The disappearing buildings of 50-64 3rd Ave.

Several of the six buildings at 50-64 along the west side of Third Avenue between 10th Street and 11th Street are starting to disappear as demoliton continues...

We saw some demo prep work late last year (64 Third Ave., where the Ainsworth was), though the activity in the empty buildings tapered off earlier this year. 

Kinsmen Property Group — a joint venture between State Building Group and another Toronto company, Madison Group — bought the walk-up buildings over several years, paying more than $60 million for the parcel. Residences are planned for the space — the site allows for 160,000 square feet of new construction. However, there is no sign of new building work permits just yet. 

Meanwhile, Kinsmen Property Group also owns a development site between Delancey and Kenmare on the west side of the Bowery. New building permits dating to 2022 are on file for a 72,441-square-foot mixed-use commercial building via Real Estate Equities Corporation at 156-166 Bowery. 

The building now looks ready for demoliton...

NY Yimby points out that the 85-foot-tall structure will yield 72,441 square feet of office space.

50-64 3rd Ave. wrapped for demolition

Last week, workers wrapped up the remaining six buildings at 50-64 along the west side of Third Avenue between 10th Street and 11th Street with scaffolding and netting for demoliton.

The demo prep has escalated since TLK by Tigerlily Kitchen shut down after service on Aug. 11 at 58 Third Ave. The restaurant was the last tenant (retail or residential) in the six buildings at 50-64 along Third Avenue between 10th Street and 11th Street. 

As PincusCo. first reported in May 2023, Kinsmen Property Group — a joint venture between State Building Group and another Toronto company, Madison Group — bought the walk-up buildings over several years, paying more than $60 million for the parcel. 

We also saw some demo prep work late last year (64 Third Ave., where the Ainsworth was, looks hollowed out), though the activity in the empty buildings tapered off this year. 

While various demolition permits are on file with the Department of Buildings, there is still no sign of paperwork for the new development. 

A rendering of the new building appeared on the State Building Group's website last September. It is listed under the company's "residential" portfolio. 

At first glance, the building looks more commercial/office. Here's the information included with the listing: 

50-64 3rd Avenue is a 6-building assemblage located at the nexus of the East Village, Greenwich Village and Astor Place. The site allows for 160,000 sq. ft. of new construction and has a land area of 16,500 sq. ft. Only one building will remain on the block after the demolition — 48 Third Ave., the four-story property owned by Isfahany Realty Corp. on the northwest corner of 10th Street, which has Healthy Greens Gourmet in the retail space.

The new development abuts the 13-story Moxy East Village on 11th Street between Third Avenue and Fourth Avenue. The hotel opened here five years ago this week. Workers demolished the five perfectly good residential buildings that stood here in the fall of 2016.

Demolition watch: 183 Avenue B

It appears that the four-story building that was 183 Avenue B has been demolished...



As we reported back in June, there are plans for a new 8-floor residential building here between 11th Street and 12th Street.

According to the permit filed with the city, the building will have 12 residential units with ground-floor retail.

New York Yimby pointed out that the units will "most likely [be] rentals based on the average scope of 689 square feet."

In January 2017, Corcoran listed the property with a $4.75 million ask. The building — with air rights intact — sold for that exact amount in April 2017, per public records. The DOB permit lists Richard Pino via the Tompkins 183 LLC as the owner.

Units in the building had apparently been recently renovated, per the listing at the time ...



... and there was a nice outdoor space out back....

Foundation watch: 24 1st Ave.

On our last visit to 24 First Ave. and its property mate 99-101 E. Second St., workers had just demolished the structures on the property.



These buildings were leveled to make way for a 7-story, 22-unit residential building called The 101 Condominium.


[Rendering of the 1st Avenue side via Zproekt Architects]

Work is now in the pit stage... here's a look through the blogger portals on the plywood to see how foundation is coming along...


[1st Avenue side]


[2nd Street side]

No. 24 's previous occupants included the cabaret Lucky Cheng's (1993-2012) and Club Baths, the first openly gay-owned bathhouse (1971-1983)... and Cave Canem and La Nouvelle Justine in between.

Previously on EV Grieve:
• Building that housed Lucky Cheng's on 1st Avenue now on the auction block

• Onetime home of Lucky Cheng's and adjacent property sell for $12 million

• 7-story residential building pending at the former Lucky Cheng's space

• Demolition permits filed to bring down former Lucky Cheng's building on 1st Avenue

• The 411 on the 101 Condominium


[Photo from 2011 by Jeremiah Moss]

The disappearing northeast corner of 3rd Avenue and St. Mark's Place

Workers continue to demolish the northeast corner of Third Avenue and St. Mark's Place... the building that previously housed Korilla BBQ is about half of what it used to be (the building that housed the Continental next door is still standing) ...



... you can catch a glimpse of what's left behind the construction shroud...



As you likely know, 3 St. Mark’s Place, 23 and 25-27 Third Avenue are coming down to make way for an office building with ground-floor retail.

The size of this new building has yet to be determined. As previously reported, Real Estate Equities Corporation (REEC) wants to transfer the air rights from the landmarked Hamilton-Holly House at 4 St. Mark's Place to add more square footage to their office building, a move that has had its critics.

