50-58 E. Third St. sold again

EVG file photo 

Gaia Real Estate is the new owner of 50-58 E. Third St.,  the 78-unit, three-building parcel between First Avenue and Second Avenue. This marks the third owner for the properties in nine years.

As The Real Deal reported, Gaia picked up the properties for $49.5 million — "14 percent less than when the portfolio last changed hands in 2016 for $58 million."

Per TRD: "The purchase is part of Gaia's three-year strategy to snap up distressed residential buildings in a long-term bet on the city's recovery."

Let's step back several years.

In early 2012, GRJ, a fund co-founded and co-managed by brothers Graham and Gregory Jones, bought the buildings for $23.5 million. 

There was plenty of drama in subsequent months as several longtime tenants lost their leases. The residents formed a tenants group; local politicians offered support during a rally in May 2012. However, as one former resident put it, the Big Real Estate Machine was too great to overcome.

After extensive gut renovations, the buildings were later rebranded the "East Village3" (aka "EV3"), where the newly renovated apartments were fetching from $4,900 to $11,000 per month.

Per Gregory Jones in the news release announcing the sale: "We see a real opportunity to reposition the buildings. We'll invest significant capital and we look forward to creating the most desirable walk-ups in the East Village."

All the capital improvements paid off for GRJ. As The Real Deal reported in the spring of 2016, GRJ sold the buildings to developer Anbau Enterprises for $58 million.

In 2016, a broker on the deal said that about 25 percent of the apartments remain as rent-stabilized units.

The new TRD article notes that the buildings "have historically housed college students and young professionals." 

Previously on EV Grieve:
Reader report: Three apartment buildings sold on East Third Street

More drama at 50-58 E. Third St.; 'heavy construction' awaits tenants who stay

And now the renovations really begin at 50-58 E. Third St.

The 'East Village3' is ready for you; for that 'Industrial Chic feel'

East 3rd Street buildings sell for $58 million, $34.5 million over the 2012 price

In the spring of 2012, GRJ, a fund co-founded and co-managed by brothers Graham and Gregory Jones, bought the 78-unit, three-building package of 50-58 E. Third St.

There was plenty of drama in subsequent months here between First Avenue and Second Avenue, as a number of longtime tenants lost their leases. The residents formed a tenants group; local politicians came out to offer support during a rally in May 2012. However, as one former resident put it, the Big Real Estate Machine was too great to overcome.

After extensive gut renovations, the buildings were later rebranded the "East Village3" (aka "EV3"), where the newly renovated apartments were fetching from $4,900 to $11,000 per month.

Per Gregory Jones in the news release announcing the sale: "We see a real opportunity to reposition the buildings. We'll invest significant capital and we look forward to creating the most desirable walk-ups in the East Village."

All the capital improvements paid off for GRJ. As The Real Deal first reported on Friday, GRJ has sold the buildings to developer Anbau Enterprises for $58 million.

The deal marks the first purchase of an income-producing asset for Anbau, which is best known for its ground-up projects. A spokesperson for Anbau told The Real Deal that the company’s move into income-producing assets was not a sign of limpness in the condominium market but simply a bet on a neighborhood they believe is good value.

“We want to augment our growing in-house condominium business by investing in New York City markets that have long-term growth potential – the East Village certainly fits the bill,” said Anbau managing director Barbara van Beuren.

A broker on the deal said that about 25 percent of the apartments remain as rent-stabilized units.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Reader report: Three apartment buildings sold on East Third Street

Advocate for East Third Street buildings moving to Washington Heights

More about the lease renewals at 50, 54 and 58 E. Third St.

Tenants at 50, 54 and 58 E. Third St. banding to together in face of building sale

More drama at 50-58 E. Third St.; 'heavy construction' awaits tenants who stay

And now the renovations really begin at 50-58 E. Third St.

The 'East Village3' is ready for you; for that 'Industrial Chic feel'

Checking in on 58 E. Third St.

More than a year has passed since we last looked at "East Village3" aka "The #EV3" ... aka 50-58 E. Third St. where many longtime tenants lost their leases when new owners (GRJ, a fund co-founded and co-managed by brothers Graham and Gregory Jones) bought the walk-up building for $23.5 million in the spring of 2012.

We looked at units ranging in price from $4,900 to $5,150 for a post in March 2013.

EVG reader Yenta Laureate, who took the above photo, has been keeping tabs on the buildings between First Avenue and Second Avenue.

