Wegmans watch on Astor Place

As you likely noticed in the past few weeks, the landmarked 770 Broadway at Eighth Street/Lafayette is behind a layer of plywood...

...with a plywood rendering, which looks exactly like the current building...

Gut renovations continue inside the retail space on the NW corner of Eighth Street at Lafayette ... which will be the first Manhattan outpost of Wegmans. (The one in Brooklyn opened in 2019.) 

Wegmans will occupy space on both the street and lower levels of No. 770 for a total of roughly 82,000 square feet. The grocery is reportedly set to open in the second half of 2023. (Published reports state that Wegmans plans to employ more than 500 people at this store, including 200 full-time positions.) 

And a look through the blogger portals provides the current state of reconstruction affairs here ... 

As previously reported, Kmart closed in this space after 25 years in July 2021. Wegmans had agreed to buy out the fading retailer's lease to make this deal possible.

Wegmans is hiring on Astor Place

A good sign for people who CAN'T WAIT for the Wegmans to open on Astor Place... and also a good sign for someone looking for a job...

WEGMANS IS NOW HIRING.

For starters, the jobs listing states the store is opening next summer... and for now, they are only hiring for full-time positions. 

Details via the listing (and H/T Stacie Joy!): 

Our first Wegmans store in Manhattan, the supermarket will be located at the corner of Astor Place and Lafayette Street. 

The store will have all the traditional departments: Bakery, Produce, Pizza, Deli, Meat/Seafood, Sushi and more for customers to enjoy while experiencing the great Wegmans service they know and love.

And as a reader noted, Wegmans opened an office in the former Douglas Elliman space on Broadway between Ninth Street and 10th Street...

As previously reported, Wegmans signed a 30-year lease last July for what will be the grocer's first Manhattan outpost. (The one in Brooklyn opened in 2019.) 

Kmart closed in this space after 25 years in July 2021. Wegmans had agreed to buy out Kmart's lease to make this deal possible.

Astor Place Wegmans watch, automatic sliding doors edition

The buildout for Wegmans at 770 Broadway on Astor Place has entered a new phase.

Today, reps for the grocer will appear virtually in a public hearing before the Landmarks Preservation Commission about a façade improvement at the landmarked building. (Thanks to Upper West Sider for the tip!)

Wegmans plans to ad automatic sliding doors — similar to the ones you'd find across the way at CVS or at Whole Foods on Union Square — to what will be a new entrance on Fourth Avenue.

Sliding-door fans can check out the detailed proposal here. (That link also includes info about the Zoom call.)

Receiving approval for sliding-glass doors might be one reason that this Wegmans outpost isn't scheduled to open until the second half of 2023.

As previously reported, Wegmans signed a 30-year lease last July for what will be the grocer's first Manhattan outpost. 

Kmart closed in this space after 25 years on July 11. Wegmans had agreed to buy out Kmart's lease to make this deal possible.

Previously on EV Grieve:

• Astor Place Wegmans watch, work-permit edition

Happy holidays from Wegmans

On Astor Place, Wegmans is wishing you happy holidays... pretty nice considering they're not expected to open here for another two years... 

As previously reported, Wegmans signed a 30-year lease in July for what will be the grocer's first Manhattan outpost. It is scheduled to open in the second half of 2023.

Kmart closed in this space after 25 years on July 11. Wegmans had agreed to buy out Kmart's lease to make this deal possible.

Anyone miss Kmart this holiday season? 

Astor Place Wegmans watch, work-permit edition

Work permits are now on file for renovations of the former Kmart space at the landmarked 770 Broadway. 

Based on the work plan, here are a few takeaways about the future Astor Place Wegmans courtesy of EVG regular Upper West Sider:

• Looks like the subway entrance is safe for now (the area is covered in the No Work in Area portion of the plan). Guess it's covered by landmarks protection. 
• The first step in the process is demolition. Almost everything is being removed, including escalator railings, storefront window displays, bathrooms, flooring and wall coverings. 
• Given that ceiling tiles and the 1990s furnishings are being removed, it seems like the goal is to restore the space to its previous grandeur.

Wegmans signed a 30-year lease last month for what will be the grocer's first Manhattan outpost. It is scheduled to open in the second half of 2023.

Kmart closed in this space after 25 years on July 11. Wegmans had agreed to buy out Kmart's lease to make this deal possible.

