Report: David Bowie's former apartment sells on Lafayette

The tasteful Lafayette Street apartment that David Bowie lived in for the last 17 years of his life sold after less than a month on the market for $16.8 million. 

As The Wall Street Journal first reported, the property is now in contract. Streeteasy shows that the residence had been on the market for 27 days. Bowie bought the space for $3.81 million in 1999. 

Here's a description of the home located in a former chocolate factory (circa 1886) between Houston/Jersey Street and Prince via Streeteasy:

Located in a premier full-service building in Soho/Nolita, is a grand yet intimate condominium residence measuring 5,090 square feet with 3 perfectly situated terraces measuring an additional 1,025 square feet. 

The interior was beautifully crafted by one of Europe's most renowned architect/designers. Direct elevator access to the apartment's entrance gallery leads to a 56 × 22 foot great room with 3 exposures and a western terrace. 11 foot ceiling heights, a fireplace, adjacent library (w/bath), and open kitchen add to the space’s character and function. 

The main bedroom suite measures over 1,000 square feet and features a fireplace, dressing room, oversized bath and terrace. There are an additional 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, and a powder room.

The property is owned by a trust linked to Bowie's estate, the Journal reported. Iman, his wife of 24 years, was said to still be living in the unit before it was listed for sale.

Bowie died in January 2016 of liver cancer. He was 69. 

He was living in the apartment at the time of his death. In subsequent days, fans created makeshift memorials outside the building. 

All photos via Streeteasy

Monday's parting shots

According to the Citizen app yesterday, there was "a report of a swarm of bees in a tree and swarming around people" at First Park on First Street and First Avenue. 

And today, a member of the NYPD beekeepers was spotted doing some follow-up work on the scene... thanks to @aceacekin for the photos...

The bee unit reportedly formed in 2010 when NYC legalized urban beekeeping.

At WitchsFest USA — A Pagan Faire on Astor Place

The annual (b. 2012) WitchsFest USA — A Pagan Street Faire took place over the weekend... and on Saturday, a group of "magickally enchanting vendors" were on Astor Place between Lafayette and Broadway, where EVG contributor Stacie Joy met some of the participants...

Another large tree branch down in Tompkins Square Park

This tree (an elm?) splintered some time overnight in Tompkins Square Park... EVG regular Salim shared these photos this morning... this tree is on the south end of the Park along Seventh Street...

Several limbs have fallen in the Park in recent weeks — some due to storms... and some not.

Attention Kmart shoppers: The Astor Place location is now closed after 25 years in business

After nearly 25 years on Astor Place, Kmart has closed this once-prime retail outpost. Yesterday was the last day in business for the struggling retailer (thank you to the EVG reader for the initial tip!) ...

We're told that employees weren't told of the Sunday close date until this past Friday. Signs announcing the last days were circulated throughout the store on Saturday.

Still, the closure isn't likely a complete surprise — at least to reporters covering the retail market. Earlier this year, Kmart's parent firm, Transformco, announced that it was closing several locations. (This outpost was not on a previously announced list.) 

In May 2020, they shuttered the Penn Plaza store, leaving Astor Place as the sole Kmart remaining in Manhattan. (There are two left in the Bronx.) 

Kmart and Sears were owned by Sears Holdings, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2018 and narrowly escaped liquidation in early 2019, per USA Today. "They were sold to their longtime investor and CEO, Eddie Lampert, who has kept them alive on a shoestring budget under the company name Transformco."

Rumors circulated in late 2017-early 2018 that the Astor Place shop, located in the landmarked 15-story building that was the original home of the Wanamaker department store on Eighth Street and Lafayette (officially 770 Broadway), was shutting down.

The Real Deal reported in January 2018 that 770 tenant Facebook and landlord Vornado Realty Trust were in talks to expand the social media giant's presence in the building.

Per The Real Deal:

Vornado ... recently paid roughly $46 million to Kmart – whose department store occupies about 30,000 square feet on the ground, mezzanine and lower-level of the building – in what appears to be a buyout of the retailer’s lease, according to city property records. Observers said it's unlikely that Vornado boss Steve Roth would take such a risk without a replacement tenant lined up, and speculated that Facebook could be looking to make a splash with a high-profile storefront, a la Microsoft's store on Fifth Avenue.

