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Thursday, August 4, 2011
A stop-work order for the former Sin Sin space
A tipster notes the stop-work order here on Second Avenue at Fifth Street. Per the DOB: "BORO COMMISSIONER HAS ORDERED ALL WORK STOPPED IMMEDIATELY DUE TO PERMIT HOLDER WITHDRAWL UNDER PERMIT #120552286-01-EW-OT"
Yes, of course!
As DNAinfo first reported, a cafe-bakery-bar called Sweet Boutique is in the works for this space. Sweet Boutique withdrew its application for the July CB3/SLA meeting.
Legacy Russell's East Village Open Ceremony project
It's likely that, in the last few weeks, you've seen Legacy Russell sitting with her typewriter in Tompkins Square Park or outside St. Mark's Church in-the-Bowery.
[Photo by Digital Man]
The artist has been transcribing people's memories of the East Village and Lower East Side as part of her Trust Art project, Open Ceremony.
Per the news release, the project is broken up into four "rites," each aiming to experiment with a different facet of public worship and remembrance as inspired by those rapidly changing neighborhoods.
The first of the four, Rite of Remembrance: Memory Transcription, brought Russell to Tompkins Square Park, Sarah Roosevelt Park, and St. Mark's Church with a table, two chairs and a typewriter, asking residents both old and new: "What memories do you have of living in this neighborhood?" (Sample response! "I remember paying 80 dollars a month in rent. Now THAT is rent control.")
Russell will be out today in Tompkins Square Park from 3-7 p.m.
I asked her what inspired her to do this.
"I am born and raised in the neighborhood and as an artist so much of my own history and so much of what I am today is in many thanks to the creative climate of the East Village," she said. "Living in the Lower East Side now, I am curious to come to a better understanding of what the current climate is in the area — who my neighbors are, how people are processing these changes (mourning the losses, feeling a sense of anticipation about what's to come, etc.), how folks arrived at this site, why people choose to leave, why people choose to stay or move here, and so forth."
And how does she think the first phase of the project has gone so far?
"The project thus far has surpassed my wildest expectations in its reception — people have been lining up to share their stories, have emailed me, have reached out with a real readiness to discuss how they feel about the East Village and Lower East Side as two sites undergoing major shifts," she said. "Acting as a 'native stenographer,' I want to be sure to reach as many people as possible, in the interest of making sure that as many of these personal narratives and histories are chronicled."
She posts some of the memories @OpenCeremony. And on Facebook. For more on the project, go here.
The artist has been transcribing people's memories of the East Village and Lower East Side as part of her Trust Art project, Open Ceremony.
Per the news release, the project is broken up into four "rites," each aiming to experiment with a different facet of public worship and remembrance as inspired by those rapidly changing neighborhoods.
The first of the four, Rite of Remembrance: Memory Transcription, brought Russell to Tompkins Square Park, Sarah Roosevelt Park, and St. Mark's Church with a table, two chairs and a typewriter, asking residents both old and new: "What memories do you have of living in this neighborhood?" (Sample response! "I remember paying 80 dollars a month in rent. Now THAT is rent control.")
Russell will be out today in Tompkins Square Park from 3-7 p.m.
I asked her what inspired her to do this.
"I am born and raised in the neighborhood and as an artist so much of my own history and so much of what I am today is in many thanks to the creative climate of the East Village," she said. "Living in the Lower East Side now, I am curious to come to a better understanding of what the current climate is in the area — who my neighbors are, how people are processing these changes (mourning the losses, feeling a sense of anticipation about what's to come, etc.), how folks arrived at this site, why people choose to leave, why people choose to stay or move here, and so forth."
And how does she think the first phase of the project has gone so far?
"The project thus far has surpassed my wildest expectations in its reception — people have been lining up to share their stories, have emailed me, have reached out with a real readiness to discuss how they feel about the East Village and Lower East Side as two sites undergoing major shifts," she said. "Acting as a 'native stenographer,' I want to be sure to reach as many people as possible, in the interest of making sure that as many of these personal narratives and histories are chronicled."
She posts some of the memories @OpenCeremony. And on Facebook. For more on the project, go here.
34 Avenue A is for rent, again
There is a new "for rent" sign up in the window at 34 Avenue A, most recently home to Aces & Eights ...
Backing up for a minute. We first noted the building was for sale back in May for $4.65 million. The listing is no longer active at the Living Real Estate Group. Someone removed the listing at Streeteasy on July 16. Nothing in the city property records indicates that a sale was made... or is in the works.
