'this concrete park...'

Astor Place

 

Non aquatic trees succumb,

to generous water.

By design or lack of care,

this concrete park does suffer.

•

peter radley

[Photos from last week]

Previously

With ribbon cutting, the cube on Astor Place is free — free!

A group of city officials and local elected leaders took part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony this morning for marking the end of the Astor Place/Cooper Square Reconstruction Project and the reinstallation of the Alamo/cube.

Officials then took the cube for a spin, as these photos via EVG correspondent Steven show...



As previously noted, plans for the $21-million, multi-year(s) project included reconfiguring/revamping the Astor Place/Cooper Square streetscape with new permanent plazas, additional seating, trees and a new design for Peter Cooper Park. (According to estimates, the city added 9,900 perennial plants and shrubs, and 60 trees.)



The cube is now free of the barricades that had surrounded it since its return on Nov. 1...


[Photo by Vinny & 0]



Updated 1 p.m.

From DNAinfo's coverage...

"We were able to take this area, reclaim some of it from the automobile, make it safer and more inviting," said DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg.

"This was a big project and I know, looking at some of the elected officials and the community members, I know it took a long time and there was a lot of disruption, and I thank them for their patience. But now we will have beautiful public space, new benches and trees, water mains replaced underneath."

And a few more photos via EVG contributor Peter Brownscombe...

Turning over some new leaves for Cooper Square

In our post earlier today about the new zipper bench on the reconstructed Astor Place, a commenter mentioned the arrival of new trees for the plaza around Cooper Square... EVG regular peter radley passed along these photos of the trees (nearly two dozen) on the scene today...



Here's a link to a weekly bulletin (PDF) noting what's happening this week.

Something new to sit on at Astor Place

An EVG reader shares this photo... showing one of WXY’s Zipper Benches that arrived outside Cooper Union this week. (Not sure if there will be others, or just this one.)

In general (per Architizer):

The Zipper conceptually strives to positively encourage social interaction with any different number of people gathering, relaxing and engaging. The bespoke elements of the bench design facilitate a multiplicity of options in their arrangement.

Cooper Square now with new crosswalks

Another sign of progress in the ongoing Astor Place/Cooper Square Reconstruction project... workers have painted the crosswalks on the newly paved surrounding streets...



Not sure what's next on the to-do list... the weekly construction bulletin is still dated from Aug. 12.

Thanks to Vinny & O for these photos!

[Updated] Workers are putting in the foundation for the return of the Alamo

We spotted workers digging a foundation on Astor Place this morning.

Is this for the base of the Alamo, the sculpture that is expected to return this month?

Yes!

William Kelley, executive director of the Village Alliance, confirmed the nature of the work to us via email.

And when will the cube be back?

"The City has not given a firm date yet for its return," Kelly said. "Soon though we hope!"

Workers removed the Alamo for safekeeping for the duration of the $16 million capital improvement project on Nov. 25, 2014.

Updated 8/11

And a look at the Alamo space this morning...



Previously on EV Grieve:
The Alamo returns to Astor Place this Halloween

This is what it might be like living inside the Alamo on Astor Place

RIP Tony Rosenthal, the sculptor who created the Astor Place cube

The first of Jim Power's restored mosaic light poles has returned to Astor Place

Paving the way for smoother streets on 3rd Avenue

Crews started paving the roadway on Third Avenue/Cooper Square on Thursday... here's a look at the smoothness from Ninth Street to St. Mark's Place...break out the roller blades! Or roller skates! Or skateboards! Or illegal hoverboards!





There's still rough roadway south of Seventh Street ... this work is part of the ongoing Astor Place/Cooper Square Reconstruction Project.



The paving is expected to be complete in 2019.

