaurant-bar-performance space at 34 Avenue A; here comes Subway?

By a vote of 27-5, according to Shawn Chittle who was at the meeting. (Another reader said it was 25-7.) In any event, the State Liquor Authority requires Community Board approval for liquor license transfers. This was for a new license within a resolution area. We'll have more on last night's debate and vote later.

Meanwhile, what's next for the former Mo Pitkin's space? The CB3/SLA committee voted down a similar proposal from Todd Patrick and company in March.

There is always that rumored (and effective scare tactic) fast-food joint. And fast food has been mentioned coming here if operators couldn't secure a liquor license. The building is for sale. (A commenter claims there is a draft lease on the table for a Subway here. )

Last June, EV Italian eatery guru Frank Prisinzano said that the landlord of the former Graceland space on Avenue A and Second Street had four prospective tenants: Frank's fast-food Italian joint, a bank, a 7-Eleven and a bank.

CB3 rejected his plans for Raguboy last June. The space at Avenue A and Second Street remains vacant.

Is it better vacant than a restaurant or bar?

Previously on EV Grieve:
Phil Hartman bringing a 'performance venue' back to former Mo Pitkin's space

[Updated] Bringing 'the tradition of the old Knitting Factory and Tonic' to 34 Avenue A

Because you want to know more about the plans for 34 Avenue A

At the Community Board 3 meeting

Shawn Chittle reports that there are large groups waiting to speak both for and against the proposed restaurant-bar-performance space at 34 Avenue A.

Plenty of good seats still available... come on down to PS 20 - 166 Essex St., (Between East Houston and Stanton Street)

And the Community Board meeting begins

Flyers being circulated at the Community Board meeting by those against a license for 34 Avenue A. (There are also many people there in support of the proposal for a restaurant-bar-performance space. Dunno if they have flyers...)

Photos via Shawn Chittle.

Previously.

What's next for 34 Avenue A?

34 Avenue is on the June CB3/SLA docket, though not much is known about who's behind taking over the former Mo Pitkin's/Aces & Eight space. The calendar simply lists "To Be Determined" under 34 Avenue A.

However, a flyer is now on the front window at 34 Avenue A, showing that the same folks are behind the new venture — Phil Hartman and Justin Todd Patrick (aka Todd P.).

In March, the CB3/SLA committee rejected their application for a music venue-bar-eatery at 34 Avenue A.

Meanwhile, the new flyer (above) simply lists "restaurant and bar" for the space, different from the last notice we spotted in March, which included "performance venue" in the description."

We reached out the Hartman for comment over the weekend, though haven't heard back just yet.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Phil Hartman bringing a 'performance venue' back to former Mo Pitkin's space

[Updated] Bringing 'the tradition of the old Knitting Factory and Tonic' to 34 Avenue A

Because you want to know more about the plans for 34 Avenue A

We'll have to wait longer to find out about plans for 34 Avenue A

34 Avenue A was one of the most intriguing items on tonight's CB3/SLA docket. In March, the committee rejected the proposal to turn the former Aces and Eights space back into a performance venue.

No name was on the appliacation for the space in May, simply: "To Be Determined, 34 Ave A (op)"

In any event, we'll have to wait longer to find out about the plans for the space: 34 Avenue A is a scratch for tonight.

Meanwhile, one other item of interest: 200 Avenue A, the art gallery with a full liquor license. In previous posts on this the gallery, several readers claimed that they were misled when it came to sign a petition of approval for the plans.

For instance, per Cat Sitter in the City:

I wish I could take my signature off that Superdive/now we're an art gallery petition I signed. It really bugs me that the girls were telling me they were creating an art gallery. I had no idea it was an art gallery with a liquor license, and I wonder if they duped others in the same way.

And!

Anonymous said...
Oh, great. I signed their petition. They said it was going to be an art gallery. They were two nice girls who didn't say anything about booze. I feel like I was hoodwinked.

34 Avenue A is for sale

34 Avenue A has just hit the market. Living Real Estate Group has the property listing. Via Streeteasy:

Own a piece of East Village History!! Originally home to the famous live music venue Mo Pitkins, this is a rare opportunity for a user or investor to acquire a unique mixed use 4 story walk up building in the heart of the East Village. The property is newly renovated and has a vacant ground and 2nd floor retail space with full basement. The ground floor is built out as a restaurant with full kitchen and appliances and storage in the usable basement. The 2nd floor was previously duplexed with the first floor and has a large open space with a bar and private lounge area. The 3rd floor (currently leased mo mo) is a floor through 1425 sqft live/work space with exposed brick, high ceilings and newly renovated kitchen and large floor to ceilings windows. This unit could also be transformed into a 2 bed 1.5 bath apartment. The top floor is a duplex penthouse with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, brand new kitchen and 2 very large private outdoor spaces. This is a Unique Building loaded with charm and character including exposed brick, high original tin ceilings, large windows, multi levels and large lofty spaces throughout.

Price: $4.65 million.

CB3 has rejected recent plans — including a group featuring Phil Hartman of Two Boots — to turn this space back into a performance venue after its turn as Aces & Eights.

As the Observer reported in November 2008, 34 Avenue A was sold to an entity called LAMNG Corporation for $4 million. The building had been on the market for more than a year, with an initial listing price of $5.5 million.

On May 16, an unknown group will make another pitch for the space before the CB3/SLA committee.

CB3/SLA rejects application for music venue at 34 Avenue A

We've been writing about the plans to turn 34 Avenue A into a music venue in "the tradition of the old Knitting Factory and Tonic" the past few weeks.

Tonight, partners Todd P. and Phil Hartman made their case before the CB3/SLA committee.

While we weren't at the meeting, EV Grieve reader and frequent commenter RyanAvenueA was in attendance ... he just passed along word that the CB3/SLA committee rejected the application for the space.

Per Ryan: "There was tons of heated debate. You've never seen a more prepared bunch present to the board."

Residents on the northern stretch of Avenue A also spoke out against a license for 34 Avenue A.

Committee members Herman Hewitt, David McWater and Ariel Palitz voted in favor of the proposal. However, there were four no's lead by committee chair Alexandra Militano.

We're sure there will be a lot more about this tomorrow...

Previously on EV Grieve:
Phil Hartman bringing a 'performance venue' back to former Mo Pitkin's space

[Updated] Bringing 'the tradition of the old Knitting Factory and Tonic' to 34 Avenue A

Because you want to know more about the plans for 34 Avenue A