Subway replacing Subway on East 14th Street

The Subway closure on East 14th Street between Second Avenue and Third Avenue was fairly short-lived... signs went up last week showing that this location will soon be under new management...



And that's a lot of exclamation points.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Reader report: Marshal seizes Subway (sandwich shop) on East 14th Street

A new location for Ba on East 14th Street

Last month, Ray's East Side 99-cent store on East 14th Street closed following a large rent hike. However, Ray had already secured a new location, moving around the corner where he set up shop in the base of the Copper Building last fall.

Unfortunately, there wasn't room at the new location for Ba, the nice fellow who ran a sliver of a shop in part of the East Side 99¢ space. Ba, a Senegal native, who sold socks, gloves, batteries and phone chargers, among other items, was in limbo.

However, EVG reader Mike notes that Ba has a new space...



...just up the block on East 14th Street ... where he selling his wares from outside the shoe repair shop by the post office between Avenue A and First Avenue...

Citi Bikes docking station arrives this morning on East 14th Street and Stuy Town

EVG reader Brett notes that the docking stations arrived this morning around 10...



... here on East 14th Street... just east of Avenue B and adjacent to Stuy Town...



Bike docking stations also arrived this morning on East Sixth Street ... on the south side of the street near Avenue B...


[Photo by Sally Davies]

Another parcel of East 14th Street for sale

As we've been noting, many businesses on East 14th Street between Avenue A and Avenue B are either relocating or closing to make way for some yet-unspecified development.

Last December, we learned that eight parcels consisting of 222 Avenue A and 504 - 530 E. 14th St. (excluding No. 520) were leased for a 99-year period by the respective owner of East Village 14 LLC.

Now, 534 E. 14th St., the building directly next door to the former ABC Animal Hospital, has hit the market. Not necessarily related to the other development, but certainly worth noting. Per the listing at Plaza Real Estate Group:

A unique Five Story walk up building located in central Alphabet City. Close to shopping, cafes, bars and all the East Village has to offer. This walk up building boosts a recently gut-renovated lobby complete with walls of mirrors and mosaic tiles.

Make: Steel/ Brick Size: Approximately 6,700 Square Feet Block / Lot: 407/ 25
Improvements: New Gas conversion/Burner. Brand new gut renovated Lobby 1st floor. All Hallways were recently renovated. Apts. over $1500.00 are renovated.

Air Rights: Approximately 3,705

Price: $7,150,000.

Previously on EV Grieve:
East 14th Street exodus continues

The disappearing storefronts of East 14th Street

[Updated with correction] 8-lot parcel of East 14th Street primed for new development

Bargain Express has closed on East 14th Street

Jefferson retail façade — revealed

Speaking of The Jefferson... workers removed the plywood and netting and stuff on the first of the two new retail spaces along East 14th Street...







There are two spaces available, as we've pointed out previously here.

Here's the official retail listing...

Rainbow will be the latest business to exit East 14th Street

Last Friday, we pointed out the ongoing exodus on East 14th Street ahead of some unspecified new development that promises to build on a good part of this stretch of single-story buildings... Now, as these photos by ace photographer East Village Hawkeye show, Rainbow, the junior retailer, is the next business to close...



An employee told EVG regular Gojira that April 20 is the store's last day ...



As we previously reported, eight parcels consisting of 222 Avenue A and 504 - 530 E. 14th St. (excluding No. 520) were leased for a 99-year period by the respective owner of East Village 14 LLC.

After Rainbow goes, the remaining businesses will be Rite Aid, the laundromat, which multiple readers have said will move to Ray's old space at East Side 99-cent store toward Avenue B, and the dearly beloved Blarney Cove. But for how much longer?

Previously on EV Grieve:
East 14th Street exodus continues

Conspiracies: What next for 14th Street and Avenue A?

