
Workers have removed the sidewalk bridge and scaffolding from 117 Avenue A… where crews had been gut-renovating the Steve Croman-owned building…
And we can see the new-look storefront that previously housed the Odessa Cafe and Bar here between East Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place.
What's next for the space? Don't really know! (Helpful, yes!)
The applicant was on the August 2014 CB3/SLA agenda, but the item was not heard before the committee (meaning the public didn't have a say in the matter). Paperwork on file with CB3 points to a corporate change, with a Robert C. Payne as the new partner.
On our last Odessa post, a reader left this kinda-sounds-like-the-dude-quoted comment: "I talked to the dude working on it — he said he's 'just making a bar, none of this overly fancy shit.' He seemed like a cool guy."
Other failed concepts for the space included a diner serving comfort food specializing in Nashville Hot Chicken … and a "new American brasserie/bistro."
Anyway, "just … a bar, none of this overly fancy shit" sounds pretty good.
The former Odessa Cafe & Bar closed Aug. 31, 2013.
Previously on EV Grieve:
Building that houses Odessa Cafe and Bar for sale on Avenue A
Former GM from Tribeca's Tiny's & the Bar Upstairs part of team to buy the Odessa Cafe
Reader report: Odessa Cafe and Bar will remain open through Sept. 6
Former Odessa Cafe and Bar will serve comfort food specializing in Nashville Hot Chicken
Now what for the Odessa Cafe and Bar?

[Photo from August 2013]