At long last, you can see the NW corner of Avenue B and Houston

Photos by Stacie Joy 

We can't remember when a sidewalk bridge did NOT obscure the NW corner of Avenue B and Houston. 

Well, no more — workers have removed the structure here.

G's Cheesesteaks opened in the storefront this past summer ... the first retail tenant in 15 years in the long-empty building that the new landlords call The B.

The storefront (and upstairs floors) have undergone extensive renovations this past year-plus. An LLC linked to Penn Capital South, whose portfolio includes multiple EV properties, bought the building in February 2023. 

This was one of the abandoned properties owned by the estate of the mysterious team of Arthur and Abraham Blasof, both long deceased. 

Previously on EV Grieve: 

• Here's a look at the renovated interior of the long-vacant 6 Avenue B 

• Because you've always wanted to know what the inside of the long-empty 6 Avenue B looks like 

• Let's take another look at the eerie remains of the long-abandoned 6 Avenue B

Openings: G's Cheesesteaks on Houston and Avenue B

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy

G's Cheesesteaks is set for its soft opening today at 6 Avenue B on the NW corner at Houston. (First mentioned here.) 

The storefront (and upstairs floors) have undergone extensive renovations recently. This is the first retail tenant in 15 years in the long-empty building that the new landlords call The B. 

Mom's Liquor Store was here until 2009, and the interior was trashed as we saw.

More seating was expected to arrive over the weekend...

And this is NOT part of the seating. While we were there, the restaurant was swapping out toilets in the ADA-compliant restroom.

Owner Giacomo Pisano's family-owned business specializes in 100% grade-A ribeye cheesesteaks. This version differs from traditionally Philly-style cheesesteaks with a heartier, thicker/chewier/crustier New York-baked bread as opposed to a softer hoagie roll. You can find a menu here.

Due to a problem with the building's gas line (there is no gas!), the kitchen is all-electric, which means all-electric grills, fryers, cooktops, etc.

Pisano, whose family has been in the restaurant business for several generations, founded G's in Staten Island in 2015 at age 20. There are now four G's locations, with one slated to open this fall on Eighth Avenue and 31st Street. 

Here is Giacomo with his father, Jack...

If possible, they are trying to preserve the "Liquors" signage on the storefront. They say the building will move the scaffolding, which is blocking their Houston entrance door. 

Hours of operation: 10 a.m. until 11 p.m., seven days/week to start; eventually, Friday and Saturday night hours will extend to 2 a.m. 

 

Previously on EV Grieve: 

• Here's a look at the renovated interior of the long-vacant 6 Avenue B 

• Because you've always wanted to know what the inside of the long-empty 6 Avenue B looks like

 Let's take another look at the eerie remains of the long-abandoned 6 Avenue B

Noted (sidewalk bridge edition)

Photo by Stacie Joy 

As previously reported, G's Cheesesteaks is the new tenant for 6 Avenue B at Houston Street — the first in 15 years. 

The gut renovations of the long-vacant residential portion are also complete. The building — now going as The B (!) — is currently leasing.

G's owner, Giacomo Pisano, apparently tried to get the sidewalk bridge hauled away. Good luck! 

So there's now a G' s-branded sign on the bridge with the message, "We tried to get this scaffolding removed ... But this is NYC."

Pisano, whose family has been in the restaurant business for several generations, founded G's in Staten Island in 2015 at age 20. 

The opening date for the EV outpost is expected soon.

An update from G's Cheesesteaks, opening May 1 on Avenue B and Houston

Photo and reporting by Stacie Joy

Renovations continue inside the storefront at 6 Avenue B on the NW corner at Houston.

As previously reported, this will be home to an outpost of G's Cheesesteaks. I ran into owner Giacomo Pisano (above) the other day. He said they'll be open on May 1, hopefully sooner if all goes well.

Pisano said he is looking for a local artist who can pay homage to Chico's current artwork on the gate. The liquor store, the last tenant in the retail space here, closed when the owner passed away in 2009 at age 89. Chico created her tribute mural in February 2010. (The building's landlord plans to paint over the well-worn art.)

He also said he'd like to preserve the "liquor" signage and, if possible, bring it inside. 

This will be the fourth location for the cheesesteak brand, which also has a food truck business. (On that note, he said he'd like to use a truck for free food distribution to the community.)

Pisano, whose family has been in the restaurant business for several generations, founded G's in Staten Island in 2015 at age 20. 