However, Kmart remained open and downsized, giving up the second level and moving everything to the main floor and basement.

Michael Lisicky reported on the Astor Place location for Forbes in March: 

Despite its current open status, the location suffers from the company's misfortunes and corporate misguidances. Employees express frustration that deliveries to the store have slowed. They cite the absence of blankets, pillows, and towels within its once-popular home department. Employees notice that its once-steady foot traffic tends to come and go.

After years of missed payments and unpaid bills, Kmart's relationship with many of its longtime vendors has evaporated. It has led to empty shelves and unusual selections of off-brand merchandise. ... Kmart is no longer a profitable and dependable outlet for suppliers.

Financial woes aside, other big-box shops such as Target and Marshalls have eaten away at Kmart's business. Not to mention Amazon.

I took a last look at the space yesterday...

Pinched for time, I didn't make it downstairs for the holiday supplies, but I did check out the Astor Place-branded underwear...

EVG reader Karen came across the store-closing signage while walking by yesterday: "Most other customers seemed equally shocked and dismayed. Shelves were fully stocked for the most part and there weren't really any big bargains — though with the longest line I've ever seen, seems people just wanted to have their last hurrah."

This Kmart arrived in November 1996. I worked nearby at the time and ate at the short-lived K Cafe a few times with co-workers to fill the void left by Woolworth's departure on 14th Street. 

I recall plenty of horrified WTF reactions from people about the Kmart opening here. People seemingly adopted a balanced don't-mind-it/hate-it relationship with Kmart through the years, especially as more big-box shops arrived. (My blogging friend Alex has written about this location numerous times. This post includes a video of U2's strange PopMart press conference here in 1997.)

At the time, the Astor Place store was one of over 2,100 Kmarts located throughout the 50 states and U.S. territories, according to Forbes. Today, there are less than 40.

EVG contributor Stacie Joy reports that fixtures and shelving will be sold this week — 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. starting tomorrow. There will be security at the door — just let them know that you are looking for the fixtures.

Previously on EV Grieve:
• Are Kmart's days numbered on Astor Place?

Anthology Film Archives teases a return

Updated 7/17: The theater reopens on Aug. 5!

The Anthology Film Archives has remained closed for in-person screenings since the start of the pandemic in March 2020... continuing to showcase its independent, experimental and avant-garde fare online. 

However, they've added the word "soon" on its entrance here on Second Street at Second Avenue...

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The Anthology's website now lists an August return for in-person screenings and events. (You can support the 51-year-old institution in a variety of ways, including an annual membership and gift cards.)

Most local movie theaters have reopened, except for the Anthology and Metrograph, which is back with in-person attendance on Ludlow Street in September.

Starbucks reduces its hours on Avenue A

Not sure what's going on with the Starbucks on Avenue A at St. Mark's Place... this outpost is now closed on Sundays (seems like a pretty good day for a coffee shop to be open?)

In early July, they changed the hours, moving up the closing time from 6 p.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays ...

Back in May, this location was closed for several weeks without any explanation to customers. 

Starbucks opened at this spot in August 2017.

Thanks to Steven for the photos!

New office building bulks up on Houston

The new office building at 141 E. Houston St. is now in its oh-that-looks-even-larger-than-I-thought-it-would-be phase. 

It has been four (whole!) months since our last post about the 9-story office building here between Eldridge and Forsyth. Back in March, workers had just planted the flag atop the steel structure. 

Lots of progress since then, including the arrival of the window panes... 

Here's a look at the finished product via a rendering from the building's website...

And some marketing background:

From acclaimed architect Roger Ferris, the only new development of its type on the Lower East Side, 141 East Houston is a new frame for viewing the neighborhood. Column-free and unbounded by walls, it reinterprets the area through a bold geometric perimeter of cladding and glass. State-of- the-art workspaces and private terraces reframe expectations, while a well-connected location recasts perspectives. 