Here's more on what's happening via the Reconstruction Newsletter (PDF!):

Anticipated Work Schedule:
July –September 2016
•Alamo Plaza: Re-install the “Alamo Cube” Sculpture.
Installing trees, shrubs, perennials and Furnishings.
•Subway Plaza: Planting/granite stone installation
•Lafayette, from Astor Pl. to E. 9th: Roadway reconstruction.
•Peter Cooper Park: Installing perennials/trash receptacles.
•Village Plaza: Installing additional skateboard deterrents,
new plants/perennials.
•Third Avenue, from E. 4th to E. 9th Streets: Roadway
reconstruction.
•Mosaic Poles: Installing decorative light poles along Astor
Place. (not powered)
•E. 4th from Bowery to Second Ave: Installing bump-outs.
•Milling and Paving operations throughout project.

The new Astor Place rolls out the tables, chairs and umbrellas

The tables, chairs and umbrellas arrived on Astor Place this week... as the reconstruction of the plaza inches closer to completion this fall.

More seating is on the way... as are some trees... and the Alamo...


Meanwhile, the Village Alliance Business Improvement District is presenting the "Astor Alive! Festival" Sept. 15-17 "to celebrate the upcoming reopening of the new Astor Place, which will be complete in the fall."

Here's more on that via the Facebook invite:

As a vibrant cultural district with over two dozen theater, dance, music, art, architecture and historic landmarks including Blue Man Group, Fourth Arts Block, Cooper Union, Joe’s Pub, St. Mark’s Church and the Public Theater, the festival will debut Astor Place’s four new public plazas, among other civic space transformations as part of its larger $16 million revitalization project. The vibrant downtown New York City neighborhood will celebrate the imminent reopening with entertainment, workshops, tours, a parade, local restaurant specials and more, which will be free and open to the public.

Astor Place Festival highlights will include:

• Performances & Stages – With four performance stages starting from 4th Street to 9th Street, there will be 20+ groups of diverse local theaters, performing arts companies and schools performing throughout all three days. They include La MaMa, Joe’s Pub, Bowery Poetry Club, The Public Theater, Theater for the New City, Hetrik-Martin Institute, The Standard Hotel’s Sounds, Rod Rodgers Dance Company, Peridance Capezio Center and Danspace Project. All performances will focus on five historical themes of Astor Place, including Theater for All, Alternative Cultures and Radical Politics, Thinkers and Writers, Immigrant Populations and Architectural Frontiers.

• Mosaic Light Pole Dedication (September 15) – Popular East Village Artist Jim Power will debut the restored mosaic light poles throughout Astor Place in honor of the festival.

William Kelley, executive director of the Village Alliance, recently told us that the Alamo would return to the plaza this month, and "it is exactly the same as it was before ... It received a thorough cleaning and coating to protect it from the weather and will return in good shape."

Kelley also said that there will be a single food concession in the north and south plaza spaces at Astor Place (not around Cooper Square or points south), per the license agreement with the DOT. He said that no other vending will be allowed on the plazas.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Five years later, Astor Place apparently ready for its 2-year reconstruction project

The all-new Astor Place is coming along (for real)

Report: Astor Place reconstruction now slated for a fall completion

The completion date for the reconstruction of Astor Place and Cooper Square has been pushed back from summer to fall, DNAinfo reports.

A spokesperson for the Department of Design and Construction didn't offer any reasons as to why the multi-year(s) project will be delayed by one season.

“We anticipate construction completion in the Fall and will continue to work closely with the Department of Transportation], Parks and the community for any updates about this project,” said public information officer Shavone Williams in an email.

The work, which started in September 2013 and was expected to take two years, has included reconfiguring/revamping the Astor Place/Cooper Square streetscape with three new permanent plazas, additional seating, trees and a new design for Peter Cooper Park.

No word if this delay will impact the return of the Alamo, originally set for June 22 then moved to some time in August. Which, based on the ongoing delays, might mean October.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Five years later, Astor Place apparently ready for its 2-year reconstruction project

The all-new Astor Place is coming along (for real)

[Updated] Reader report: Rumors about the new Astor Place and the Alamo

[Astor Place photo from Saturday]

Longtime EVG reader Liberation shared the following...