Those ongoing rumors about the future of East 14th Street between Avenue A and B

Petland is moving away from East 14th Street, fueling more new development rumors

[Updated with correction] 8-lot parcel of East 14th Street primed for new development

Bargain Express has closed on East 14th Street

The disappearing storefronts of East 14th Street

Retail space for The Jefferson is also moving on up

The Jefferson's retail space on East 14th Street near Third Avenue is shaping up, as you can see now that the scaffolding and stuff has come down...



There are two spaces available, as we've pointed out previously here ...



Here's the official retail listing...

In the renderings, the two available storefronts are called "Dapper Drake" and "Karmic Koala."

Also, a different broker has the listing for the currently-empty 212 E. 14th St. space, former home of the Super Saving Store, which closed in June 2011. (It was no Dapper Drake, but...)

Previously on EV Grieve:
City approves new building for Mystery Lot

The last days of the Mystery Lot

Before it was the Mystery Lot

The Mystery Lot developers using famous dead comedians to sell condos at The Jefferson

East 14th Street exodus continues

With new development looming on East 14th Street, businesses in the way of the still-unspecified project continue to leave... Bargain Bazaar closed for good on Jan. 3 ... its neighbor to the east, Petland, moved to First Avenue... and now the last tenant in this three-store strip, the ABC Animal Hospital, has announced that it will relocate to 200 Avenue A, per the Local.

The move isn't a surprise — EVG regular Gojira passed along word in September that Dr. Tufaro and staff were looking for a new home.

As we first reported in December, eight parcels consisting of 222 Avenue A and 504 - 530 E. 14th St. were leased for a 99-year period by the respective owner to East Village 14 LLC. (East Village 14 LLC is a Delaware Company that registered with the New York State Department of State in October 2012.) Public records put the cost of this parcel at $35 million.

So we're looking at everything from where Stuyvesant Grocery and Pete's-a-Pizza were before the fire on May 12, 2010 at Avenue A east to, and including, the Animal Hospital. The lone exception: 520 E. 14th St. Presumably new development will happen on either side of this building.

Meanwhile, the new tenant at 200 Avenue A ends an ugly chapter in recent East Village history. The space was home to Superdive, which started its reign of woorrorism on June 25, 2009. (Relive that night here) ... then came the lengthy battle for a liquor license with the applicants who wanted to open an "art gallery with a full-service restaurant." The State Liquor Authority finally granted them a license last April after the applicants agreed to a midnight closing time, as we reported here.

However, the group, going by Hospitality LLC, figured that they wouldn't be able to make a go of it with a midnight closing time, and they moved away from the project. In October, 200 Avenue A was back on the market.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Conspiracies: What next for 14th Street and Avenue A?

Those ongoing rumors about the future of East 14th Street between Avenue A and B

Petland is moving away from East 14th Street, fueling more new development rumors

[Updated with correction] 8-lot parcel of East 14th Street primed for new development

Bargain Express has closed on East 14th Street

Tonight, let it be East 14th Street...

Hmm, humming the old Löwenbräu jingle for some reason... East 14th Street tonight via Bobby Williams...

[Updated with correction] 8-lot parcel of East 14th Street primed for new development

After months of rumors about the future of East 14th Street between Avenue A and Avenue B, we finally have some answers.

Of the three rumors previously presented, turns out that we'll be looking at the doomsday scenario for most of the block:

All the space starting at the ABC Animal Hospital west to Avenue A will be developed into some type of housing-retail complex.

According to public records, in late November, eight parcels consisting of 222 Avenue A and 504 - 530 E. 14th St. were leased for a 99-year period by the respective owner to East Village 14 LLC.

(East Village 14 LLC is a Delaware Company that registered with the New York State Department of State in October 2012.)

Public records put the cost of this parcel at $35 million.

CORRECTION: Amended an earlier version of this aerial view. The deal does not include 520 E. 14th St., the 6-story apartment building that includes a Dunkin Donuts and the Royal Custom Tailors in the retail space.

And here are the parcels of land included in the deal:

[Click image to enlarge]

So we're looking at everything from where Stuyvesant Grocery and Pete's-a-Place were before the fire on May 12, 2010 at Avenue A east to, and including, the Animal Hospital. The lone exception: 520 E. 14th St. Presumably new development will happen on either side of this building.