The residential portion of the building — now going as The B — is currently renting.

Previously on EV Grieve:

• Here's a look at the renovated interior of the long-vacant 6 Avenue B

• Because you've always wanted to know what the inside of the long-empty 6 Avenue B looks like 

• Let's take another look at the eerie remains of the long-abandoned 6 Avenue B 

• Time passages: Check out the interior of the long-empty Mom's Liquor Store on Avenue B

The long-empty 6 Avenue B set to begin a new residential era as The B

Photo Sunday by Stacie Joy 

The long-vacant building on the NW corner of Avenue B and Houston Street is set to welcome its first residents in many years. 

As previously reported, workers have been gutting and upgrading the spaces here in recent months. And, per a Streeteasy listing, the all-new 294 Houston St. (FKA 6 Avenue B) will be ready for occupancy at the end of the month. 

Here's more about the building now branded as The B: 

The B ... is equipped with a virtual doorman and package room for your safety and convenience. This gut-renovated apartment building features engineered hardwood floors and marble tiling, an in-unit washer/dryer, central heating/AC, and brand-new stainless-steel appliances. Select apartments are available with private terraces overlooking E. Houston. 

Two units are currently available: two bedrooms for $4,850; and three bedrooms for $6,295. 

Here's a video tour of the three-bedroom apartment...

 

And as noted last month, G's Cheesesteaks will be the first retail tenant in the storefront in 15 years.

An LLC linked to Penn Capital South, whose portfolio includes multiple EV properties, bought the building last February. This was one of the abandoned properties owned by the estate of the mysterious team of Arthur and Abraham Blasof, both long deceased.

Streeteasy H/T Emily!

Previously on EV Grieve:

• Here's a look at the renovated interior of the long-vacant 6 Avenue B

• Because you've always wanted to know what the inside of the long-empty 6 Avenue B looks like 

• Let's take another look at the eerie remains of the long-abandoned 6 Avenue B 

• Time passages: Check out the interior of the long-empty Mom's Liquor Store on Avenue B

G's Cheesesteaks will be the first retail tenant in 15 years at 6 Avenue B

Photo by Salim

G's Cheesesteaks is the new tenant for 6 Avenue B at Houston Street. 

This will be the fourth location for the brand, which also has a food truck business.

Owner Giacomo Pisano, whose family has been in the restaurant business for several generations, founded G's in Staten Island in 2015 at age 20. 

This corner retail space has been empty since the owner of the liquor store here passed away in the fall of 2009 at age 89.

And as we've noted, the building also remained vacant during this time. An LLC linked to Penn Capital South, whose portfolio includes multiple EV properties, bought the building last February. This was one of the abandoned properties owned by the estate of the mysterious team of Arthur and Abraham Blasof, both long deceased.

Previously on EV Grieve:

• Here's a look at the renovated interior of the long-vacant 6 Avenue B

• Because you've always wanted to know what the inside of the long-empty 6 Avenue B looks like 

• Let's take another look at the eerie remains of the long-abandoned 6 Avenue B 

• Time passages: Check out the interior of the long-empty Mom's Liquor Store on Avenue B

Here's a look at the renovated interior of the long-vacant 6 Avenue B

Photos by Stacie Joy 

Last week, EVG's Stacie Joy pointed out that workers had removed the scaffolding and construction netting from 6 Avenue B, the long-empty and currently under-renovation building on the NW corner of Avenue B.

Given this high-profile corner, there has been a lot of curiosity about the address and its fate (there were ultimately unfounded concerns at one point that this might be demolished for either a new building or part of a more extensive development).

The top photo shows you how the exterior is shaping up. Let's take a look inside the 6-floor building.

So far, the hallways and stairwells have retained some of their original charms — albeit buffed up — with the exposed brick, tiled floors, and classical staircase ironworks ...

The residential units are a different story... the pre-war details (take a look here) have been stripped away... in favor of designer-y desert-sand floors and cabinetry... 

... the oversized bedrooms have been chopped up into several small units...

Amenities look to include in-unit laundry and mini split air conditioners...

Some units include a view of Houston and Clinton (good for checking the weekend lines at Clinton St. Baking Company)...

... and a view of the foundation work for the 11-story building coming to 280 Houston St. ...

We have yet to see any listings for the refurbished units.