Yenta notes that the first and biggest of the downstairs duplex apartments at No. 58 rented for $11K a month earlier this summer. Aside from six bedrooms and four bathrooms, the unit features a private courtyard.

And how about the renovations in the buildings?

"The quality of the work and materials is quite good. All bricks have been properly re-pointed and mortared. Marble steps were replaced. I'd call the attention to detail unusually painstaking and quality oriented," Yenta said. "One cornice still needs doing but they seem to be seriously researching how to do that best. In some ways it is both a preservationist and luxury project about a type of comfortable authenticity."

"Which in no way justifies the misery they cause the few existing tenants who remain or abates their overall impact on the neighborhood."

By comparison, Jared Kushner's 170 E. Second St. is a "newer building with far better bones, but he is not doing this type of quality work."

Previously on EV Grieve:
Reader report: Three apartment buildings sold on East Third Street

Advocate for East Third Street buildings moving to Washington Heights

More about the lease renewals at 50, 54 and 58 E. Third St.

Tenants at 50, 54 and 58 E. Third St. banding to together in face of building sale

More drama at 50-58 E. Third St.; 'heavy construction' awaits tenants who stay

And now the renovations really begin at 50-58 E. Third St.

The 'East Village3' is ready for you; for that 'Industrial Chic feel'

'#EV3 Release Party' today for 'the most desirable walk-up in the East Village'

Big doings today over at the "East Village3" aka "The #EV3" ... aka the buildings at 50-58 E. Third St. where many longtime tenants lost their leases when new owners took over the building last year ...

Today, according to the ALL-CAP notice on Streeteasy:

!!!!!!!!!RED CARPET RELEASE PARTY!!!!!!!!!
WAIT NO LONGER, THE HOTTEST PENTHOUSE 2BR + ROOFDECK IN THE EV JUST HIT THE MARKET!!!

Here's the flyer for the event...



Food. Drink. Music. Red carpet? Let us know if you drop by to say in front of the cameras, the "most desirable walk-in the East Village."

Previously on EV Grieve:
Reader report: Three apartment buildings sold on East Third Street

Advocate for East Third Street buildings moving to Washington Heights

More about the lease renewals at 50, 54 and 58 E. Third St.

Tenants at 50, 54 and 58 E. Third St. banding to together in face of building sale

More drama at 50-58 E. Third St.; 'heavy construction' awaits tenants who stay

And now the renovations really begin at 50-58 E. Third St.

The 'East Village3' is ready for you; for that 'Industrial Chic feel'

Another 3-bedroom, $5,100 unit hits the market at 'East Village3'

Another three-bedroom, $5,100 unit is now on the market at the "East Village3" (aka "EV3"), the former tenement at 50-58 E. Third St. (GRJ, a fund co-founded and co-managed by brothers Graham and Gregory Jones, closed on the 78-unit for $23.5 million last spring.)

We saw three of the units a few weeks ago (ranging in price from $4,900 to $5,150...) the listings at Streeteasy now include a few more photos that show the result of the gut renovations that commenced as many longtime residents didn't have their leases renewed ...









Per the listing, the broker is "releasing over 50 2&3Br apts over the next 6 months" here.

Upon the unveiling of the first units here back on March 11, the Observer filed a blistering critique...

Even though the building was converted from a middle-market residential space to a middle-market residential space putting on airs, not a factory. But why not pretend? Just like many of the tenants who no doubt take up residence here will be pretending that their “making it” in New York even as their parents help them pay their monthly $1,700 share of the rent. As the listing helpfully notes, guarantors are accepted. Because what is the East Village now if not a post-collegiate play pen for rich kids?

Previously on EV Grieve:
Reader report: Three apartment buildings sold on East Third Street

Advocate for East Third Street buildings moving to Washington Heights

More about the lease renewals at 50, 54 and 58 E. Third St.

Tenants at 50, 54 and 58 E. Third St. banding to together in face of building sale

More drama at 50-58 E. Third St.; 'heavy construction' awaits tenants who stay

And now the renovations really begin at 50-58 E. Third St.

The 'East Village3' is ready for you; for that 'Industrial Chic feel'

The 'East Village3' is ready for you; for that 'Industrial Chic feel'

[March 2012]

Back last spring, GRJ, a fund co-founded and co-managed by brothers Graham and Gregory Jones, closed on the 78-unit, three-building package of 50-58 E. Third St. for $23.5 million.