And because people have asked before: The Blarney Cove is included in this land grab.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Conspiracies: What next for 14th Street and Avenue A?

Those ongoing rumors about the future of East 14th Street between Avenue A and B

Petland is moving away from East 14th Street, fueling more new development rumors

[A special thanks to the EVG reader who helped dig into the records]

Petland is moving away from East 14th Street, fueling more new development rumors

In late September, we laid out the three rumors about the future of East 14th Street between Avenue A and Avenue B. (Read that post here.) The most severe of the rumors: All the space starting at the ABC Animal Hospital west to Avenue A will be developed into some type of housing-retail complex.

The speculation has returned with the arrival of a moving sign at Petland: The store will be relocating to First Avenue.

An EVG Facebook friend asked the manager why they were moving. The response: The landlord is tearing down the building.

So far, there aren't any permits on file with the city indicating any immediate demolition... Still, most people we've talked with figure this block has a relatively short life span as it is now...

Previously on EV Grieve:
Conspiracies: What next for 14th Street and Avenue A?

Those ongoing rumors about the future of East 14th Street between Avenue A and B

Sandy spoils the Surprise Garden

Back on Oct. 16, we posted this photo of the robust-looking Surprise Garden on East 14th Street between Avenue B and Avenue C ...

[Bobby Williams]

Given that this stretch of East 14th Street spent time flooded by the filth muck of the East River during Superstorm Sandy ... we were expecting the worst at this tiny plot... Indeed, things aren't looking so good at the moment...

We're hopeful that the Surprise Gardeners will be able to bring this back to life in the spring...

Previously on EV Grieve:
The Surprise Garden and how it got that way on East 14th Street

That's one small step for Beauty Bar...

From last night on East 14th Street via EVG reader stuytownBarb ...

Leftover from Art in Odd Places or new for Halloween...? Some kind of secret government thing we're not supposed to know about? Or is this what nearby residents of IHOP need to wear to combat the smell and noise?

So many possibilities.

Fall at the Surprise Garden on East 14th Street

In August, Arrow Zelasnic shared the story of the Surprise Garden on East 14th Street between Avenue B and Avenue C ...

And this fall, it's looking as robust as ever...

[Bobby Williams]

Previously on EV Grieve:
The Surprise Garden and how it got that way on East 14th Street

Two years later, Walid Menswear has gone out of business

Walid Menswear starting the going-out-of-business process on 14th Street between Second Avenue and Third Avenue in May 2010 ...
[June 2010]

However, the store managed to hang on for longer — more than two years. However, the store is now for rent, as EVG reader Ron Z. noted.

We always liked the sign. So did James and Karla Murray, who included Walid's in their book "STORE FRONT: The Disappearing Face Of New York."

While they may not have been selling the most expensive clothing, the proprietors always took great pride in showcasing their goods in the window displays. Now, it's just another one of the little interesting storefronts, like The Royal Wigs, that are disappearing along this stretch of East 14th Street...

(Giant red) Pillow talk

EVG reader Michele McVicar sent along this participant in this year's Art In Odd Places' (AIOP) exhibit along East 14th Street ... and here, between Avenue B and C, is the artist, Geraldo Zamproni from Brazil...

The opening reception is going on here outside Campos Plaza until 8 tonight... AIOP started today and runs through Oct. 15. Find the full program here.

Those ongoing rumors about the future of East 14th Street between Avenue A and B

Ever since the fire wiped out Stuyvesant Grocery and Pete's-a-Place on East 14th Street at Avenue A, we've heard all sort of rumors about what was coming next. Dorm! Hotel! Condo!

The usual.

In the past six weeks, we've heard from a dozen different people who passed along various tips about incoming development. To date, there hasn't been much hard evidence, such as a real-estate listing or demolition permit.

We heard more after yesterdays's post about the East Side 99¢ store relocating.

Per THE NOTORIOUS L.I.B.E.R.A.T.I.O.N.:

Someone recently told me the stretch of 14th Street between Avenue A down to the Blarney Cove is about to get a major overhaul.