Wegmans makes it OFFICIAL, will take over the former Kmart space on Astor Place

Wegmans is coming to Astor Place ... the well-regarded grocery chain is taking over the former Kmart space at 770 Broadway, as rumored.

Start spreading the news: We’re coming to Manhattan in 2023! #WegmansManhattan
Learn more: https://t.co/vcOcIRi9d3 pic.twitter.com/zcZHErxqW2

— Wegmans Food Markets (@Wegmans) July 29, 2021

Hot off the press (release): 

The Manhattan Wegmans, scheduled to open in the second half of 2023, will be located at Vornado's 770 Broadway, the former site of the Astor Place Kmart. 

Wegmans opened its first NYC store in the Brooklyn Navy Yard in October of 2019

"We are so excited to bring Wegmans to Manhattan. This is something we've been dreaming about and working toward for a long time," said Colleen Wegman, president and CEO of Wegmans Food Markets. "The community's response to the opening of our Brooklyn store had an excitement and energy that you can only experience in New York City. You can feel that energy returning to the city, and we are thrilled to be a part of it."

Kmart closed without much notice on July 11 after 25 years in business, as we first reported. 

More to come...

Breaking: Grocery store said to be replacing the Kmart on Astor Place; Wegmans mania ahead?

A grocery store is said to be taking over the just-shuttered Kmart space on Astor Place, sources tell The Real Deal. 

Per TRD:

The transaction was a joint negotiation among Transformco, Vornado and the new tenant, sources said. The regional grocer that will be taking over the NoHo location has not been disclosed.

However, those sources said the new tenant will be a "first-class regional grocer." 

A few EVG readers already have the space fitted for a Wegmans, which opened its first NYC space in October 2019 on Flushing Avenue in Brooklyn's Admiral's Row development. 

We shall see...

H/T Upper West Sider! Photo by Stacie Joy

There were a lot of feelings about Kmart closing

As you likely know, the Astor Place Kmart closed this past Sunday after 25 years in business. (Top photo by Stacie Joy.) 

Throughout the week on Twitter, many people shared their feelings — and remembrances — about this Kmart. In fact, at one point on Monday, this became a trending topic on Twitter — in the United States.

Loved it or hated it or just here for the restrooms, the Kmart made an impact on people's lives. Here are some reactions to our tweet...

I hated this place but damn if it wasn’t there exactly when you needed it most. https://t.co/NowUTx0nbz

— Hannah Vanbiber (she/her) (@HannahVanbiber) July 14, 2021

The last time I was in here (ca. 2000), I had just left Other Music when I stepped in a pile of dog shit so massive it rendered my shoes unsalvageable. I left my shoes sitting in the pile, walked barefoot across Astor Place, into this K-Mart & bought a pair of fake Chucks for $15 https://t.co/qufptWM0dI

— Ben Boyer (@sleezsisters) July 14, 2021

RIP Astor Place Kmart, you were literally the worst. https://t.co/6GPcz3oW6M

— Jason Selvig (@jasonselvig) July 13, 2021

I once held the door open for Chloë Sevigny here. A part of my history. https://t.co/veASuznu20

— Angel Lopez (@Ariessoul329) July 13, 2021

This plus the death of the Kmart Penn station for the late aughts FIT girlies … end me https://t.co/l29yY3sNPH

— carina hsieh (@carinahsieh) July 13, 2021

rip to this alternate dimension of a place that inexplicably didn’t carry marshmallows https://t.co/iLKASo4kXh

— aloe fullee (@alliefulls) July 13, 2021

On hot summer days, I would stroll through this K-Mart while waiting for friends, who were running late—to not have to wait in the NYC heat/humidity. Rest In Peace to iconic relic. https://t.co/AqiddjKt1K

— BG (@TheBGates) July 13, 2021

I used to lowkey walk through here to kill time when I went to school in the area from 4th - 8th grade

RIP TO A FUCKING LEGEND https://t.co/x16XSymSIQ

— Toxic Crew (@ToxicCrewNY) July 13, 2021

When this moved into the East Village, it felt like end-times. https://t.co/zYO8UQLB6q

— Charles McNulty (@CharlesMcNulty) July 13, 2021

Don’t usually have sympathy for large chains but am deffo a bit emotional as this is where I repeatedly tried on items from the Adam Levine clothing line and cried about gender in the dressing rooms. I mean truly, THIS is where most of my gender CRISIS happened. https://t.co/YLwWg4sQKl

