So why no surprise? Because in our Wealth Gap period, gentrification has become a seemingly unstoppable force.
Andrew Kirell, a Daily Beast senior editor and accomplished musician, has played there. “What makes Sidewalk so charming is that it has the feel of the type of DIY venue that Manhattan now sorely lacks,” he said. “There’s a sense of community in just being there, because it feels like a haven for underdogs, rabble-rousers, and anyone who just wants to express themselves.”
MAN ALL HANDS 647 E 11 ST, MIXED OCCUPANCY FIRE ON 1ST FLR RESTAURANT,
— FDNYalerts (@FDNYAlerts) December 24, 2018
MAN ALL HANDS 647 E 11 ST, MIXED OCCUPANCY FIRE ON 1ST FLR RESTAURANT, UNDER CONTROL
— FDNYalerts (@FDNYAlerts) December 24, 2018
Something is happening on Avenue C.@evgrieve #EastVillage pic.twitter.com/MVXWEvmz3m
— Evan Kapitansky (@evan_kapitansky) December 24, 2018
"My parents’ real concern was that their tenants who have invested their livelihoods in our building would have to vacate, and that really bothered them. My father asked me if it was feasible to try and stick it out . . . I intend to honor his wishes."
A modeling agency, public relations firm and tech company rent space in the building now, along with three residential tenants.
Flavia, an art director in the film industry, said she will likely seek a new tenant for the ground level to replace the factory.
"He would say, ‘I never thought I would see the neighborhood go in this direction,’ ” Flavia said of her dad. “People were warning him, ‘What, are you crazy to buy here?’ But he really believed in the beauty of the neighborhood."