So, we can assume the current owner is now trying to lease the space again. A rep for Coldwell Banker Commercial said that she was hired by the owner to lease the current retail, and said she knew nothing about the building sale. (So much for the rumor via a commenter that there was a lease on the table for a Subway sandwich shop here.) The rental listing wasn't online as of last evening at the Coldwell site.
Meanwhile, as you probably know, CB3 has rejected all the recent plans for a bar-restaurant-performance space here.
At this point, it's clear that the CB3 won't approve any nightlife-related operation here. How about a shoe store then?
Backing up for a minute. We first noted the building was for sale back in May for $4.65 million. The listing is no longer active at the Living Real Estate Group. Someone removed the listing at Streeteasy on July 16. Nothing in the city property records indicates that a sale was made... or is in the works.
So, we can assume the current owner is now trying to lease the space again. A rep for Coldwell Banker Commercial said that she was hired by the owner to lease the current retail, and said she knew nothing about the building sale. (So much for the rumor via a commenter that there was a lease on the table for a Subway sandwich shop here.) The rental listing wasn't online as of last evening at the Coldwell site.
Meanwhile, as you probably know, CB3 has rejected all the recent plans for a bar-restaurant-performance space here.
At this point, it's clear that the CB3 won't approve any nightlife-related operation here. How about a shoe store then?
Sidewalk now re-opening next week
When we last checked in on the Sidewalk's reopening, an insider told us they were aiming to be open by Aug. 5. As in tomorrow.
However!
A publicist working for the Sidewalk said: "We are currently looking at opening the second week of August as opposed to August 5." There is a soft opening Monday for family and friends.
Meanwhile, yesterday, Bobby Williams took these photos of workers removing the graffiti from the restaurant's rolldown gates on Avenue A and Sixth Street.
... and a quick look inside the dining room...
Previously.
However!
A publicist working for the Sidewalk said: "We are currently looking at opening the second week of August as opposed to August 5." There is a soft opening Monday for family and friends.
Meanwhile, yesterday, Bobby Williams took these photos of workers removing the graffiti from the restaurant's rolldown gates on Avenue A and Sixth Street.
... and a quick look inside the dining room...
Previously.
Veselka Bowery now hiring, putting out chairs
As the signs show here on Veselka's new East First Street location... the open call for the waitstaff and what not starts today...
And look — chairs!
No exact date just yet for the opening. But ... it's ... getting... closer.
And look — chairs!
No exact date just yet for the opening. But ... it's ... getting... closer.
Tonight in Tompkins Square Park: 'Pope of Greenwich Village,' permed hair
Tonight marks the sixth of the free music-movie nights in Tompkins Square Park. This evening's photoplay: One we're looking forward to watching in the comfort of our own home — "The Pope of Greenwich Village," starring Mickey Rourke and Eric Roberts' permed hair. (C'mon, admit — it is a little distracting, that hair.)
And upcoming...
Aug. 11 — Kickass
Aug. 18 — Rosemary’s Baby
Aug. 25 — The Godfather
Sept. 1 — Stake Land
Here's the official website for the summer movies.
And upcoming...
Aug. 11 — Kickass
Aug. 18 — Rosemary’s Baby
Aug. 25 — The Godfather
Sept. 1 — Stake Land
Here's the official website for the summer movies.
Community gardens main selling point for million-dollar condo on East Eighth Street
So this two-bedroom condo with a balcony... an in-unit washer-dryer ... Zuma soaking tubs ... Peitra Cardoza counters in the kitchen... is for sale over on East Eighth Street near Avenue C.
With all these fine amenities, what does the listing start with?
"Surrounded by community gardens and a half block from Tompkins Square Park, 331 East 8th offers high design and functionality in a stunning environment."
Noted a very special friend of EV Grieve: "It does sound better than 'surrounded by blocks that would have gotten you killed 20 years ago...'"
Anyway, it's going for $1.299 million... and you're in luck — there's an open house tonight from 5:30-7.
With all these fine amenities, what does the listing start with?
"Surrounded by community gardens and a half block from Tompkins Square Park, 331 East 8th offers high design and functionality in a stunning environment."
Noted a very special friend of EV Grieve: "It does sound better than 'surrounded by blocks that would have gotten you killed 20 years ago...'"
Anyway, it's going for $1.299 million... and you're in luck — there's an open house tonight from 5:30-7.
And now, a way to support a local business and buy (allegedly) the greatest pen ever
We turn the floor over to EV Grieve contributor Dave on 7th for a moment...