[On Friday] I was told by someone who works for Village Alliance that, when eventually complete, the new Astor Place will have a variety of food vendors, outdoor tables and chairs, and some type of lighting scheme. There's a large electrical box on the northeast corner of Chase that will power all of this. The Village Alliance and some type of committee at the Sculpture of Living building decide who these food vendors are and, in general, decide what takes place in the area.



One bit of news I found shocking is that they have allegedly altered The Alamo sculpture so it will now include some type of lighting.

According to the Village Alliance employee the sculpture will also rotate on its own now as he said people have hurt their backs trying to spin it. Personally, I find it unethical to alter an artist's work to make it appear more like a theme park attraction.

The Alamo had an announced return date of June 22, but the city pushed it back to August.

Workers removed the Alamo for safekeeping for the duration of the $16 million capital improvement project on Nov. 25, 2014.

Updated 3 p.m.

William Kelley, executive director of the Village Alliance, shared the following with us:

The Alamo sculpture should return in August, and it is exactly the same as it was before. There are no lights and the spinning mechanism is human powered, just like before. It received a thorough cleaning and coating to protect it from the weather and will return in good shape.

Also coming in August, there will be bistro tables, chairs and umbrellas for use by the public, much like you see in other plazas around the city.

Finally, there will be a single food concession in the north and south plaza spaces at Astor Place (not around Cooper Square or points south) pursuant to the license agreement with NYCDOT. No other vending will be allowed on the plazas.

Previously on EV Grieve:
The Alamo returns to Astor Place this Halloween

Five years later, Astor Place apparently ready for its 2-year reconstruction project

This is what it might be like living inside the Alamo on Astor Place

RIP Tony Rosenthal, the sculptor who created the Astor Place cube

The first of Jim Power's restored mosaic light poles has returned to Astor Place

Looking at a cube-less (still) Astor Place

Looking at a cube-less (still) Astor Place

[Photo by Vinny & O]

The weekly Astor Place Construction bulletin (PDF) issued last Friday revealed that the Alamo would return on Wednesday to Astor Place...(Workers packed up and carted off the Alamo for safekeeping for the duration of the reconstruction back on Nov. 25, 2014.)



Perhaps city agencies all didn't confer on this. Despite this news bulletin inclusion, the Parks Department came out on Monday with an announcement that the cube wouldn't return until August, as amNY first reported:

Although there were fliers posted in the Village that gave a June 22 date for the art piece’s re-installation, the agency said it is being inspected by a conservator for final preparation.

“NYC Parks has historically contributed its expertise to the upkeep of the Cube,” Parks spokeswoman Maeri Ferguson said in a statement.

So, until August, please enjoy the ghost cube sticker... it doesn't spin, though...





Also, as we first reported on Tuesday, the first of Jim Power's mosaic lamp posts was put back in place, nearly two months ahead of what was expected.


[Photo via an EVG reader]

By the end of the day, workers wrapped up the light pole... which makes sense given that this is still an active work zone... (still curious about the timing on this pole's return...)



Also! The Astor Place Subway Plaza for the uptown 6 is coming together... workers have planted trees here...to replace the ones that got chopped down in October 2013...





Still no official word when all the reconstruction work will finally be complete on Astor Place and Cooper Square.

Previously on EV Grieve:
The Alamo returns to Astor Place this Halloween

Five years later, Astor Place apparently ready for its 2-year reconstruction project

This is what it might be like living inside the Alamo on Astor Place

RIP Tony Rosenthal, the sculptor who created the Astor Place cube

[Updated] The Alamo returns to Astor Place on Wednesday (unless it rains)

[Image via the Village Alliance]

After being in safekeeping the past 19 months, Astor Place's centerpiece — the Alamo — will return for re-installation on Wednesday.

This welcome news comes courtesy of the weekly Astor Place Construction bulletin (PDF) issued on Friday...



Note that the rain date is June 29. (The forecast does NOT call for any rain at the moment.)

Officials had been vague about an exact return date (June/early summer) until now.