In April, 17 residents of the buildings received letters that stated, in part: "It has been agreed with the impending new owners that your lease will not be renewed and that you will be expected to vacate at the expiration of your lease." More such letters followed.

The residents banded together and formed a tenants group; local politicians came out to offer support during a rally on May 7. However, as one former resident put it, the Big Real Estate Machine was too great to overcome. In the end, we're not sure how many of the longtime tenants ended up leaving the three buildings.

Heavy construction began in the fall... and now, the first of the renovated units are available to rent this month. Per the Streeteasy listing:

"The Walk-Up Reinvented"

BE THE FIRST TO LIVE IN EAST VILLAGE LUXURY. Situated in the Heart of the East Village, the Three Buildings at 50-58 East 3rd Street (at 2nd Avenue) have been dubbed the "East Village3" aka The #EV3. These newly renovated units boast superior finishes throughout. The contrast of exposed brick, high-gloss cabinets and stainless appliances give the building an Industrial Chic feel. Each bedroom is equal sized and every roommate has their own bathroom, with private storage above.

Absolute brand new gut renovation to the entire building. From top to bottom these apartments are designed for optimal living. The apartment features include, Oak Floors with a dark Walnut Stain, stacked Bosch Washer/Dryer, LG Fridge, GE Dishwasher and Microwave, imported Cesar Stone counter tops from Italy, white high gloss cabinets, high hat lighting, 3 Real Full Bathrooms, waterfall sinks in the bathroom, extra storage space, crown moldings, exposed brick, video intercom, secure key fob entrance, plus the building is under 24/7 video surveillance for extra security.

Here's what that looks like...







There are three, three-bedroom units available, ranging in price from $4,900 to $5,150.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Reader report: Three apartment buildings sold on East Third Street

Advocate for East Third Street buildings moving to Washington Heights

More about the lease renewals at 50, 54 and 58 E. Third St.

Tenants at 50, 54 and 58 E. Third St. banding to together in face of building sale

More drama at 50-58 E. Third St.; 'heavy construction' awaits tenants who stay

And now the renovations really begin at 50-58 E. Third St.

And now the renovations really begin at 50-58 E. Third St.

[Yesterday outside 50 E. Third St. Photo by Bobby Williams.]

There hasn't been any shortage of drama at 50-58 E. Third St. Back in July, reps for the new owners, GRJ, a fund co-founded and co-managed by brothers Graham and Gregory Jones, promised that the remaining tenants would have to endure "heavy construction" in the days and weeks ahead.

At 50 E. Third St., a tipster recently claimed that "illegal" work was taking place in the building. The resident or, perhaps, neighbor, wasn't too specific, just that it was a living hell.

Tenants have noted other worrisome developments in the last week or so, claims such as workers shutting off the water without any notice or knocking a hole in someone's living room wall from next door and claiming that it was an "accident."

On Sept. 24, the DOB approved a whole bunch of work for No. 50:

"Renovation of existing apartments 2A & 2C on 3rd floor, 3B & 3C on 4th floor, 4C on 5th floor, 5A, 5B & 5D on 6th floor. New metal balconies facing rear in conjunction with apts. 2C, 3C, 4C & 5D. New roof decks in conjunction with apts. 5A, 5B & 5D."

There are several complaints on file with the DOB for No. 50 (12 since Aug. 23), including a Partial Stop Work Order that only applies to the balconies.

Yesterday, the DOB approved the exterior renovation of the entire building; ditto for the exteriors at No. 58 and No. 54, the other two buildings that the Jones brothers purchased for a three-building price of $23.5 million. (There is paperwork on file dated yesterday for interior work at No. 54, renovations that will be similar to No. 50. The DOB assigned those plans to an examiner. There is only a permit for exterior work on file for No. 58.)

In April, 17 residents of the buildings received letters that stated, in part: "It has been agreed with the impending new owners that your lease will not be renewed and that you will be expected to vacate at the expiration of your lease." The residents banded together and formed a tenants group; local politicians came out to offer support during a rally on May 7. However, as one former resident put it, the Big Real Estate Machine was too great to overcome.

Per Gregory Jones in the news release announcing the sale this past July: "We see a real opportunity to reposition the buildings. We'll invest significant capital and we look forward to creating the most desirable walk-ups in the East Village."