I just wanted to take this opportunity to further spread my message of the Fisher Space Pen, which I was able to purchase for $21.95 (a good price) at the Essex Card Shop, a great local merchant.
I recently lost my first one after many years of daily use. There is a joke that the Americans spent millions on creating a pen and the Soviets used pencils. It's better than a pencil. It never breaks down, it fits in your pocket. I'd buy you one if I knew you.
Woo! Free pens on Dave!
I just wanted to take this opportunity to further spread my message of the Fisher Space Pen, which I was able to purchase for $21.95 (a good price) at the Essex Card Shop, a great local merchant.
I recently lost my first one after many years of daily use. There is a joke that the Americans spent millions on creating a pen and the Soviets used pencils. It's better than a pencil. It never breaks down, it fits in your pocket. I'd buy you one if I knew you.
Woo! Free pens on Dave!
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Because you wanted to see John Legend's half-naked model girlfriend in her Bowery home
Chrissy Teigen, the Sports Illustrated swimsuit model who lives with John Legend, let Esquire into the couple's home at 52E4 — the 15 stories of condo on the Bowery and East Fourth Street.
"Is that the Cooper Square Hotel or are you just happy to see me?"
There are plenty of other photos at Esquire featuring various states of boobage and buttocks.
"Is that the Cooper Square Hotel or are you just happy to see me?"
There are plenty of other photos at Esquire featuring various states of boobage and buttocks.
EV Grieve Etc.: Mourning Edition
A mentally disabled man who lived in an East Village group home died after being left alone in a parked van (NBC)
Last night at Banjo Jim's (Marty After Dark)
The soul of the Chelsea Hotel is leaving the building (Jeremiah's Vanishing NY)
And here's who's buying the hotel — be sure to read the comments (The Real Deal)
A rally to save The Bialystoker Nursing Home on the LES (BoweryBoogie)
A history of The Saul Birns Building on Second Avenue (Off the Grid)
When you can be alone in McSorley's (Lost City)
Before the Mars Bar
At the Times this past weekend, Dan Glass checks in with an article on the artistic history of the Mars Bar. And there's this passage about the bar's debut:
When the bar opened in 1984, at First Street and Second Avenue, the facade was gleaming. “We thought, 'Oh no, another sushi bar; there goes the neighborhood,'" said Jim Sizelove, who was part of the rowdy art scene called the Rivington School.
As Glass notes, that crowd hung out at the bar/performance space No Se No at 42 Rivington St. near Forsythe. When No Se No closed several years later, "Mars became the unlikely new home."
Fortunately, there is a well-curated website for The Rivington School and No Se No. You can find it here.
A few shots from the site... showing the bar's exterior and interior...
Per an essay by Freddie the Dreamer: "Getting to No Se No on Rivington Street was a trip through shattered and burnt buildings, empty lots of scattered bricks bordered by sagging cyclone fences, once were homes but now were fields where whores and junkies were busy about. Respite from the desperation of the streets, warmed with thick smoke and black lights, cheap beer and whiskey, through the door of No Se No and the magic of life became an impending adventure."
There are also photos and background on The Rivington School Sculpture Garden on Rivington at Forsythe featuring Cowboy Ray. (Access that here.)
The garden-clubhouse was adjacent to Adam Purple's space. The city bulldozed the Rivington School Sculpture Garden in late November 1987.
[All images ©1980-2009 rivingtonschool.com and photos ©1980-2009 Toyo Tsuchiya]
BMW Guggenheim Lab provided with 'contemporary urban life' case study during opening night party
Bob Arihood was outside the gates for last night's opening night party here for the BMW Guggenheim Lab. He has a whole photo sequence here.
Anyway, the photo above is something for the think tankers to discuss while finding "forward-thinking solutions for urban life."
TenEleven is closed while awaiting a new liquor license
We certainly don't need any more bad bar news around here. However, on July 18, TenEleven on Avenue C near 11th Street went before the CB3/SLA committee for a license renewal "with complaint history."
And according to Eater's report, CB3 refused the renewal of "after complaints that it did not abide by stipulations they would sound proof, have security and not host promoted events or live DJs."
We don't know about any of these charges... According to the State Liquor Authority, who has the final say in these matters, TenEleven's license expired on July 31.
This message is on the bar's Facebook page: "Hey everyone! Teneleven will be closed this week as we await our liquor license renewal. Stay tuned!"
