Surprise! 10-story condo planned at the former home of Chris French Cleaners

A 10-story condoplex with 10 residential units is in the works for the northeast corner of Fourth Avenue and Ninth Street, the former home of Chris French Cleaners. 

The pending new building permit was added to the public records this past Wednesday.

The dry cleaner closed its doors for good on Sept. 19, marking 65 years in business. 

In the spring of 2022, we noted that the corner property with a single-level building was being pitched as a development site, shortly after the family patriarch, Chris Mitrofanis, passed away. Public records show the family also owned the one-level structure. 

According to Crain's, Ilyas Abayev, founder of the real-estate firm Moonshot Development, is behind the new project. BKSK Architects LLP, whose local credits include The Jefferson on 13th Street between Second and Third avenues, is listed as the architect of record. 

There's already a demolition permit on file with the DOB for the address, 101 E. Ninth St. 

This is the second new luxury property for Ninth Street. Construction continues for an 18-unit condoplex at 220 E. Ninth St., between Second Avenue and Third Avenue, the former Little Man parking garage.

Previously on EV Grieve: 

• Chris French Cleaners is closing after 65 years; 1-level building slated for demolition

Chris French Cleaners is closing after 65 years; 1-level building slated for demolition

Chris French Cleaners closes for good on Sept. 19 after 65 years in business. (Thanks to EVG reader Carolynn Karp for sharing these photos!) 

Door signage thanks patrons for the "trust and friendship" over the years, noting "it has truly been an honor and a privilege."

Back in the spring of 2022, we noted that this prime NE corner of Fourth Avenue and Ninth Street was being pitched as a development site ... shortly after family patriarch, Chris Mitrofanis, passed away.

According to public records, the family also owns the one-level structure. 

There are several listings for the plot, ranging in price from $9.99 million to $13.99 million. In a LoopNet listing for the site last updated on Sept. 3, the property is now marked "in contract." 

Whatever is next won't include the existing building — there's already a demolition permit, dated this past Friday, on file with the DOB. 

Given the abundance of office space nearby, we're assuming this space will yield luxury condos similar to the cantilevering condoplex that rose in 2018-2019, one block north at Fourth Avenue and 10th Street.