Have any tips or photos about the situation here? Please send them our way via the EV Grieve email

Previously on EV Grieve:
Reader report: Three apartment buildings sold on East Third Street

Advocate for East Third Street buildings moving to Washington Heights

More about the lease renewals at 50, 54 and 58 E. Third St.

Tenants at 50, 54 and 58 E. Third St. banding to together in face of building sale

More drama at 50-58 E. Third St.; 'heavy construction' awaits tenants who stay

More drama at 50-58 E. Third St.; 'heavy construction' awaits tenants who stay

Here's more on the saga of 50-58 E. Third St. As Curbed noted, the new owners are GRJ, a fund co-founded and co-managed by brothers Graham and Gregory Jones. (Pictured.) They closed the 78-unit, three-building package for $23.5 million.

Someone slipped this following note under the door of the building's remaining tenants...

Good afternoon,

I wanted to send you an email to introduce myself as I will likely see you around the building in the coming weeks. I work with GRJ who is the new owner of 50-58 East 3rd Street. As you may have heard, GRJ has extensive plans to renovate 50, 54, and 58 East 3rd Street and I am personally speaking with all tenants about relocation opportunities and buyouts.

Many units on your floor and the floors above you and below you are already vacant or will be vacant in the next few weeks. Heavy construction will begin in all of the units and hallways in 30 days and many tenants have accepted our offer as most people aren't interested in living in a building that is under construction and they would much rather move during the summer months.

Are you available to speak this week? Please give me a call at the number below. Thank you in advance and I look forward to speaking with you.

Meanwhile, we also hear that tenants who live in basement apartments were given notice that they had 10 days to vacate their homes ... given that that space was zoned with the city as storage/commercial space ... and their apartments were now deemed "illegal dwellings."

However, according to the tenants, the previous landlord renovated the spaces into habitable apartments. Some tenants still have time left on their leases for these units...

Previously on EV Grieve:
Reader report: Three apartment buildings sold on East Third Street

Advocate for East Third Street buildings moving to Washington Heights

More about the lease renewals at 50, 54 and 58 E. Third St.

Tenants at 50, 54 and 58 E. Third St. banding to together in face of building sale

Selling price for 50-58 E. Third St. — $23.5 million

We've been reporting on the saga of 50-58 E. Third St. since early spring. Via Curbed's inbox, we now know more about the sale of the buildings — 50, 54 and 58 E. Third St. between First Avenue and Second Avenue.

According to a release announcing the sale today, the new owners are GRJ, a fund co-founded and co-managed by brothers Graham and Gregory Jones. (Pictured.) They closed the 78-unit, three-building package for $23.5 million. Abe Haruvi of Abart Holdings LLC was the previous owner. According to the Observer, Haruvi refinanced the buildings for $9.9 million in April 2011 — "a deal that valued the units at $213,889 apiece according to data from Real Capital Analytics."

Per Gregory Jones in the news release: "We see a real opportunity to reposition the buildings. We'll invest significant capital and we look forward to creating the most desirable walk-ups in the East Village."

A press rep for GRJ told the Observer that "he wasn't sure when the last lease in the buildings would expire, but guessed 'probably within a year.'"

Previously on EV Grieve:
Reader report: Three apartment buildings sold on East Third Street

Advocate for East Third Street buildings moving to Washington Heights

More about the lease renewals at 50, 54 and 58 E. Third St.

Tenants at 50, 54 and 58 E. Third St. banding to together in face of building sale

Advocate for East Third Street buildings moving to Washington Heights

[April 2012]

As we were first to report this past March 15, Abart Holdings LLC was ready to sell three buildings at 50, 54 and 58 East Third Street between First Avenue and Second Avenue.

Tenants with market-rate apartments weren't having their leases renewed. Per one resident in March:

"There are definitely much older families who live in the building, and suddenly they've been unceremoniously thrown out. The building is terrible as it is — several break-ins, terrible staircase, the entrance is poorly maintained — and now they are kicking everyone out."

Ben Kim at the Voice discovered that the landlord behind Abart Holdings LLC is Abe Haruvi. (The Voice wrote in October 2000 about how Haruvi allegedly tried to evict long-term tenants elsewhere in the city.)

The residents banded together and formed a tenants group; local politicians came out to offer support during a rally on May 7.

In the end, though, the Big Real Estate Machine was too great to overcome.