With its glass frame and dynamic courtyard running the length of its eastern side, doubling as a second facade, 141 East Houston challenges the distinction between indoors and out.

East End Capital and K Property Group bought the property for $31.5 million in early 2017. The links below provide more background on what has transpired on the site of the former Sunshine Cinema (RIP January 2018).

Previously on EV Grieve: 
• Sunshine Cinema-replacing office building moving forward; demolition watch back on

• Discarded theater seats and goodbyes at the Sunshine Cinema

• The 9-story boutique office building coming to the former Sunshine Cinema space

• A celebratory ad on the purchase of 139 E. Houston St., current home of the Sunshine Cinema

• The boutique office building replacing the Sunshine Cinema will be 'unbounded by walls' with an outdoor space called Houston Alley

❤️❤️ for Hash Halper

People turned out today to pay their respects to Hash Halper at the New York Romantic Memorial Chalk Out in Washington Square Park. 

Halper, the artist known as New York Romantic, drew chalk hearts on the sidewalks around the East Village and other parts of the city these past few years. He had said he felt New York was losing its romance.

And during the day, people had a chance to thank the late artist for all his efforts (photos here by Lola Sáenz)...

He died on June 11. According to published reports, he took his own life by jumping off the Brooklyn Bridge. He was 41.

If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, text TALK to 741741 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources. 

Week in Grieview

Posts this past week included (with a photo of the Springs on Avenue A...) 

• E-cyclist killed by speeding hit-and-run driver on East Houston at Avenue B (Friday) 

• RIP Thomas McIntyre (Thursday) 

• The Ottendorfer Library branch reopens (Tuesday) 

• City offering free grab-and-go meals to New Yorkers in need this summer (Tuesday) 

• One of Amelia and Christo's red-tailed hawk offspring has died (Monday) 

• Classic University Place steakhouse Knickerbocker Bar & Grill is open once again (Tuesday) 

• 5th Street tenants speak out against construction as harassment and lead exposure (Thursday) 

• Evil Katsu bringing the sandos and sets to 9th Street (Thursday)

• Chinatown mainstay Dim Sum Go Go opening an East Village outpost (Thursday) 

• Reader report: Falling tree branch strikes man sitting in Tompkins Square Park (Sunday)

• Retail space on the market at 20 St. Mark's Place (Wednesday) 

• Storm damage: reports of trees and limbs down; Ace Bar's curbside structure collapses (Tuesday) 

• Sale of 109 E. 9th St. made official (Wednesday) 

• Fun City Tattoo expands on St. Mark's Place (Wednesday) 

• Stuyvesant Gourmet Deli announces itself on the corner of Avenue A and 14th Street (Tuesday) 

• The Village Voice said to be restarting a print edition (Monday) 

... and noting...

I think someone was looking for Huggy Bear on Stanton Street. CC: @evgrieve pic.twitter.com/rEHSVnLXMu

— Chris F. (@fnytv) July 10, 2021

---

Follow EVG on Instagram or Twitter for more frequent updates and pics.

Damage to the Love Tree in Tompkins Square Park

One of the storms this past week caused damage to a honey locust tree in Tompkins Square Park.

Dubbed the Love Tree by some Tompkins Square Park regulars/birdwatchers, the honey locust located in the Cherry Grove along Avenue B between Eighth Street and Ninth Street is a favorite hang for Christo, the resident red-tailed hawk ... who through the years has been seen on the branches here with the various hawks in his life (Dora and Nora aka Not Dora) ... including current companion Amelia...

It has also proven to be a romantic spot for the hawks...

Hopefully, the Parks Department's assessment of the storm-damaged Love Tree won't leave Christo heartbroken.

Thanks to Kim Grover for the top photo and to Steven for the other pics and background

Saturday's parting shot

A scene from the LES Culture & Community Day on Avenue B today ... photo by Derek Berg...

Noted

As seen on 12th Street ... "free" and "clean" plastic storage bins... bonus — "COVID free." 

Thanks to Lola Sáenz for the photo...

Police searching for suspect who they say assaulted a 70-year-old woman on 14th Street

Updated 7/13: Police arrested 37-year-old Michael Hensley, who was charged with assault. 

