Demolition continues at 321 E. 13th St., a 14-floor building between Second Avenue and First Avenue.
The building previously housed training physicians and staff of the nearby New York Eye and Ear Infirmary.
This photo via EVG reader KT shows crews chipping away at the upper floors...
As previously reported,
the Mount Sinai Health System is in the process of rebuilding Mount Sinai Beth Israel, transitioning to a network of smaller facilities throughout lower Manhattan and selling off their campus on First Avenue and 16th Street.
The plans include
an expanded facility on 14th Street and Second Avenue ... and using part of the lot where No. 321 stands now. (Find a Mount Sinai FAQ
here.)
A few weeks ago,
The Villager reported that Mount Sinai officials are considering adding four extra floors to this new building. (Previously, hospital officials had said that the additional floors atop the new East Village mini-hospital could be added later, if needed.)
Here's part of a Mount Sinai statement to the paper:
“As we have stated from the start, we are continuing to evaluate all of our options, including possibly building the extra four floors as part of the initial build.
“We have always committed to an open and transparent process, and after listening to the concerns from local leaders and constituents, as well as our internal advisers and leaders, we are currently leaning toward building the extra four floors for programmatic use, not beds.
“We still believe that 220 beds will best meet the needs of the community. However, if we see a dramatic change in the future, we will be better prepared and have greater flexibility to address that issue with these additional floors already built. We will continue to update the community as our progress continues.”
Here's a schematic of the new facility ...
Meanwhile, on Thursday night, CB3 is hosting a forum on the downsizing of Beth Israel.
Via the EVG inbox...
What medical services must be available locally?
Beth Israel Hospital has already closed its labor and delivery department. Other medical services are also being moved uptown. In a few years, the full-service hospital at First Avenue and 16th Street will be completely closed.
What medical services does Mount Sinai need to continue to provide in our community?
We need to tell Mount Sinai now. CB3 needs community input to understand your needs as we work in influence the restructuring plans of the Mount Sinai Health System.
Come tell CB3 what is important for your family and friends.
The forum is Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in the Sirovich Senior Center, 331 E. 12th St. between First Avenue and Second Avenue.
Previously on EV Grieve:
Scaffolding arrives as demolition nears for Mount Sinai's 13th Street residential building
Permits filed to demolish Mount Sinai's 13th Street residential building