On Sunday, resident Sue Palchak-Essenpreis, who helped rally her fellow tenants, told us that she and her husband are moving out after 15 years. They tried to fight the non-renewal of their lease, which was up in May. On Friday, she and her husband appeared in housing court to see if they would have to pay the legal fees of Abart Holdings. She shared an email that she sent to other residents. In part, it read:

It is with heavy hearts and an empty bank account that Greg and I share the news that we are officially leaving.

We gave it the best that we had, but Abart's Goliath proved too huge for our humble David. The terms of the lawsuit were brutal and frightening, but in the end we settled. We ended up forfeiting our security deposit, which would cover one of the 2 months we were here past our lease end, and they accepted our last rent check. They did not hold us to the $3,500 per month they wanted us to pay, nor their legal fees, which was also in the suit. Their lawyer wrote into the settlement that they cannot come after us for any further damages to the apartment once we vacate. They will put a black mark on our credit that will be listed as "Settled to Satisfaction" once they prove we have truly vacated by July 14.

We are moving to Washington Heights.

I encourage any and all stabilized tenants to utilize 311 to it's fullest extent! Keep up the fight for acceptable living conditions! Hold Abe Haruvi accountable for the buildings that he is willing to destroy lives over!

We didn't go quietly. We fought the best fight that we could. And at the very least, we shed light on the fact that there is a real need for rent regulation and tenant protection...

Palchak-Essenpreis said that she received a few responses to her email, and that others in the buildings have either moved out or are in the process of doing so ... And a few of her former neighbors "paid outrageous brokers' fees, only to move into less space with giant rent increases."

"Abart wins, totally unaware of the devastation he's left in his wake," she said later in an email. "I cannot speak for the others, but we are completely destroyed... All because someone wants a couple extra hundred bucks a month off of our home."

Yesterday, residents received notices that the buildings were sold to Safeguard Realty Management Inc. is the new property manager.

And the couple, who are moving to Washington Heights tomorrow, received notice that they owe next month's rent.

"It just doesn't stop," Palchak-Essenpreis said.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Reader report: Three apartment buildings sold on East Third Street

Know your rights: Help with understanding NYC rent laws

More about the lease renewals at 50, 54 and 58 E. Third St.

Tenants at 50, 54 and 58 E. Third St. banding to together in face of building sale

Meet the landlord who owns 50-58 E. Third St.

[Bobby Williams]

The Voice filed a story yesterday on the ongoing situation at 50-58 E. Third St., which included a rally on Monday in which City Council member Rosie Mendez spoke.

As you may know, Abart Holdings LLC has sold (or is selling) the buildings at 50, 54 and 58 E. Third St. between First Avenue and Second Avenue. Seventeen residents of the building with market-rate apartments received letters that stated they must move out within 60 days.

Wasim Lone of Good Old Lower East Side told the Voice that he has been trying to contact the landlord on behalf of the tenants, but they've refused to take any calls. "The landlord's request is quite outrageous, considering he's trying to kick out 17 families out of the houses in just two months," Lone said.

And Ben Kim at the Voice did a little digging and discovered who the landlord is behind Abart Holdings LLC: Abe Haruvi. (The Voice wrote in October 2000 about how Haruvi allegedly tried to evict long-term tenants elsewhere in the city.)

In November 2010, the Post reported that Haruvi owns more than 40 Manhattan buildings. And, "Several years ago he allegedly tried to evict rent-stabilized tenants by wrongly claiming he needed their homes for his personal use."

Also, according to the Post in November 2010: "A 65-year-old housekeeper at the Palm Beach home of Manhattan landlord Abe Haruvi says she was made to work from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. and forced to share living quarters with her employers' dogs." She filed a lawsuit for unspecified damages.

Anyway, here's a photo of the house that Haruvi bought last November in Palm Beach for $7.8 million (down from an early high of $17 million). You can read about it here.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Reader report: Three apartment buildings sold on East Third Street

Know your rights: Help with understanding NYC rent laws

More about the lease renewals at 50, 54 and 58 E. Third St.

Tenants at 50, 54 and 58 E. Third St. banding to together in face of building sale

Rally this evening at 50-58 E. Third St.

As we've been reporting, Abart Holdings LLC has sold (or is selling) the buildings at 50, 54 and 58 E. Third St. on between First Avenue and Second Avenue.

Seventeen residents of the building with market-rate apartments received letters that stated, in part: "It has been agreed with the impending new owners that your lease will not be renewed and that you will be expected to vacate at the expiration of your lease."