In June, the LPC ultimately lent its support to the plan, and has issued a report to the City Planning Commission to allow the proposal under a specific zoning resolution.

The City Planning Commission will likely sign off on the project next as part of the city’s Uniform Land Use Review Procedure. City Council will have the final say on the size of the Morris Adjimi-designed building.


[The proposed 3 St. Mark's Place as seen from Astor Place]

Meanwhile, as you may have noticed, someone recently wrote an obituary on the west-facing wall of 5 St. Mark's Place...





RIP St. Mark's...



This wall was once home for years to the John Spacely "Gringo" mural... from 1983 to the early 2000s ...


[Image via]

And a view from 1983 via the "Lower East Side: Back In The Days" Facebook group...



Previously on EV Grieve:
Demolition permits filed for northeast corner of 3rd Avenue and St. Mark's Place

End is nearing for the businesses on the northeast corner of 3rd Avenue and St. Mark's Place

New building plans revealed for 3rd Avenue and St. Mark's Place

Concern over potential air-rights transfer for new office building on St. Mark's Place and 3rd Avenue

Developers of 3 St. Mark's Place are looking to increase the size of their proposed office building at 3rd Avenue to 10 floors with air-rights deal

The lobbyists behind the air-rights transfer and zoning variance for 3 St. Mark's Place

Final demolition phase for 1 St. Mark's Place; more questions about lobbyists attached to project

Report: LPC approves transfer of air rights across St. Mark's Place

Live at 1 St. Mark's Place this summer; views of 51 Astor Place are free

Prepping 183 Avenue B for demolition

Prepwork is underway to demolish 183 Avenue B, the four-story building between 11th Street and 12th Street.

The sidewalk bridge recently arrived ... as well as the warning notices about baiting for rats...



As we reported on June 13, reps for the owner of No. 183 have filed plans for a new 8-floor residential building here.

According to the permit filed with the city, the building will have 12 residential units with ground-floor retail. (The demo permits were filed with the city in April.)

In January 2017, Corcoran listed the property with a $4.75 million ask. The building — with air rights intact — sold for that exact amount in April 2017, per public records. The DOB permit lists Richard Pino via the Tompkins 183 LLC as the owner.

24 1st Ave. has been demolished

Workers have finished bringing down 24 First Ave. ... it now joins its property mate, 99-101 E. Second St., in demolition.

These buildings were leveled to make way for a 7-story, 22-unit residential building called The 101 Condominium.


[Rendering of the 1st Avenue side via Zproekt Architects]

24 First Ave.'s previous occupants included the cabaret Lucky Cheng's (1993-2012) and Club Baths, the first openly gay-owned bathhouse (1971-1983)... and Cave Canem and La Nouvelle Justine in between.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Building that housed Lucky Cheng's on 1st Avenue now on the auction block

Onetime home of Lucky Cheng's and adjacent property sell for $12 million

7-story residential building pending at the former Lucky Cheng's space

Demolition permits filed to bring down former Lucky Cheng's building on 1st Avenue

The 411 on the 101 Condominium

The disappearing former P.C. Richard on 14th Street

Pinch and Steven have been keeping tabs on the demolition progress at the former P.C. Richard and Son complex on 14th Street at Irving Place...





Pinch was going to sift through the rubble to find a VCR or Commodore 128.

Anyway, as you likely know, workers are clearing the site for the eventual construction of the 22-story Union Square Tech Training Center (aka tech hub). Read all about that here and here. And here too.

The 411 on the 101 Condominium

[99-101 E. 2nd St. from last month]

As we've been reporting, 99-101 E. Second St. and its property mate, 24 First Ave. (the onetime home of Lucky Cheng's), are making way for a 7-story, 22-unit residential building with ground-floor retail via developer Sergey Rybak.


[24 1st Ave.]

We first saw renderings back in February. Now Rybak has released more details on what to expect. For starters, the condoplex is now known as The 101 Condominium...


[Rendering of the 1st Avenue side via Zproekt Architects]

The 101 Condo website notes this in all caps:

HIP GROWS UP.
CHIC EVOLVES.
STYLE ENDURES.

The site also contains several interior renderings ...





Residential amenities include a gym as well as an indoor/outdoor communal courtyard with lounge areas, cooking areas and a wet bar. Residences run in size from studios to three-bedroom units. The 101 will also feature "two one-of-a-kind luxury penthouse units exclusive to 101 East 2nd Street." No word on pricing.

Project delivery is expected by the first quarter of 2021, per New York Yimby.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Building that housed Lucky Cheng's on 1st Avenue now on the auction block

Onetime home of Lucky Cheng's and adjacent property sell for $12 million

7-story residential building pending at the former Lucky Cheng's space

Demolition permits filed to bring down former Lucky Cheng's building on 1st Avenue

Demolition watch: 99-101 E. 2nd St. (Stop Work Order edition)

Here's a look at what was 99-101 E. Second St. just east of First Avenue...



This two-story space housed several short-lived restaurant concepts in recent years, including Bento Burger ... Marfa... and Waikiki Wally's.

