Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy
On Monday, we noted that neighbors reported some activity inside the long-vacant storefront at 97 E. Third St. between First Avenue and Second Avenue.
Turns out it's a familiar name behind the new venture. Pranai Rai, co-owner of La La Laundry (below) — the plant shop/laundromat combo at 180 Avenue B and 11th Street — is expanding his business with a new concept here, with his business partners Lucy and Aaron.
The space will be called La La Laundry x Atelier and is expected to offer drop-off dry cleaning, tailoring services, and a bespoke atelier, along with plants and Aromic, the shop's soap line.
A soft opening could happen as soon as this week.
The last tenant here, the Monk Thrift Shop, never reopened after the pandemic PAUSE of March 2020.