Leading up to its return, the Village Alliance is holding a Creativity Cubed event at Astor Place through Tuesday.

Per the event notice:

Alamo Cube fans, young and old, will have the opportunity to craft and design their very own mini spinning Alamo Cube, and create new memories and stories for the future.

Visit Creativity Cubed today, Astor Place. Make your own spinning Alamo Cube & see the Strangers Project. FREE event pic.twitter.com/GjlPUwW0wl

— Astor Place NYC (@AstorPlaceNYC) June 19, 2016

The return might come as a relief to some (parody accounts)...

First person to make a life size reproduction wins and it will go on permanent display as I lost the original. https://t.co/j9IQYp6tT6

— Amanda Burden-Christ (@A_Burden_Christ) June 18, 2016

As you know, the area around the cube has been undergoing a reconstruction these past few years. No word on when it will all be officially complete.

And the Alamo won't be the only familiar installation to return. BoweryBoogie reported on June 13 that part of Jim Power’s “Mosaic Trail” will also return to Astor Place later this summer.

Workers packed up and carted off the Alamo for safekeeping for the duration of the reconstruction back on Nov. 25, 2014. The cube was installed here in 1967.

Updated 6/21

The Parks Department is now saying that the Alamo won't return until August. Per amNY:

Although there were fliers posted in the Village that gave a June 22 date for the art piece’s re-installation, the agency said it is being inspected by a conservator for final preparation.

“NYC Parks has historically contributed its expertise to the upkeep of the Cube,” Parks spokeswoman Maeri Ferguson said in a statement.

Previously on EV Grieve:
The Alamo returns to Astor Place this Halloween

Five years later, Astor Place apparently ready for its 2-year reconstruction project

This is what it might be like living inside the Alamo on Astor Place

RIP Tony Rosenthal, the sculptor who created the Astor Place cube

Important advice for motorists during Cooper Square reconstruction

Workers yesterday started replacing the roadway on Cooper Square starting at East Fourth Street (part of the ongoing Astor Place-Cooper Square reconstruction) ... cutting down the traffic to two lanes through Seventh Street...





And keep an eye out of this helpful sign for motorists...



Work is expected to be completed by Friday.

Ha. Kidding!

The all-new Astor Place is coming along (for real)

[Dawn of a new Astor Place era]

If you've walked by/around Astor Place in the last week or so, then you've likely noticed some actual progress as the reconstruction process plods along... In the next few photos, you can see the new permanent plaza on Astor Place adjacent to the Chase branch take shape ...









... and workers have added more details to the plaza...



As of late yesterday, part of the new plaza was open to pedestrian traffic...





For a little comparison, here's how things were looking here on Jan. 17...



As previously noted, plans for the multi-year(s) project have included reconfiguring/revamping the Astor Place/Cooper Square streetscape with three new permanent plazas, additional seating, trees and a new design for Peter Cooper Park.

Some day it will look like this...


[A rendering of the new Astor Place]

As for when Astor Place's more famous tenant, the Alamo, will return... there isn't any mention of the cube in the posted timelines. Workers packed up and carted off The Alamo for safekeeping for the duration of the reconstruction back on Nov. 25, 2014.

Here's a link to a weekly bulletin (PDF), noting what's happening this week.

The anticipated project completion date is now summer 2016, according to the Winter 2016 reconstruction newsletter (PDF here).

Previously on EV Grieve:
The Alamo returns to Astor Place this Halloween

Five years later, Astor Place apparently ready for its 2-year reconstruction project

This is what it might be like living inside the Alamo on Astor Place

RIP Tony Rosenthal, the sculptor who created the Astor Place cube

The Alamo has been away from Astor Place for 1 year now

Let there be new lights on Cooper Square

Oh, just noting the recent arrival of new lamp posts for Cooper Square...



...as part of the ongoing reconstruction of Astor Place.

Anyway, the lamps look pretty nice, and will capably help illuminate the way to the new CVS on Astor Place.

Previously on EV Grieve:
The Alamo has been away from Astor Place for 1 year now