Exclusive: 2nd Avenue explosion sites have a new owner

[Reader photo from Wednesday]

According to public records, Maria Hrynenko's companies — MAH Realty and Kiev Realty — have sold the flattened properties at 119 and 121 Second Ave., site of the deadly gas explosion in March 2015.

The new landlord, listed as "Avenue Second Owner LLC" with a Wooster Street address, which is Shaky Cohen's Nexus Building Development Group, Inc., paid $9.15 million for both lots, per filings recorded yesterday. (A tipster previously claimed that Premier Equities, a Midtown-based real-estate investment and development firm, was to be the buyer.)

It's not known just yet what the new owners might have planned for the two parcels. Workers have been on the site in recent days taking a full soil profile.

Lawyers have said that a sale could potentially jeopardize the settlements of the victims. The DA charged Hrynenko and several others, including her son, with involuntary manslaughter and other alleged crimes. The criminal case against her has yet to go to trial while the multiple civil actions are still making their way through the courts.

As for lawsuits, Hrynenko is now claiming that her management company was "careless and reckless" in its work that led to the deadly explosion. Investigators have said that an illegal cost-cutting gas delivery system at 121 Second Ave. may have caused the blast that killed two men and injured a few dozen other people as well as destroyed three buildings — 119, 121 and 123 Second Ave.

According to the Post back in March, a broker working with Hrynenko contacted the new owner of the lot at 123 Second Ave. The broker reportedly said they had a buyer interested in purchasing all three lots. However, the owner, Ezra Wibowo, who paid $6 million for the property, declined the offer. Public records show that he is still the owner.

A source told the Post, "For him, it’s a long-term investment. He’s not in a rush to build or develop."

Time will tell how much of a rush the new owners of 119 and 121 Second Ave. are in to build on this prime corner lot.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Report: Maria Hrynenko looking to sell 2nd Avenue properties destroyed in deadly gas explosion

Reader report: A buyer for 119 and 121 2nd Ave., site of the deadly gas explosion?

Live to be Great on Great Jones

The gutting/converting continues over at 41 Great Jones St. between the Bowery and Lafayette.

In early 2015, the city's Landmarks Commission signed off on the conversion of this five-story, 19th-century commercial building — Acme Sandblasting Company was here for years — to a six-story residential building with three residential units. (This Curbed post has all the background.)

Anyway, the broker bunting recently arrived on the sidewalk bridge... Team Serhant is heading the sales... and their marketing slogan is "Live to Be Great" (Get it?) ...



There's a teaser site up... no word yet on pricing or anything...



There are floorplans and photos at the developer's site.

A quick look at Tramonti Pizza on St. Mark's Place

[Photo by Cheyenne]

Tramonti Pizza has been in soft-open mode the past several weeks at 130 St. Mark's Place between Avenue A and First Avenue.

Gothamist stopped by for a few visits ... and gave the place high marks.

First, the vibe:

There are somewhere around 25 seats, including three stools by the front window overlooking the bustle of St. Marks Place. The music is nondescript Italian classics, the staff friendly and professional, the pace unhurried. Located by Tompkins Square Park, Tramonti is a welcome, decidedly un-sceney respite from the often-frantic restaurants in this part of the East Village.

And the food?

In the pizza section there are seven so-called "untouchables," classic combinations that honor the old Tramonti pizza-making traditions, but all of the pies here are made with San Marzano tomatoes and Fior de Latte cheese imported from the Amalfi coast. The one untouchable I ate was called the Verace, and it was delicious, a simple pie of robust tomato sauce and large patches of mozzarella di bufala on a chewy, blistered crust.

You can find the Tramonti menu here.

There are on this month's docket for a beer-wine license. (Given the method of operation and the fact that ownership agreed to stipulations, they will not be appearing before the CB3-SLA committee.)

The two previous tenants here were pizzerias (Via Della Pace Pizza and Falanghina Pizza Bar). Whole Earth Bakery held forth for 20-plus years until December 2012.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Pizzeria in the works for former pizzeria at 130 St. Mark's Place

Urban Etiquette Sign of the week

@EdenBrower spotted these signs last evening on Ludlow Street...

HEY, YOU BIKE-STEALING PIECE OF STINKING CRAP!!!

If you stole my bike, and my child's bike, to ride them, I hope you crash into a brick wall and have chronic pain to go with your festering insides.