— Futaba Shioda (@FutabaShioda) July 12, 2021

roaming the aisles of this kmart in 2012 with my girlies texting our rolodexes “whats the address of that st mark’s deli that doesn’t card againnnn (:” https://t.co/ERMlEflDvV

— Vassileia Kazee (@vassileiafoxy) July 12, 2021

RIP I once went in here deeply drunk after doing $2 shots at The Continental thinking it would be the easiest place to find a public bathroom, couldn’t find it until I had substantially pee’d in my pants, and then bought new jeans and changed into them and threw my old ones away. https://t.co/l5omUaoYfr

— Jesse, Alternatively (@shartlito) July 12, 2021

Fun fact, this location was my FIRST job. I am in shock right now! https://t.co/6cEPy91dF0

— who? (@yeahokgurl) July 12, 2021

Wait, I need to return the Martha Stewart sheets I got there in the '90s! https://t.co/IBJl0acTvJ

— Robert David Sullivan (@RobertDSullivan) July 12, 2021

I once had a date and decided to wear a NuBra but couldn’t figure out how to stick it on and started sweating on the 6 train and one of the boobs migrated down to my rib. The Astor Place Kmart bathroom is where I finally tore the thing off and stuffed it into my purse. RIP. https://t.co/Wgd1ewrXW0

— Joyce Wu 吳 元 欣 (@oneandonlyjoyce) July 12, 2021

RIP Astor Place Kmart. You outfitted generations of freshman NYU students in the span of a week and then did seemingly no business the rest of the year. https://t.co/5reqxCNqgT

— Kirby Pate (@KPateNews) July 12, 2021

As a real piece of shit 18 year old, I used to steal 10 packs of Double A batteries from here for my Walkman that I had spray painted white and written "iPod" on in magic marker. https://t.co/Jc2nR6IwXo

— Easy Miyake (@popopopolio) July 12, 2021

Through thick and thin my faith in New York was always underpinned philosophically by the existence of the Astor Place KMart. This one hurts https://t.co/qw9uJNbgi9

— kelly farber (@kelfarbs) July 12, 2021

RIP to this incredible and bizarre place. Saved me so many times. She held out and gave NYC her all❣️ https://t.co/kwLtz9GtZ5

— Marlene Lenthang (@marlenelenthang) July 14, 2021

where my friends and i killed time between school and driver's ed 😢 https://t.co/G5jOTLeYaW

— Hannah Bloch-Wehba (@HBWHBWHBW) July 12, 2021

seeing fran lebowitz doing irritated pre-storm shopping at the astor k mart before hurricane sandy remains my favorite celeb sighting, RIP to this big box legend https://t.co/ajNnWHGPbI

— Virginia K. Smith (@vksmith) July 12, 2021

We're losing all the local businesses that made New York great. If this becomes a bookstore I'll cry. https://t.co/eBVg8KdDPh

— Matt Nedostup (@nedostup) July 12, 2021

Speculation watch: What's next for the Kmart space on Astor Place?

Kmart abruptly wrapped up 25 years of blue light specials this past Sunday on Astor Place, as we first reported. 

Attention quickly turned to what might be next for this prime two-level retail space. 

The first suspect! Facebook. 

Zuck and Co. have had offices at 770 Broadway since 2014 — and in fact, they lease half of the 15-floor building. They took over Kmart's former upstairs in 2018. 

Seems likely a likely takeover candidate for landlord Vornado Realty Trust. 

But! 

The Commercial Observer reported this yesterday:

Facebook is in no rush to expand its footprint. Only a quarter of its New York City offices currently have workers in them, and the tech company does not have plans to rent the building's lower floors that housed Kmart, a Facebook spokeswoman said. Vornado declined to comment about the future of its Astor Place site.

Otherwise, other rental candidates — via EVG commenters — included Wegmans and Target and EV Grieve's — a two-level gastropub-drinkery.  

Target seems unlikely — especially if they are leasing the former Food Emporium on Union Square. 

To be continued...

H/T Upper West Sider! Photo by Stacie Joy

 

Attention Kmart shoppers: The Astor Place location is now closed after 25 years in business

After nearly 25 years on Astor Place, Kmart has closed this once-prime retail outpost. Yesterday was the last day in business for the struggling retailer (thank you to the EVG reader for the initial tip!) ...

