Report: Ariel Palitz named NYC's first Night Mayor

The newly established NYC Office of Nightlife has named its first director (aka Night Mayor) — Ariel Palitz.

Palitz is well-known in the East Village/Lower East Side as a bar owner (the former Sutra Lounge on First Avenue) and as a member of Community Board 3's Liquor Authority & Department of Consumer Affairs Licensing committee.

As The Lo-Down noted: "Her clashes with local residents fighting new liquor licenses were fairly legendary."

In recently years she has helmed Venue Advisors, "a full-service hospitality consulting company with integrated licensed real estate services."

Mayor de Blasio is to officially make her announcement official later today. Her official title is senior executive director of the Office of Nightlife.

Meanwhile, the Times has a very Times-ian feature with the news.

Since September, when Mayor Bill de Blasio announced he was forming an Office of Nightlife to promote the industry and soothe the strained relations between the city’s night spots and the neighborhoods that complain about their merriment, the local demimonde has been wondering who might nab the glamorous position. Would Mr. de Blasio appoint a modern-day Tex Guinan, someone who would quaff champagne in the small hours of the morning under the trapezes of the erotic circus scene?

In her first interview since accepting the post, Ms. Palitz suggested that her stint as the Nightlife Mayor would be slightly more sober and focus less on carousing than on conflict mediation. In today’s New York, gentrification has pitted partygoers against the settled residents of neighborhoods like the Lower East Side of Manhattan and Williamsburg in Brooklyn. In her first official act, Ms. Palitz promised to hold a series of listening tours and entertain the gripes of those who are bothered by the vomit on their streets or the noise at 3 a.m.

The article notes that Palitz is a fifth-generation New Yorker who has lived in the East Village since 1996.

And more from the Times...

Now in charge of a mayoral office with a 12-person advisory board, a $300,000 budget and a salary of $130,000 a year, Ms. Palitz seems to have realized that even a doyenne of New York night life must make a few concessions when joining city government. On her Tuesday evening drink, she was accompanied, for instance, by a minder from City Hall. While she admits that there were times in her career when she personified “what the no-bar movement rejected,” she also claimed that she has always tried “to find solutions that work for everyone.”

Previously on EV Grieve:
Ariel Palitz responds to Daily News article, 'ripe for picking' comment

ICYMI — Mayor forms Office of Nightlife

The Mighty Quinn

The view this afternoon from 10th Street and Avenue C (via Bobby Williams) showing Winter Storm Quinn... forecasts are calling for more thundersnow...

Impressive satellite imagery of the rapidly developing winter storm. The bubbling clouds are indication of intense upward motions increasing snow growth and potential for lightning. pic.twitter.com/JeSK4aOUkZ

— NWS New York NY (@NWSNewYorkNY) March 7, 2018

Historic Bathhouse Studios for sale on 11th Street

[Cushman & Wakefield]

The landmarked Bathhouse Studios on 11th Street between Avenue A and Avenue B is now on the market.

Tell them what you get...

Cushman & Wakefield has been retained on an exclusive basis to arrange for the sale of Bathhouse Studios, a one-of-a-kind multilevel studio and event space topped by a magnificent residence...

Built between 1904 and 1905 and designed in the Neo-Italian Renaissance style, the former public bathhouse was converted into a high-end studio in 1995 by Pulitzer Prize winning photographer Eddie Adams. Designed by esteemed architect Gene Kaufman, the studio was used to house Adams’ work for Parade Magazine and Associated Press, in addition to some of his other major achievements. He also worked and conducted shoots in the studio.

The ground floor features 20 foot ceilings, oak floors, exposed brick, antique frosted windows, blue glass tile, and glass block skylights with electric black screen shades. There are two curb cuts on the ground floor, one of which leads to the English basement. The 11 foot high English basement consists of marble black & white tile and cement floors along with antique glass framed doors. The residence possesses 16 foot ceilings, oak floors throughout, antique ceiling light fixtures, a kitchen with granite and stainless steel countertops, and two grand bathrooms.

Furthermore, both the kitchen and bathrooms are tiled and enjoy top of the line appliances. The residence walks out to a sun drenched 2,200 square foot outdoor deck that can serve home to remarkable gatherings.

Asking price: $19.5 million.

The listing also notes that there are roughly — gulp — 10,000 square feet of air rights available.

The Bathhouse Studios website has a lot more on the history of the building ... including some photos of what it looked liked before it was restored in 1995...


[Undated photo]

The building also served as a backdrop for the 1981 film "Ragtime." Find even more history here. The Bathhouse Studios was landmarked by the city in 2008.