If you stole our bikes to sell, I hope you develop scabby painful bits all over your body and never get a moment of rest, ever. I HOPE SOMEONE YOU LOVE CRIES EVERY DAY.

Those were OUR bikes, not yours, they were our primary transport and I bought them with money I earned. Get a job, you thieving sack of shit.

[Updated] This morning in the intersection of Houston and Avenue A

EVG reader Aaron shares this from this morning...

As I walked past at about 8:10 am, this naked man was standing at the west divider of Houston and Avenue A/Essex, basically just loitering, standing around but always facing toward Red Square. It may have been a type of protest but it was definitely a spectacle. I watched an NYPD interceptor get stopped at the intersection, definitely had time to see what was going on, but kept driving!

A belated protest to the removal of Lenin from Red Square? Anyone?



Updated 1:03 p.m.

DNAinfo reports that the man is Santiago Ogarrio: "A former Mexican television talent show contestant and nudist advocate."

The NYPD apparently did return for him. Per DNAinfo:

"Everyone should be naked," Ogarrio, who was wearing a crucifix around his neck and glitter on his face, told police.

"Maybe you should start a movement," one responding officer said. "I agree with you, but society doesn't allow it."

He was eventually taken away by the EMTs, but not arrested, police said.

DA: Man receives 50 years to life for 2015 murder of aspiring rapper on Avenue D

[Screengrab from February 2015]

Shaquille Fuller was sentenced to 50 years to life in prison for shooting a 19-year-old man in December 2014 and then killing an aspiring rapper on Avenue D in February 2015, the Manhattan District Attorney announced yesterday.

On April 4, a New York State Supreme Court jury found Fuller, 24, an Avenue D resident, guilty of all the charges in the indictments against him: Murder, Attempted Murder, and Assault in the Second Degrees; Attempted Assault in the First Degree; and four counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree.

Per DA Cyrus R. Vance, Jr. in a statement:

"This Office is committed to securing the strongest possible sentences for those who engage in gun violence,” said District Attorney Vance. “As this appropriately lengthy sentence illustrates, we will seek maximum penalties for those responsible for violent crime in order to keep our communities safe."

Shemrod Isaac, who went by "Sham Da God," was shot and killed following a reported dispute on a sidewalk outside the Lillian Wald Houses at 20 Avenue D on Feb. 23, 2015. Isaac, 33, was a father to a 6-year-old girl and 3-year-old boy.

Previously on EV Grieve:
[Updated] Report: Man gunned down inside the Lillian Wald Houses on Avenue D

FDNY says fire that started at Artichoke was accidental

[EVG photo from May 26]

The FDNY took to Twitter yesterday to cite the cause of the fire at 328 E. 14th St. on May 26...

Per #FDNY Fire Marshals: Cause of 5/26 2-alarm fire at 328 East 14 St MN was accidental, due to heat from the pizza oven flue.

— FDNY (@FDNY) June 7, 2017

Per the fire marshals, the blaze "was accidental, due to heat from the pizza oven flue."

As previously reported, the two-alarm fire reportedly started inside Artichoke shortly after the pizzeria closed at 5 a.m. The fire spread from the ground level to second- and third-floor apartments through walls in the six-story building, according to the FDNY.

The Post reported on the way the pizzeria apparently learned of the fire: "A manager said he called 911 after a neighbor texted him a photo of the burning building."

The city has ordered a partial vacate on the building. An unknown number of residents have been displaced from their homes.

The pizzeria opened at 321 E. 14th St. between First Avenue and Second Avenue, in their new home across the street from their previous location, on Tuesday. We first spotted plans for the new Artichoke last November.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Artichoke appears to be moving into a new space on 14th Street

Report of an early-morning fire at 328 E. 14th St., home of Artichoke Basille’s Pizza

Artichoke Basille's Pizza signage arrives at new 14th Street location

The new 14th Street location of Artichoke Basille's Pizza is now open

Ready to leave the nest?

Christo and Dora's lone red-tailed hawk offspring this year is looking pretty badass is growing so quickly ... We'll have to check in with Goggla to see when the hawklet might be ready to fledge/fly. Soon, likely, by the look of those wings...

Thanks to Bobby Williams for the photo...

Soil testing continues at 2nd Avenue explosion site

Several EVG readers noted the arrival of a Davey Drill on the former site of 119 Second Ave. yesterday... workers were apparently doing some soil testing (or a "'due diligence' subsurface investigation," per olympiasepiriot).