We're told that employees weren't told of the Sunday close date until this past Friday. Signs announcing the last days were circulated throughout the store on Saturday.

Still, the closure isn't likely a complete surprise — at least to reporters covering the retail market. Earlier this year, Kmart's parent firm, Transformco, announced that it was closing several locations. (This outpost was not on a previously announced list.) 

In May 2020, they shuttered the Penn Plaza store, leaving Astor Place as the sole Kmart remaining in Manhattan. (There are two left in the Bronx.) 

Kmart and Sears were owned by Sears Holdings, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2018 and narrowly escaped liquidation in early 2019, per USA Today. "They were sold to their longtime investor and CEO, Eddie Lampert, who has kept them alive on a shoestring budget under the company name Transformco."

Rumors circulated in late 2017-early 2018 that the Astor Place shop, located in the landmarked 15-story building that was the original home of the Wanamaker department store on Eighth Street and Lafayette (officially 770 Broadway), was shutting down.

The Real Deal reported in January 2018 that 770 tenant Facebook and landlord Vornado Realty Trust were in talks to expand the social media giant's presence in the building.

Per The Real Deal:

Vornado ... recently paid roughly $46 million to Kmart – whose department store occupies about 30,000 square feet on the ground, mezzanine and lower-level of the building – in what appears to be a buyout of the retailer’s lease, according to city property records. Observers said it's unlikely that Vornado boss Steve Roth would take such a risk without a replacement tenant lined up, and speculated that Facebook could be looking to make a splash with a high-profile storefront, a la Microsoft's store on Fifth Avenue.

However, Kmart remained open and downsized, giving up the second level and moving everything to the main floor and basement.

Michael Lisicky reported on the Astor Place location for Forbes in March: 

Despite its current open status, the location suffers from the company's misfortunes and corporate misguidances. Employees express frustration that deliveries to the store have slowed. They cite the absence of blankets, pillows, and towels within its once-popular home department. Employees notice that its once-steady foot traffic tends to come and go.

After years of missed payments and unpaid bills, Kmart's relationship with many of its longtime vendors has evaporated. It has led to empty shelves and unusual selections of off-brand merchandise. ... Kmart is no longer a profitable and dependable outlet for suppliers.

Financial woes aside, other big-box shops such as Target and Marshalls have eaten away at Kmart's business. Not to mention Amazon.

I took a last look at the space yesterday...

Pinched for time, I didn't make it downstairs for the holiday supplies, but I did check out the Astor Place-branded underwear...

EVG reader Karen came across the store-closing signage while walking by yesterday: "Most other customers seemed equally shocked and dismayed. Shelves were fully stocked for the most part and there weren't really any big bargains — though with the longest line I've ever seen, seems people just wanted to have their last hurrah."

This Kmart arrived in November 1996. I worked nearby at the time and ate at the short-lived K Cafe a few times with co-workers to fill the void left by Woolworth's departure on 14th Street. 

I recall plenty of horrified WTF reactions from people about the Kmart opening here. People seemingly adopted a balanced don't-mind-it/hate-it relationship with Kmart through the years, especially as more big-box shops arrived. (My blogging friend Alex has written about this location numerous times. This post includes a video of U2's strange PopMart press conference here in 1997.)

At the time, the Astor Place store was one of over 2,100 Kmarts located throughout the 50 states and U.S. territories, according to Forbes. Today, there are less than 40.

EVG contributor Stacie Joy reports that fixtures and shelving will be sold this week — 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. starting tomorrow. There will be security at the door — just let them know that you are looking for the fixtures.

Previously on EV Grieve:
• Are Kmart's days numbered on Astor Place?

It's March!

Which means this stuff has been up at the Kmart on Astor Place since Halloween! (JK! Have no idea when this arrived...)

Thanks to Edmund John Dunn for the pics.

Christmas is 3 weeks from today: Time to buy St. Patrick's Day gear at the Kmart on Astor Place!

Looks like there might be some Easter baskets up on the shelves too here at the Kmart on Astor Place... thanks to Lola Saénz for the photo...

Good news if you're done with summer

EVG Fall Holiday Decoration Correspondent Goggla spotted Halloween items out at the Kmart on Astor Place... not to be outdone, the Rite Aid on First Avenue at Fifth Street trotted out the Thanksgiving decor...