Per Gojira:

The vet at ABC Animal Hospital, Dr. Tufaro, is also looking for new space; he told me yesterday that the whole south side of that block from the former Stuyvesant Grocery down to his location is slated for demolition and development. He also said the owners of Bargain Bazaar were in court trying to hold onto their lease, which runs through 2016 but which the landlord wants to break. Can you say "upscale luxury condo", boys and girls? Sure you can.

This is consistent with what we've heard. And various tipsters/readers have passed along three different scenarios:

1) All the space to the west of the Rainbow clothing shop, the area that fell to fire, will be developed into some type of housing-retail complex.

2) All the space starting at the Rite Aid west to Avenue A will be developed into some type of housing-retail complex.

3) The big one. All the space starting at the ABC Animal Hospital west to Avenue A will be developed into some type of housing-retail complex.

So far, there isn't anything to prove any of these rumors. And remember — they're only rumors at this point. (We recall walking into the Blarney Cove about 10 years ago only to hear the news that they were closing soon due to a new development. And we got to drink for free since they were closing!)

However, the last time we heard this much chatter about a rumored development: 74-76 Third Ave. ... and in a few months, all that became official with the news of an 82,000-square-foot, nine-story residential building with 94 units.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Conspiracies: What next for 14th Street and Avenue A?

Those persistent rumors about 74-76 Third Avenue and the future of Nevada Smiths

[Images via Google]

2 small shops out on East 14th Street, though 1 is moving into the Copper Building

EVG reader John passes along information about the friendly fellow named Ba, a Senegal native, who has a sliver of a shop next to East Side 99¢ on East 14th Street near Avenue B.

"He works very long hours selling socks, gloves, phone chargers, etc. — all kinds of stuff," John wrote. Unfortunately, the landlord is looking for a big rent hike, and both shops will be out.

John said that Ba is looking for a new space in the neighborhood, or perhaps elsewhere. "If anyone hears of anything, it would be nice to let him know."

As for the East Side 99¢ shop, it's our understanding that they are moving into the retail space in the Copper Building around the corner on Avenue B at East 13th Street. (Several readers noted this after our post on it here.)

The stock is piling up at the store (unless a Copper Building resident is hoarding personal toaster ovens and blenders) ...

We like this addition to this corner...

[October 2010]

[Updated] Mysterious (for now!) balloons arrive on East 14th Street

EVG reader Aaron sends along these shots this morning... someone (a protester?) put up signs from ballons at the intersections of 14th Street and Third Avenue and 14th Street and Irving Place.

Aaron couldn't make out the signs. Anyone else see them?

Updated:

See the comments for more info. And @robbyohara notes that DOT workers have removed the balloons and signs....

The Surprise Garden and how it got that way on East 14th Street

EVG reader Arrow Zelasnic contributed the following story and photos ...

This sidewalk slab size garden gives a whole new meaning to the words "vacant lot". Here is how it came to be.

The City cut down a tree in a tree well on the 14th St. side of Campos Plaza between Ave C & B. Not surprisingly, it got filled with various organic and inorganic trash.

Surprisingly, Tom, a resident of Campos Plaza, began planting and tending it for no reason. Tom passed away some time ago. Surprisingly again, Laurie, a resident of the brownstone row at the end of the block, adopted it. In the center are two sunflowers which are about to bloom, surrounded by an English Garden in a tree well. She calls it the Surprise Garden and so it is.

The garden is tended by a loose coalition of neighbors. On another day I met Lisa, a Campos resident, bikeriding with her dog. They were working on installing a fence.

The horticultural philosophy of Laurie and the Surprise Gardeners is leave no millemeter unplanted. This creates the colorful lushness that delights passers-by. It also discourages dog walkers and slobs.

Not surprizing in New York the idea is not fool-proof and it requires lots of upkeep to look so good. And water. Here is a photo of Laurie with the water bottles that she carried down the block.

Have a story about the East Village to share? We'd like to hear it. Please send them our way via the EV Grieve email