No. 99-101 and its property mate, 24 First Ave. (below), are coming down to make way for a 7-story, 22-unit residential building called 101E2 via developer Sergey Rybak.



Meanwhile, on Wednesday afternoon, we spotted a DOB honcho outside the plywood speaking with a worker... telling him that he needed to have — something to the effect of — the proper paperwork for the property.

The official then slapped a full Stop Work Order on the site...



According to the DOB website: "STOP ALL WORK, PROVIDE FENCE AS PER SSP [Site Safety Plan], PROVIDE MONITORING PLAN/REPORT."

Previously on EV Grieve:
Building that housed Lucky Cheng's on 1st Avenue now on the auction block

Onetime home of Lucky Cheng's and adjacent property sell for $12 million

7-story residential building pending at the former Lucky Cheng's space

Demolition permits filed to bring down former Lucky Cheng's building on 1st Avenue

Final demolition phase for 1 St. Mark's Place; more questions about lobbyists attached to project

Workers shrouded the exterior here on the northeast corner of Third Avenue and St. Mark's Place last week as demolition enters the final phase.

As previously reported, 3 St. Mark’s Place, 23 and 25-27 Third Avenue are coming down to make way for an office building with ground-floor retail.





The size of this new building has yet to be determined. As previously reported, Real Estate Equities Corporation (REEC) wants to transfer the air rights from the landmarked Hamilton-Holly House at 4 St. Mark's Place to add more floors and square footage to their office building, a move that has its critics, including Community Board 3 and State Sen. Brad Hoylman and Assemblywoman Deborah Glick, who reportedly called on the Landmarks Preservation Commission to deny the bulk waiver.

REEC has already filed permits (last October) for an as-of-right five-story, 29,030-square-foot building on the corner. If the air rights deal is ultimately OK'd, then the Morris Adjimi-designed building at 3 St. Mark's Place could bulk up to 10 stories.

Yesterday, the Daily News looked at the lobbyists tied to the project — those who happen to have connections with Mayor de Blasio. (We explored this angle back in February.)

Andrew Berman, executive director of Village Preservation, told this to the News:

"The mayor’s prodigious fundraiser, lobbyist Jim Capalino, is seeking favors from City Hall for his clients to lift restrictions and facilitate inappropriate development in the East Village. The number of projects this lobbying firm has gotten approvals for in this neighborhood is mind-boggling.

"Each new favor builds upon the next,” he continued. "First he got permission for an upzoning south of Union Square for an oversized ‘tech hub.’ Now he’s seeking air rights transfers to continue the spread of ‘Silicon Alley’ to St. Mark’s Place. The mayor’s pay-to-play practices are utterly transforming this neighborhood."

Capalino's spokesperson, Kenneth Fisher, had this response:

"Projects like these require multiple levels of public review and hearings and consideration of the merits by numerous public officials and professionals. Perhaps [Berman] would be more successful arguing on these merits rather than spreading absurd rumors."

As far as next steps, here's Curbed after the previous LPC meeting in April:

REEC will return to LPC at a not-yet-scheduled public meeting once they have altered their proposal to incorporate the commission’s recommendation that they lower the structure’s first setback to better align with St. Mark’s street wall and other feedback.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Demolition permits filed for northeast corner of 3rd Avenue and St. Mark's Place

End is nearing for the businesses on the northeast corner of 3rd Avenue and St. Mark's Place

New building plans revealed for 3rd Avenue and St. Mark's Place

Concern over potential air-rights transfer for new office building on St. Mark's Place and 3rd Avenue

Developers of 3 St. Mark's Place are looking to increase the size of their proposed office building at 3rd Avenue to 10 floors with air-rights deal

The lobbyists behind the air-rights transfer and zoning variance for 3 St. Mark's Place

There's not much left of the former St. Denis Hotel on Broadway

[Photo by Dave on 7th]

Workers have been slowing bringing down the historic St. Denis building, 799 Broadway at 11th Street.

The above photo via Dave on 7th shows what's left. Workers started the demo prep work back in September.

Normandy Real Estate Partners bought the property for somewhere in the $100 million ballpark back in 2016.

On March 14, the city OK'd permits for the 12-story, "loft-style building" taking the place of the St. Denis. According to a news release about the address: "799 Broadway will feature floor-to-ceiling glass, private terraces, and 15 foot high ceilings. This combination of highly desirable location and state-of-the-art design will appeal to New York’s most progressive and creative companies."

And a rendering of the new building...


[Binyan Studios]

The nearly demolished structure, which was 165 years old, was noteworthy for many reasons. It opened in 1853 as the St. Denis Hotel, which is where Ulysses S. Grant wrote his post-Civil War memoirs and Alexander Graham Bell provided the first demonstration of the telephone to New Yorkers.



However, the building was not landmarked... and it was not in a Historic District.

For more history, Jeremiah Moss, who once worked in the St. Denis, wrote this feature titled "The Death and Life of a Great American Building" for The New York Review of Books in March 2018.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Report: Maps show that Midtown South does NOT include the East Village/Astor Place

Report: Former St. Denis Hotel selling for $100 million


[Image via Wikipedia Commons]