Look for the Christmas trees by Labor Day.

Change is coming to Kmart on Astor Place

An EVG reader shared this photo showing that a Coinstar coin-cashing machine has arrived in the basement level at the Astor Place Kmart.

Just in case you needed to unload some change.

There's also one over at the PayOMatic at 303 E. Houston St. between Clinton and Attorney.

And we'll lose the Coinstar machines — in 2023 — when the Food Emporium becomes a Target on Union Square. You know what that means!


[EVG comments screengrab]

The Astor Place Kmart has your holidays covered!

If you're looking to knock off all your upcoming holiday shopping with one trip, then look no further than the Astor Place Kmart.

Aside from the expected Valentine's Day (this coming Friday!) gifts ...



Goggla reports that the St. Patrick's Day goods (no beer display!) ...



... and Easter (April 12) items are all ready...



We'll check back next month for the Thanksgiving display.

Holidays at Kmart; pint of beer Halloween costumes, plastic Bennington pines

We have a dispatch from Goggla from the Kmart on Astor Place. She points out the (going fast?) beer pint Halloween costumes.

Fine, but Halloween seems so July.

"If you're over Halloween already, they are stocked with Christmas trees."

These are 6-foot Bennington pines in the boxes...



Merry Christmas!

Is Facebook leaving Astor Place?

Facebook is reportedly in talks to lease space at the revamped Farley Building (the former James A. Farley Post Office) across from Madison Square Garden, according to Lois Weiss at the Post.

The company had also been said to be looking at Hudson Yards.

So why are we writing about this? To the Post!

It’s unclear what will happen to Facebook’s current NYC offices, including 758,000 square feet at 770 Broadway and 266,000 square feet at 225 Park Avenue. So.

Both Farley and 770 Broadway are owned by Vornado and its chairman Steve Roth, who has been wining and dining tech companies for years in an effort to lease them the top floors of the post office.

Roth, whose reps didn’t immediately return a request for comment, could cut Facebook a deal for Farley that also lets it off the hook for its current East Village lease, which expires in 2025.

Oh!

As you may recall, Kmart downsized its space at 770 Broadway, the landmarked building on Astor Place, in early 2018. There were reports in late 2017 and early 2018 that Vornado bought Kmart out of its lease on the second floor, which was revamped from low-price to high-tech for Facebook.

The smaller Kmart still has 82,000 square feet in building, including most of the property's ground-floor retail space as well as basement level.

Also, as you'll see in the top photo, Kmart recently unveiled a new logo on the building.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Kmart staying on Astor Place, minus the 2nd floor (for Facebook?)

Attention Kmart drinkers...

Word from a tipster... if you were headed over to Kmart on Astor Place to stock up on various beers and tall boys of Bud Light Lime Straw-Ber-Ritas... Uh-Oh!



The refrigerator signage notes:

Attention Kmart Shoppers!

We are currently unable to sell alcohol while our license is being renewed.

We apologize for the inconvenience and will be to usual ASAP.

Thanks to Steven for the photos and headline!

Here's more about Facebook's takeover of Kmart's 2nd floor at 770 Broadway

[EVG photo from January]

As you may know, Kmart recently vacated the second floor at 770 Broadway, the landmarked building on Astor Place.

The three-level store had recently condensed its wares to the main floor and lower level — reportedly to allow for Facebook to expand its presence (by 78,000 square feet) in the building.

The Commercial Observer has more on the deal, announced during landlord Vornado Realty Trust's fourth quarter earnings call yesterday.

Per the Observer:

The deal grows Facebook’s total footprint at the building to 513,000 square feet, Vornado Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Steven Roth said on the earnings call.

The space was made available for Facebook after Vornado bought Kmart out of its lease on the floor, which Roth said had 18 years remaining at rents of $33.50 per square foot. Kmart still has 82,000 square feet at 770 Broadway.

Yes, but do they still have pajamas?

Previously on EV Grieve:
Kmart staying on Astor Place, minus the 2nd floor (for Facebook?)

The holidays live on at the Astor Place Kmart

Kmart on Astor Place may be in a state of flux, downsizing from three floors to two... but it looks as if they won't be giving up on offering early opportunities to prep for the holidays.

Goggla spotted this St. Patrick's Day (St. Partick's" per the sign) display, complete with red plastic cups, Corona, green bow ties and other things that you'll find lying on the street come March 18.