Upon leaving for the day, someone from the crew apparently put up generic-looking "no parking Thursday" signs up here on Seventh Street at Second Avenue... and blocked off part of the street with cones...



An EVG reader who shared these photos believes these are fake NYPD signs ... the one below is from the Dance Parade, which has the NYPD logo and department number on the bottom...



So far there aren't any work new permits on file for work on this property.

As noted in previous posts, there have been reports that landlord Maria Hrynenko, who the DA charged with involuntary manslaughter and other alleged crimes, was poised to sell her now-empty lots at No. 119 and 121. Lawyers have said that a sale could potentially jeopardize the settlements of the victims.

Hrynenko is now claiming in a new lawsuit that her management company was "careless and reckless" in its work that led to the deadly explosion. Investigators have said that an illegal cost-cutting gas delivery system at 121 Second Ave. may have caused the blast that killed two men and injured a few dozen other people as well as destroyed three buildings — 119, 121 and 123 Second Ave.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Report: Maria Hrynenko looking to sell 2nd Avenue properties destroyed in deadly gas explosion

Reader report: A buyer for 119 and 121 2nd Ave., site of the deadly gas explosion?

Report: Hotel Indigo, home to the rooftop bar Mr. Purple, is for sale

[Image via]

The Indigo Hotel, with 294 rooms at 171 Ludlow St. between East Houston and Stanton, is on the market.

The Commercial Observer has the scoop on the property, which first opened in November 2015 via a joint venture between Brack Capital Real Estate and InterContinental Hotels Group (ICG):

The hotel, one source with intimate knowledge of the property said, would likely go for $600,000 per key, or $176.4 million, because it is the flagship Indigo for IHG. Highlights, he noted, are the higher-end finishes and room designs as well as the unobstructed views from all sides of the building.

The hotel includes Mr. Purple, the 15th-floor restaurant and bar, which drew sharp criticism from locals when it was revealed that Adam Purple, aka David Wilkie, the longtime LES activist and community gardener, was the inspiration for the space. (Purple died in September 2015 at age 84.)

The restaurant, operated by the Gerber Group, stuck with the name even after reports surfaced that Purple had served time in prison in the 1960s for sexually absuing his daughters.

Previously on EV Grieve:
[Updated] The upscale hotel bar with a pool named for the late environmentalist Adam Purple

[Updated] The Gerber Group responds to criticism over Mr. Purple (23 comments)

As the Hotel Indigo and Mr. Purple continue efforts to be part of the LES neighborhood

Adam Purple's legacy

Some jazz to go with the All That Jazz piano in Tompkins Square Park

As noted yesterday, the Sing for Hope piano — called "All That Jazz" — has arrived in Tompkins Square Park. Appropriately enough, the Eric Paulin Jazz Ensemble, regulars in the Park, were asked by the Sing For Hope folks to incorporate the piano into their sets.

EVG contributor Steven shared these photos from late this afternoon...





The piano will be here near Temperance Fountain until June 25.

Read more about longtime East Village resident Eric Paulin here.

3rd Avenue bag invasion

Or not... photo on Third Avenue and 13th Street by Grant Shaffer...

This morning at Ray's Candy Store

The reading of a passage from Omar Khayyam to a Persian customer...



As Peter Brownscombe, who shared these photos, says: Ray provides this service upon request at no extra charge.

Ray's is at 113 Avenue A near Seventh Street.

Soil testing underway at the 2nd Avenue explosion site

Several EVG readers have noted the arrival of a Davey Drill this morning at 119 Second Ave., at the site of the deadly gas explosion in March 2015.

It appears that workers are taking soil samples here at Seventh Street ahead of some possible new development. A survey crew was on the scene last week. One of the workers said that they were surveying the site ... and said they were there representing the buyer of 119 Second Ave. and 121 Second Ave.

There have been reports that landlord Maria Hrynenko, who the DA charged with involuntary manslaughter and other alleged crimes, was poised to sell her now-empty lots at No. 119 and 121. Lawyers have said that a sale could potentially jeopardize the settlements of the victims.

So far, nothing has appeared in public records noting a deal. In addition, there aren't any new permits filed with the Department of Buildings for these two properties.

Updated:

Here are two more photos via EVG contributor Steven...