The Swiss Institute announces June 21 opening on St. Mark's Place and 2nd Avenue

[Photo of St. Mark's and 2nd Avenue from Monday]

The Swiss Institute has announced a June 21 opening date in its new home on Second Avenue at St. Mark's Place.

Here's more about what to expect from the nonprofit cultural center when it opens via artforum, who first reported the news yesterday:

This summer, the institute will launch several education programs developed by artists in collaboration with local schools and community organizations, including School of the Future, Little Missionary’s Day Nursery & Sara Curry Preschool, GO Project, and Sirovich Center for Balanced Living. Commenting on the new initiatives, director Simon Castets said, “A space for artists, 38 St. Marks Place is also a space by artists, who are actively contributing through both the ‘SI ONSITE’ commissions and our new artist-led education programs. Moving into a new neighborhood and building goes hand in hand with expanding upon our mission, with education as a new cornerstone of our activities.”

The organization has had several locations since its founding in 1986, most recently on Franklin Street.

Renovations continue at the Institute's new EV home — the former Chase branch.


[Photo on St. Mark's Place from Feb. 16]

Previously on EV Grieve:
Swiss Institute moving into the former Chase branch on 2nd Avenue and St. Mark's Place

The Chelsea Thai signage is up on 1st Avenue

As you can see, the sign has arrived at the incoming Chelsea Thai, set to debut this spring at 192-194 First Ave. between 11th Street and 12th Street.

In January, the quick-serve restaurant closed its small space of nearly 20 years in the Chelsea Market ahead of a move here. No opening date announced yet for First Avenue.

This Instagram post from January 2017 has more about the Chelsea Thai owner, Saruj Nimkarn...

Meet the owner of Chelsea Thai at Chelsea Market. Saruj Nimkarn is the founder,owner and head chef of Chelsea Thai. He grew up in Bangkok Thailand and came to the US when he was a teenager. He then decided that he wanted to bring a taste of his home to the states and opened up this restaurant so he could share his favorite comfort foods with all of us. One of the first restaurants in Chelsea Market, Chelsea Thai will be celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

A post shared by Chelsea Thai (@chelsea__thai) on Jan 16, 2017 at 5:39am PST

Previously on EV Grieve:
Chelsea Thai coming to former Neptune space on 1st Avenue; Filipino fare for Avenue A

Reader report: Joe and Pat's will open in 3 weeks

EVG regular Lola Sāenz shared the above photo from inside the incoming Joe and Pat's, the Staten Island-based pizzeria coming to 168 First Ave. between 10th Street and 11th Street.

One of the owners was there, and told Lola they'd be open in three weeks.

P.S.
As the above photo shows, Lanza's antique murals remain intact.

Previously

Tuesday's parting shot

[Click on image for a bigger view]

A note from a father to his son in Tompkins Square Park. Photo by Derek Berg.

Catching up with Dora, wing on the mend

[Photos today by Steven]

Despite the worldwide attention, Dora was looking pretty relaxed today in Tompkins Square Park. The red-tailed hawk watchers believe that her rehabbed wing continues to get stronger.

A little later, the injured wing started hanging a little low, perhaps from the wind...



Since that Page 1 piece in the Post Sunday, several other media outlets have filed reports on the complicated hawk-love triangle involving Christo, Dora and Nora/Not-Dora ... including CBS 2 ... NY1 ... People ... and MNN (Mother Nature Network).

In its coverage today, The New York Times noted: "Consider us #TeamDora."

And a few excerpts from Goggla's latest dispatch, posted yesterday:

The hawks themselves are carrying on business as usual. Each morning, Christo and Dora work on their nest in the ginkgo tree on the east side of the park. Christo has been stripping bark off a scholar tree near the ping-pong table for lining the nest.

And what of Nora/Not-Dora?

I caught a glimpse of Nora perched on top of a Village View building around mid-day on Sunday. Christo disappears from the park for long periods of time during the day, and I'm assuming he's with Nora, but I haven't been able to find out if they have a second nest or what exactly they're up to. He returns to the park at the end of the day and both he and Dora roost in or near the park.

This evening, I saw Christo deliver a big rat to Dora before going to roost in the Krishna Tree. Even if they don't have a family this year, they are still a well-bonded pair.

Julia Gorton’s 'Pretty in Punk' on the Bowery

During evening hours - after the museum closes - images are projected in the windows and can be viewed from the sidewalk outside. On Thursday, the museum does not close until 9. During the day, the work is presented on monitors in the lobby. . #lindagibbs #icpprojected #prettyinpunk #cbgbs #nowave #punk #postpunk #juliagorton

A post shared by Julia_gorton_nowave (@julia_gorton_nowave) on Mar 3, 2018 at 9:24am PST

Tonight through Monday, the International Center of Photography at 250 Bowery between Houston and Stanton will be featuring the work of photographer Julia Gorton.

