Former Sixth Street Specials building wrapped for gut renovation

Photos by Stacie Joy

The 4-story building at 703 E. Sixth St. between Avenue C and Avenue D is now wrapped and ready for a gut renovation. (H/T EVG reader Harmony!)

According to permits on file with the Department of Buildings, the project calls for a "new building with existing elements to remain."

We'll see how much actually remains. 

Permits on file with the Department of Buildings show the new residential building will feature eight units.

Many readers will remember this address as the longtime home of Sixth Street Specials. Owner Hugh Mackie opened the motorcycle repair shop here in 1986, before semi-retiring last year. He and his family — who also lived in the building — have since relocated to Queens.

Meanwhile, longtime shop manager Joshua Mackenzie took over the business and moved it to New Rochelle. The new shop, at 11 Lincoln Ave. — the former home of Urchin Custom Cycles — debuted early last June.

The building had been on the market for $4 million. Public records show an LLC affiliated with Loom Capital Group closed on the property last summer for $3.55 million.

Mackie — along with family and friends who were often around the shop — helped make the block a little livelier over the years. They're missed.

According to Village Preservation, tax records show that a house was built at this location around 1855, replacing the stables that had formerly occupied the lot. 

Previously on EV Grieve:

• After nearly 40 years, Sixth Street Specials prepares for its final ride in the East Village 

• Packing up Sixth Street Specials 

• The hidden charms of a soon-to-sell loft building and the former home of Sixth Street Specials

The hidden charms of a soon-to-sell loft building and the former home of Sixth Street Specials

Photos and reoorting by Stacie Joy

Top photo from March

Last week, Sixth Street Specials moved out of its home of 39 years at 703 E. Sixth St. 

The move to New Rochelle marks a new era for the business — as well as the four-story building between Avenue C and Avenue D. 

The building had been on the sales market, and as of May 14 (see below), it is now under contract with a yet-to-be-named buyer. The ask had been more than $4 million. 

Hugh Mackie, the owner of the motorcycle repair shop who also lived above with his family, decided to retire. He and his family relocated. (Mackie said previously that the current "landlord's been 100% cool with me.")

I was given access to the now-empty building — every floor except the third, where the door remained stubbornly locked despite my best efforts with the key. 

Each floor features a loft, and they are massive. What I saw was enough to stir both curiosity and a bit of envy.

According to Village Preservation, tax records show that a house was built at this location around 1855, replacing the shop and stables that had formerly occupied the lot. 

Here's more: 

The 1858 tax record describes the structure as four stories tall. The 1856 map labels this building as 'Piano Action Factory.' Although no permits were found prior to 1965, the current front facade likely dates to 1920-30s. In 1965 the building was altered by having its dumbwaiters, doors and bulkhead removed.

Vintage touches abound here. A double Fox Police Lock is still intact — a relic of security craftsmanship that's both rare and beautiful. Con Edison panels from another era line the wall alongside weathered AFA automatic fire alarms that haven't beeped in years.

We also spotted a lone piano in one of the spaces...   

At the top of the building, a half-door leads to the roof — watch your head! Even your intrepid, height-challenged reporter had to duck. 

But the climb (and duck) is worth it: a sprawling rooftop mural stretches across the surface, a splash of color crowning the building like a secret. (The KTM crew created the mural.)

You can't help but sigh at the potential. The place is under contract now, but for a few moments, it was ours to imagine.

 

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