One of the workers told Steven they are doing pre-construction borings. The worker did not have any idea about when construction might begin.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Report: Maria Hrynenko looking to sell 2nd Avenue properties destroyed in deadly gas explosion

Reader report: A buyer for 119 and 121 2nd Ave., site of the deadly gas explosion?

Chinese restaurant in the works for former Surma Books & Music space on 7th Street

Surma Books & Music closed last summer at 11 E. Seventh St. near Cooper Square after 98 years in business.

Third-generation owner Markian Surmach cited a decline in business and the expense of property tax and other charges related to owning the building. Public records show that the Surmach family sold the property to Icon Realty for $5.75 million.

Since last September, Icon had been listing the space — "perfect for restaurant, bar, clothing store ..." — at $17,000 per month.

According to a liquor license application (beer-wine) posted on the CB3 website, a Chinese restaurant going by Le Xia will be opening in the space.

The paperwork shows proposed daily hours of 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. with seating for 48 people (via 21 tables). There isn't much more information on the application (PDF here), such as the previous experience of the principal (listed as Tianye Chen).

Given the method of operation and the owner's agreement to CB3 stipulations, this applicant will not be appearing before the CB3-SLA committee meeting on Monday night.

East River hosting July 4 fireworks again; prepare thee for 'never-before-seen shells and effects'

For the third consecutive year, the Macy's 4th of July fireworks will launch from the East River. [Insert west side taunt here.]

Anyway, here are all the glory details via the official news release released Monday announcing the 2017 edition...

A pyrotechnic anthem for the ages will ignite New York City’s famed skyline on Tuesday, July 4, as the 41st Annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks® launch an unrivaled barrage of color, shape, light and sound to celebrate Independence Day.

The nation’s largest pyrotechnic display will come to life over the East River, captivating more than 3 million spectators lining the shorelines, waterways, streets and rooftops of the Big Apple and millions more on television coast-to-coast as together they marvel at the nation’s largest and most exciting party.

Beginning at approximately 9:25 p.m., the first shells will launch the celebration along the shores of Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn with more than 60,000 effects rumbling toward the grand finale.

The 41st edition of the festivities will showcase a 25-minute display featuring never-before-seen shells and effects. Pyro Spectaculars by Souza is once again at the helm of the pyrotechnics that will feature multiple new shells including color changing chrysanthemums, purple crackling ghost peonies, orange bees, and pulsing happy faces in 23 electrifying colors including fuchsia, lemon and aqua.

Cherin Sushi now open in larger space next door on 6th Street

Cherin Sushi has made the move next door ...



As previously noted, the restaurant with popular early-bird dinner specials was relocating to the larger adjacent space (to the east) here on Sixth Street between First Avenue and Second Avenue ... and expanding their menu offerings to include ramen. Vinny & O noted that they were open for dinner starting on Monday...







Brick Lane Curry House moved from this spot to 99 Second Ave. between Sixth Street and Fifth Street in August 2014.

Looking at the former Neptune space on 1st Avenue

[Photo from April by Steven]

We've been keeping an eye on the former Neptune space at 192 First Ave. between 11th Street and 12th Street.

The Polish-American restaurant closed its doors last Dec. 4 after 15 years in business. (The address has been home to a diner for many years before this.)

There were rumors that the new landlord, Nazarian Property Group, already had a new tenant lined up.

This spring, workers gutted the space...



... and finally this past Friday, the for lease banner arrived...



Per the listing at Eastern Consolidated, the asking rent is $140 per square foot... the space includes a "large backyard" and is being "delivered white box."

Tuesday's parting shot

Happy LinkNYC Halloween from Second Avenue today.

Photo by Derek Berg

The new 14th Street location of Artichoke Basille's Pizza is now open

EVG reader Pinch shared this photo from tonight... the pizzeria opened today at 321 E. 14th St. between First Avenue and Second Avenue ... leaving behind their (now fire-damaged) home of nearly 10 years across the street.

Arthur Bovino at Best Pizza NYC noted the possibility of this opening earlier today. As for the new space, he writes that it's "about six times the space for customers, and about 15 times more room for the Artichoke crew to sling their signature pies."

Previously on EV Grieve:
Artichoke appears to be moving into a new space on 14th Street

Report of an early-morning fire at 328 E. 14th St., home of Artichoke Basille’s Pizza

Artichoke Basille's Pizza signage arrives at new 14th Street location