To recap some recent history here... an LLC linked to Penn Capital South, whose portfolio includes multiple EV properties, bought the building in February... but they didn't keep it long — it's back on the market. (The retail space is for lease, too... here's the listing.)

This was one of the abandoned buildings owned by the estate of the mysterious team of Arthur and Abraham Blasof, both long deceased. However, No. 6 has been generating some income with the cell-phone towers on the roof. 

The liquor store in the retail space closed when the owner passed away in the fall of 2009 at age 89. (Chico created the tribute to her on the gate in February 2010. Will it stay?)

As we've pointed out (here and here), the building was in dismal shape and needed significant work to bring it up to code. Before the renovations, the DOB had cited No. 6 for emergency repairs several times in recent years.

Previously on EVG: 

• Because you've always wanted to know what the inside of the long-empty 6 Avenue B looks like 

• Let's take another look at the eerie remains of the long-abandoned 6 Avenue B 

• Time passages: Check out the interior of the long-empty Mom's Liquor Store on Avenue B

Look at 6 Avenue B now!

Photos by Stacie Joy

Oh! — 6 Avenue B no longer looks as if it has been abandoned for 20 years. 

Workers have removed the scaffolding and construction netting from the under-renovation building on the NW corner of Avenue B.

An LLC linked to Penn Capital South, whose portfolio includes multiple EV properties, bought the building in February... but they didn't decide to keep it long — it's back on the market.

The retail space is for lease, too... here's the listing.

Anyway, as we've noted (a lot!), this was one of the abandoned buildings owned by the estate of the mysterious team of Arthur and Abraham Blasof, both long deceased. However, No. 6 has been generating some income with the cell-phone towers on the roof. 

The liquor store in the retail space closed when the owner passed away in the fall of 2009 at age 89. (Chico created the tribute to her on the gate in February 2010. Will it stay?)

As we've pointed out (here and here), the building was in dismal shape and needed significant work to bring it up to code. Before the renovations, the DOB had cited No. 6 for emergency repairs several times in recent years.

Previously on EVG: 

• Because you've always wanted to know what the inside of the long-empty 6 Avenue B looks like 

• Let's take another look at the eerie remains of the long-abandoned 6 Avenue B 

• Time passages: Check out the interior of the long-empty Mom's Liquor Store on Avenue B

The long-neglected 6 Avenue B is for sale

After sitting abandoned for over a decade, 6 Avenue B is suddenly a hot property. 

While the gut renovation of the 6-story building on the NW corner of Houston and B continues, a listing for the property is active. 

Some details: 

• Building is currently being gut renovated and is near completion.

• The building consists of 10 free market apartments ( 5 two bedrooms, 5 three bedrooms) & a ground floor retail space. 

• Retail store is approximately 1500 sf with 14-foot ceiling heights. 

No mention of a price.

Here's a rendering (with an older photo — RIP Red Square shops) showing the retail potential here ... coffee!

An LLC linked to Penn Capital South, whose portfolio includes multiple EV properties, bought the building in February. According to public records, the building changed hands for just $1.05 million. However, the new owners also had to pay $4.2 million in real property transfer and real estate transfer taxes.

This was one of the abandoned buildings owned by the estate of the mysterious team of Arthur and Abraham Blasof, both long deceased. However, No. 6 has been generating some income with the cell-phone towers on the roof. 

The liquor store in the retail space closed when the owner passed away in the fall of 2009 at age 89. (Chico created the tribute to her on the gate in February 2010.)

As we've pointed out (here and here), the building was in dismal shape and needed significant work to bring it up to code. Before the renovations, the DOB had cited No. 6 for emergency repairs several times in recent years.

Previously on EVG: 

• Because you've always wanted to know what the inside of the long-empty 6 Avenue B looks like 

• Let's take another look at the eerie remains of the long-abandoned 6 Avenue B 

• Time passages: Check out the interior of the long-empty Mom's Liquor Store on Avenue B

[Updated, we were faked-out edition] Today in miracles on Houston and Avenue B

For the first time in eight-plus years, there won't be a sidewalk bridge on the NW corner of Houston and Avenue B. [OOPS — see the update below!]

Workers from the Department of Miracles were removing the long-standing structure today. (Thanks to EVG reader Miriam Abrahams for the photo!) 

In February, we reported on the long-vacant building's new owner, an LLC linked to Penn Capital South, whose portfolio includes multiple EV properties. A gut renovation is in the works.