In any event, TenEleven is the kind of bar we need more of around here ... featuring the works of local photographers and artists ... and hosting the occasional musician as well as group events...
[Bottom photo via CitySearch]
The Wayland aiming for a fall opening on Avenue C
Just an update on the new bar coming to Ninth Street and Avenue C, where Banjo Jim's threw a closing-night party last evening.
The working name had been The James Daniel, after two of the grandfathers of proprietor Rob Ceraso and his business partner. The new name is The Wayland. (And they have a website up and running now.)
Ceraso said that they still plan to work with Banjo Lisa to continue to host some live bluegrass and American roots music at the Wayland.
He is aiming for a fall opening.
Subway looking for ways to make you fatter, jumpier
So on Monday, the Subway here on the Bowery started advertising some new items... Coffee! And! Pizza(?).
And why are there still grand opening signs up? This location opened at the end of 2009.
And just so you'd have to notice, the Subwayers hung the notices from the sidewalk shed outside the Whitehouse next door...
Not sure if other participating Subway shops are offering these items.
To be honest, I did walk into the new Subway on Avenue B over the weekend. For jolleys. And, the weirdest thing — one foot off Avenue B and it felt as if I'd been transported to the basement of Penn Station. I swear I even heard someone mention Ronkonkoma. I quickly left.
Previously on EV Grieve:
And this pretty much sums it up: City's 45,679th Subway taking over former Downtown Music space on the Bowery
And why are there still grand opening signs up? This location opened at the end of 2009.
And just so you'd have to notice, the Subwayers hung the notices from the sidewalk shed outside the Whitehouse next door...
Not sure if other participating Subway shops are offering these items.
To be honest, I did walk into the new Subway on Avenue B over the weekend. For jolleys. And, the weirdest thing — one foot off Avenue B and it felt as if I'd been transported to the basement of Penn Station. I swear I even heard someone mention Ronkonkoma. I quickly left.
Previously on EV Grieve:
And this pretty much sums it up: City's 45,679th Subway taking over former Downtown Music space on the Bowery
Tonight at the BMW Guggenheim Lab: free screening of 'Blank City'
As you might know, the documentary provides an oral history of the No Wave Cinema and Cinema of Transgression movements in the Lower East Side in the late 1970s into the mid-1980s via interviews with Jim Jarmusch, Nick Zedd, John Waters, Deborah Harry, Fab 5 Freddy, Richard Kern, among many others.
And the film is playing this evening for free. Seating at 6; screening starts at 6:15. All this is followed by a Q&A with filmmakers Bette Gordon and James Nares.
"Blank City" director Céline Danhier answered some questions for me back in April when the film played at the IFC Center.
Bonus excerpt:
Do you think a creative movement such as No Wave Cinema is possible again in the East Village?
Of course the East Village is a very different place now and there is a lot more money here, but still I would have to say yes. I think art movements are very cyclical and I do think that a lot of that same raw energy and creative frequency is here. It is still what brought me to New York in the first place. Perhaps now that same youthful creative explosion is happening more in Brooklyn than the East Village, but the City is always in flux. As Jim Jarmusch notes in "Blank City," New York was initially a trading post and then a city grew around it and it is always constantly changing. There are new people coming in and out of the city and the East Village daily from all over the world and I think you can’t help but find inspiration from that sort of environment. All the ingredients are there for something new to happen in the future.
Read the whole interview here.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
First look at the opening night party for the BMW Guggenheim Lab thing
So, here we are at the Opening Night Party ... I wasn't invited... but jdx was there, and he shared these photos...
It opens tomorrow to the public. At 1 p.m.
Previously on EV Grieve:
The Guggenheim wants our rat-infested First Street lot
Residents pitching in to help refurbish First Street garden
Designs for urban life apparently don't include trees
It opens tomorrow to the public. At 1 p.m.
Previously on EV Grieve:
The Guggenheim wants our rat-infested First Street lot
Residents pitching in to help refurbish First Street garden
Designs for urban life apparently don't include trees
NYPD unveils latest weapons to combat Lower East Side nightlife
OK, OK... it's the National Night Out, an annual crime and drug prevention event... Bobby Williams took these shots at the Campos Plaza off Avenue C...
And a reader sends these along from Stanton and Attorney ...
The reader notes how nice it was to see a lot of people enjoying themselves. BMW Guggenheim Lab — your move.
And a reader sends these along from Stanton and Attorney ...
The reader notes how nice it was to see a lot of people enjoying themselves. BMW Guggenheim Lab — your move.
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