Her photos are part of the ICP's Projected Series. Per the Museum:

During the day, Pretty in Punk: Downtown Girls can be viewed on monitors inside the ICP Museum and during evening hours, images are literally “projected” onto the windows of the ICP Museum; they can be viewed from the sidewalk outside the Museum and are most visible after sunset.

As Gorton recently explained: "The show is a selection of images from the late 70’s, most of which I shot not too far from the museum. The women included are all noteworthy in their own ways, whether they are familiar names or not."

More Flower Power to you

Happy 24th! @flowerpower_nyc 🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸✨✨✨✨✨✨💖💫

A post shared by Lata Kennedy (@latakennedy) on Mar 6, 2018 at 8:46am PST

The shop selling medicinal plants, tinctures, salves and essential oils, among other things (they also offer workshops), is celebrating 24 years in business this month.

Seems like a good time to revisit our post from 2014 featuring Lata Chettri-Kennedy, the shop's founder and owner.

Flower Power Herbs & Roots, Inc. is at 406 E. Ninth St. between between Avenue A and First Avenue. They are open daily from noon to 7 p.m.

Making room for Mount Sinai's new EV hospital; CB3 hosting forum on the downsizing of Beth Israel

Demolition continues at 321 E. 13th St., a 14-floor building between Second Avenue and First Avenue.

The building previously housed training physicians and staff of the nearby New York Eye and Ear Infirmary.

This photo via EVG reader KT shows crews chipping away at the upper floors...



As previously reported, the Mount Sinai Health System is in the process of rebuilding Mount Sinai Beth Israel, transitioning to a network of smaller facilities throughout lower Manhattan and selling off their campus on First Avenue and 16th Street.

The plans include an expanded facility on 14th Street and Second Avenue ... and using part of the lot where No. 321 stands now. (Find a Mount Sinai FAQ here.)

A few weeks ago, The Villager reported that Mount Sinai officials are considering adding four extra floors to this new building. (Previously, hospital officials had said that the additional floors atop the new East Village mini-hospital could be added later, if needed.)

Here's part of a Mount Sinai statement to the paper:

“As we have stated from the start, we are continuing to evaluate all of our options, including possibly building the extra four floors as part of the initial build.

“We have always committed to an open and transparent process, and after listening to the concerns from local leaders and constituents, as well as our internal advisers and leaders, we are currently leaning toward building the extra four floors for programmatic use, not beds.

“We still believe that 220 beds will best meet the needs of the community. However, if we see a dramatic change in the future, we will be better prepared and have greater flexibility to address that issue with these additional floors already built. We will continue to update the community as our progress continues.”

Here's a schematic of the new facility ...



Meanwhile, on Thursday night, CB3 is hosting a forum on the downsizing of Beth Israel.

Via the EVG inbox...

What medical services must be available locally?

Beth Israel Hospital has already closed its labor and delivery department. Other medical services are also being moved uptown. In a few years, the full-service hospital at First Avenue and 16th Street will be completely closed.

What medical services does Mount Sinai need to continue to provide in our community?

We need to tell Mount Sinai now. CB3 needs community input to understand your needs as we work in influence the restructuring plans of the Mount Sinai Health System.

Come tell CB3 what is important for your family and friends.

The forum is Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in the Sirovich Senior Center, 331 E. 12th St. between First Avenue and Second Avenue.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Scaffolding arrives as demolition nears for Mount Sinai's 13th Street residential building

Permits filed to demolish Mount Sinai's 13th Street residential building

Bravo Supermarkets coming to Avenue D

The build-out continues at 119 Avenue D between Eighth Street and Ninth Street ... and it's starting to look a lot like a grocery store...



The work permits on file with the city list Bravo Supermarkets as the incoming tenant. The New York-based Bravo has more than 70 locations in the northeast (with nearly a dozen in Brooklyn and Queens) as well as in Florida.

Per the Bravo website:

Bravo Supermarkets are neighborhood grocery stores that your family can depend on! Because all of our stores are independently owned and operated, we have the unique ability to truly cater to the needs of our communities, which is why no two Bravo Supermarkets are exactly alike! At Bravo you'll find the products that are meant for the people who live in the neighborhood- stocked with a large assortment of specialty and international products, fresh meat, seafood, produce and so much more!

No word on an opening date just yet.

Avenue D is currently served by Uncle Johnny Grocery and Compare Foods as well as several delis.

The previous tenant at No. 119, the All in One Value Center, closed last fall.