The liquor store in the retail space has been closed since the owner passed away in the fall of 2009 at age 89. (See the shop's frozen-in-time interior here.)

This was one of the abandoned buildings owned by the estate of the mysterious team of Arthur and Abraham Blasof, both long deceased. However, No. 6 has been generating some income with the cell-phone towers on the roof. 

Updated 8 p.m. 

Well then! So much for that sidewalk being free of a sidewalk bridge... so workers removed the old one and have erected a new sidewalk bridge (thanks again to Miriam for keeping tabs on this!).

As you were!

Previously on EVG:

• Because you've always wanted to know what the inside of the long-empty 6 Avenue B looks like

• Let's take another look at the eerie remains of the long-abandoned 6 Avenue B 

Time passages: Check out the interior of the long-empty Mom's Liquor Store on Avenue B

Photos by Stacie Joy

Last month, we had the scoop about the new owner of 6 Avenue B, the long empty/abandoned building on the NW corner of Houston. The owner is an LLC linked to Penn Capital South, whose portfolio includes multiple EV properties. 

A gut renovation is in the works — as is asbestos abatement. There has been some mystery and intrigue about the whole building, especially the storefront that housed the liquor store — aka Mom's. 

The retail space has been closed since the owner passed away in the fall of 2009 at age 89. (Chico created the tribute to her on the gate in February 2010.)

How have nearly 14 years of vacancy treated the space? What does the interior event look like these days?

EVG contributor Stacie Joy found out the other day... with a look inside Mom's, a frozen-in-time space where bottles of Riunite still go for $5.25. The bullet-proof register area remains intact as well.

Come, let's look inside...

Also discovered... this EVG post about the store's owner from 2010:

I enjoy watching her reaction to some fancypants asking her if they have any, say, really buttery California chardonnays whose grapes were harvested on hillsides composed of Kimmeridgian marl, limestone and chalk. Her reaction is usually either, "WHAT?" or "WHY WOULD WE HAVE THAT."

Previously on EVG:

• Because you've always wanted to know what the inside of the long-empty 6 Avenue B looks like

• Let's take another look at the eerie remains of the long-abandoned 6 Avenue B 

Asbestos abatement for the long-abandoned 6 Avenue B

Photos yesterday by Stacie Joy 

The first steps in the gut renovation of 6 Avenue B are underway. Workers have started the asbestos abatement here on the NW corner of Avenue B and Houston ...

Contractors here confirmed they will renovate the building — not tearing it down, as a few readers suspected.

Last Friday, we had the scoop about the new owner of the long empty/abandoned building.

The owner is an LLC linked to Penn Capital South, whose portfolio includes multiple EV properties.

According to public records, the building changed hands for just $1.05 million. However, the new owners also had to pay $4.2 million in real property transfer and real estate transfer taxes.

As we've pointed out (here and here), the building is in dismal shape and will need significant work to bring it up to code. (The DOB has cited No. 6 for emergency repairs several times in recent years.)

This was one of the abandoned buildings owned by the estate of the mysterious team of Arthur and Abraham Blasof, both long deceased. However, No. 6 has been generating some income with the cell-phone towers on the roof.  

Stay tuned for more news about the building next week...

6 Avenue B, long-abandoned, has a new owner

Photos yesterday by Stacie Joy

There's a new owner for 6 Avenue B, the 6-story building on the NW corner of Avenue B and Houston that has been empty/abandoned for years.

EVG contributor Stacie Joy spotted a notice on the front door noting the ownership change... 

The LLC is linked to Penn Capital South, whose portfolio includes multiple EV properties. 

According to public records, the building changed hands for a mere $1.05 million. However, the new owners also had to pay $4.2 million in real property transfer and real estate transfer taxes.

As we've pointed out (here and here), the building is in dismal shape and will need significant work to bring it up to code. (The DOB has cited No. 6 for emergency repairs several times in recent years.)

This was one of the abandoned buildings owned by the estate of the mysterious team of Arthur and Abraham Blasof, both long deceased. However, No. 6 has been generating some income with the cell-phone towers on the roof. 

The liquor store in the retail space closed when the owner passed away in the fall of 2009 at age 89. (Chico created the tribute to her on the gate in February 2010.)

The sidewalk bridge has been here since 2015.

Previously on EVG:

• Because you've always wanted to know what the inside of the long-empty 6 Avenue B looks like

• Let's take another look at the eerie remains of the long-abandoned 6 Avenue B