Mystery Lot continues to fascinate

Been some more reader interest of late about the Mystery Lot... the long-vacant parcel of land between 13th Street and 14th Street just east of Third Avenue... Yesterday, a reader noted the presence of a man inside the lot — a man who wasn't whacking weeds, but merely taking it all in.... As the reader described it...."I saw a bearded gentleman enjoying the weather in there." Oh, yeah! See him below...



Meanwhile! Another reader wondered, "It could be a pretty sweet spot for a community garden, though I realize a glass windowed high rise is more realistic."

Mystery Lot no longer recognizable

As these photos by EV Grieve Former Mystery Lot Correspondent Katja show... our little graffiti- and weed-filled lot is all grown up now.. on its way to becoming an eight-story, 83-unit luxury condo building.





They can't take our memories, though.

Origins of the Mystery Lot Monster revealed!

During the weekend, a mysterious creature appeared in the Mystery Lot off 13th Street...

Most people thought it was likely just a student art project ... or a prank. That's what THEY what you to believe. We noticed the usual entry points into the lot have been sealed. So how did this thing get inside?

Well, this one-time innocuous photo taken during the winter by EV Grieve reader Ann now offers conclusive evidence...

The creature was hatched from this pod that fell to Earth from parts unknown.*

[* "allegedly"]

The last interesting empty lot in the East Village

Now that The Mystery Lot on East 13th Street is officially A Luxury Lot... we're nearly out of abandoned lots that are rather mysterious around here... save for this lot... the one off Houston/East Second Street between Avenue B and Avenue C...







This lot still holds some surprises, such as hosting the occasional crucified bear ... We don't know much about the lot (making it all the more mysterious!) ... just that the owner isn't interested in selling off the parcel... Still, enjoy it while you can.

Photos by Bobby Williams

Previously on EV Grieve:
A look at the dwindling number of East Village lots

The Mystery Lot is living up to its name!

During the weekend, a reader sent along this photo from the beloved Mystery Lot on 13th Street... Good lord! What IS THAT!?

We investigated...

We also dispatched EV Grieve Technologically Advanced Form of Extraterrestrial Life Correspondent Bobby Williams to the scene...

It's either:

A) An art project created from materials found in the lot
B) An impromptu shelter
C) A monster

Being rational, we definitely think it's a MONSTER.

PS
We also got this upclose shot via James and Karla Murray...

Losing another Mystery Lot

Catching up with some news from late last week... The Lo-Down reported that an unknown buyer has purchased the two vacant lots at 327 and 329 E. Houston St. for $8.4 million, as well as two adjoining parcels at 331 E. Houston and 163 Ridge St. for another $4 million.

Of course, the Mystery Lot off East 14th Street/East 13th Street will soon be a new development too...

It's part of the portfolio that belonged to reclusive real-estate baron William Gottlieb ... The lot has been empty for seemingly eons ...

[File photos via EVG]

Incoming construction at the Mystery Lot: A 'nightmare' or 'nightmarish'

As noted yesterday morning, workers brought in equipment to start the big dig for the 82-unit, eight-story development here at the Mystery Lot...

We looked at the site last evening... Workers put up barriers on the north side of East 13th Street, putting an end to any parking along here for the foreseeable future...

We exchanged emails with a few residents who live facing the lot... and they each used either "nightmare" or "nightmarish" to describe the impending construction...

Meanwhile, EVG reader Katja shared photos from the beginning and end of the first day of construction...

Another view of the Mystery Lot

Just wanted to follow-up on the Mystery Lot post from late July. Wanted to have a record of the lot from the 14th Street angle looking south toward 13th Street.







And thanks to everyone who left comments on the post. Chris Flash had a chance to look around at the interior of this property's former occupant, the Jefferson Theater. "The place was in horrible condition, but definitely could have been rehabbed. The lay-out was tight but perfect for sight lines and accoustics -- I could feel the history still living inside there."

A shame.

The mystery of the mysterious pylons in the Mystery Lot

Even the slightest activity in the Mystery Lot here on 13th Street always prompts the fear... So, now, what to think of these pylons....





... perhaps in place to mark a new construction project?

Making the rats feel at home in the Mystery Lot

Courtesy of the The Antagonist Movement. In the beloved Mystery Lot.

The digging begins at the Mystery Lot

EV Grieve reader Spencer Elzey sends us these photos this morning from inside the Mystery Lot from the 14th Street side...

Perhaps digging for the new pool?

Previously.

City approves new building for Mystery Lot

Construction equipment arrived at the Mystery Lot back on July 23. As you are painfully aware know by now, the space will be home to an 82-unit, eight-story development.

While workers have been digging into this sacred ground, the developers were still waiting for the city to OK the final plans for the building. Just a formality. After a few disapproved marks from the DOB, the examiner finally signed off last Friday...

Now we're just waiting to see the renderings for the building. BKSK Architects are behind the designs. Their previous work includes The Tribute WTC 9/11 Visitor Center and 25 Bond Street (below)...

Know anything about the plans here? Please send them our way via the EV Grieve email

Fishing for rodents at the Mystery Lot

Work continues at the Mystery Lot. Next up! Baiting.

This past Thursday the Post confirmed what's coming here — an 82-unit, eight-story development, which should break ground this summer for a late 2013 opening. "Prices are still to be determined for the project’s studio and one-, two- and three-bedroom units," according to the Post.

By the way, with this new building on the way, you'll need to find somewhere else to dump your Christmas holiday trees.

Mystery Lot plywood expands

Hey now. The Mystery Lot Plywood is eating up parts of the East 14th Street sidewalk ...

Last week!

This week!

It's called the Plywood Creep. Please let us know when it reaches the curb.

How you can make a personal connection to the Mystery Lot

Ohh! This afternoon outside the Mystery Lot on East 14th Street... looks like some street art shenanigans!

And this sign explains what's going on here...

That large suitcase left by the Mystery Lot

The site of an oversized suitcase here in front of the Mystery Lot on 13th Street the other day left me a little uneasy....



Considering the grisly discoveries in luggage here in the past. I took a closer look... just a stash of damp, moldy clothes...

Also, during the weekend, someone in need put together a temporary shelter here...