This evening, the residents held a rally outside the apartment buildings... City Council member Rosie Mendez was among the speakers...

... Unfortunately, we couldn't make the rally... Bobby Williams sent along these photos, noting that 40-plus people turned out...

Yesterday, resident Sue Palchak-Essenpreis told us: "All we are asking is to be treated fairly. We have a voice, and at the very least, it deserves to be heard. While currently the NYC law may state that any new owner may evict current market rate tenants at will, just because it's legal, doesn't make it right. These are our homes, and we won't leave without a fight."

Previously on EV Grieve:
Reader report: Three apartment buildings sold on East Third Street

Know your rights: Help with understanding NYC rent laws

More about the lease renewals at 50, 54 and 58 E. Third St.

Tenants at 50, 54 and 58 E. Third St. banding to together in face of building sale

Reminders tonight: Rally for East Third Street residents facing eviction

Yesterday, we asked resident Sue Palchak-Essenpreis what the group hopes to achieve with the rally.

"We're hoping to show that the real-estate market in NYC is about more than units, square footage and market rates. It's about people, families and homes. Neighborhoods are about more than "hipness and hot spots." All we are asking is to be treated fairly. We have a voice, and at the very least, it deserves to be heard. While currently the NYC law may state that any new owner may evict current market rate tenants at will, just because it's legal, doesn't make it right. These are our homes, and we won't leave without a fight."

Previously on EV Grieve:
Reader report: Three apartment buildings sold on East Third Street

Know your rights: Help with understanding NYC rent laws

More about the lease renewals at 50, 54 and 58 E. Third St.

Tenants at 50, 54 and 58 E. Third St. banding to together in face of building sale

Rally Monday for East Third Street residents facing eviction

The flyer is pretty self-explanatory...

We were first to report on the looming evictions back on March 15... You can read more via the links below...

Previously on EV Grieve:
Reader report: Three apartment buildings sold on East Third Street

Know your rights: Help with understanding NYC rent laws

More about the lease renewals at 50, 54 and 58 E. Third St.

Tenants at 50, 54 and 58 E. Third St. banding to together in face of building sale

Related:
And Economakis gets the whole building for his dream mansion

At the 47 E. 3rd St. protest

Tenants at 50, 54 and 58 E. Third St. banding to together in face of building sale

As we've been discussing here, Abart Holdings LLC has sold (or is selling) the buildings at 50, 54 and 58 E. Third St. on between First Avenue and Second Avenue.

Seventeen residents of the building received letters that stated, in part: "It has been agreed with the impending new owners that your lease will not be renewed and that you will be expected to vacate at the expiration of your lease."

However, the residents have banded together... and they recently held their first tenants' meeting. One of the residents shared the following with us:

"Thought you'd be interested in hearing that things are progressing well with our 3rd Street Tenants' Group. We've gotten support from other tenants' groups in the neighborhood that have gone through the same struggle!"

There's another meeting coming up... April 18 at 7 p.m. at the Perseverance House Community Room, 535 E. Fifth St. between Avenue A and Avenue B.

Said the resident, "If the landlords have their way — and these buildings become what they're intending — it's seriously going to increase the douchebag factor of the neighborhood. Three buildings worth of tenants is a lot of douchebags. I'd like to keep the douchebag factor to a dull roar, if at all still possible."

Previously on EV Grieve:
Reader report: Three apartment buildings sold on East Third Street

Know your rights: Help with understanding NYC rent laws

More about the lease renewals at 50, 54 and 58 E. Third St.

More about the lease renewals at 50, 54 and 58 E. Third St.

Last Thursday, a resident told us that Abart Holdings LLC has sold (or is selling) the buildings at 50, 54 and 58 E. Third St. on this block between First Avenue and Second Avenue.

Another tipster has shared a copy of the letter that some residents of the three buildings received...

Per the letter: "It has been agreed with the impending new owners that your lease will not be renewed and that you will be expected to vacate at the expiration of your lease."

Per the tipster:

"There are definitely much older families who live in the building, and suddenly they've been unceremoniously thrown out. The building is terrible as it is — several break-ins, terrible staircase, the entrance is poorly maintained — and now they are kicking everyone out."

But the residents are getting organized.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Reader report: Three apartment buildings sold on East Third Street

Know your rights: Help with understanding NYC rent laws