The NYPD is searching for the above suspect for an unprovoked attack on a 70-year-old woman on 14th Street near Second Avenue yesterday morning around 10:30. 

According to police sources and published reports, the man, "who was holding several bags and had a drink in his hand," said nothing as he struck the woman with an unknown object. 

The victim was said to suffer cuts and bruises.

Have you seen this individual? He’s wanted for assaulting an elderly woman. If you have any information, please call us. We need to help finding this individual. pic.twitter.com/KhtzJGgNtK

— NYPD 9th Precinct (@NYPD9Pct) July 10, 2021

Anyone with information that could help in the investigation is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). You may also submit tips online. All calls are strictly confidential.

It's LES Culture & Community Day on Avenue B

The LES Culture & Community Day is happening (today!) from 2-6 p.m. on Avenue B between Eighth Street and Ninth Street. 

A few details via the EVG inbox:

Organized with love by the Lower East Side Community Culture Council with FABnyc. An afternoon of art, performance, song, spoken word, and a neighborhood open photo album; activities for all ages.

Check out this link for details on the activities and a schedule of events. 

Hosted in collaboration with the Loisaida Open Streets Community Coalition.

'Psychic' hotline

 

The new record from the Brisbane, Australia-based indie-pop trio The Goon Sax is out today on Matador Records. (This is the band's third record overall, first for Matador.)

The video here is for "Psychic." 

Fatherly facts: Goon Sax frontman Louis Forster is the son of Robert Forster, co-founder of The Go-Betweens.

EVG Etc.: Cuomo extends street and sidewalk dining; Blondie recalls the 'Rapture' video

First Avenue between the downpours yesterday afternoon 

• The Office of Nightlife at the NYC Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment issues its first report, a 162-page document that includes almost two dozen recommendations for the future (Official release) ... the one-page section on potentially creating 24-hour entertainment districts in the city has received the most attention (Crain's New York ... The Associated Press) 

• Gov. Cuomo says restaurants will be able to use sidewalks and streets for outdoor dining into mid-2022 (Gothamist) 

• More people are returning to NYC, and finding apartments is getting difficult (NBC New York) 

• ICYMI: Eric Adams wins the New York City Democratic mayoral primary (Reaction, analysis: City Limits ... The New Yorker ... Politico) 

• About Mark Levine, the likely next Manhattan Borough President (Gotham Gazette) 

• Rats are overwhelming the Baruch Houses on the Lower East Side (PIX11) 

• An address book from 1997 that belonged to Jeffrey Epstein was originally found on an East Village sidewalk (Insider) 

• The 40th anniversary of Blondie's "Rapture" video (The Post)

... and the free LES Community Music Fest set for East River Park this afternoon will now be at Nublu, 151 Avenue C between Ninth Street and 10th Street ... still free and from 3-7 p.m.

 

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[Updated]: E-cyclist killed by speeding hit-and-run driver on East Houston at Avenue B

A 24-year-old man riding an e-bike was struck and killed in a hit-and-run collision last night on East Houston at the Clinton Street-Avenue B intersection. 

Police sources told ABC 7 that the e-cyclist, identified as Borkot Ullah, was hit while attempting to cross East Houston — from Clinton to Avenue B — around 11 p.m.

The black Subaru Outback was traveling eastbound. The driver did not stop and was later seen heading northbound on the FDR, ABC 7 reports.

Streetsblog reports that Ullah would be the 14th cyclist or e-bike rider killed so far this year.

In previous years, EVG readers have expressed concerns about this intersection.

Updated 1 p.m.

Here's part of the coverage from Gothamist that highlights how dangerous the streets have become thanks to reckless drivers...

The deadly incidents come amid a spike in fatalities on New York City streets. At least 131 people have died in crashes so far this year, the highest total to-date since Mayor Bill de Blasio took office in 2014.

City officials have attributed the growing death toll to a nationwide increase in reckless drivers, who took advantage of empty streets at the height of the pandemic, and have kept up the deadly habit.

An increase in hit-and-run incidents, however, dates back to before the pandemic. According to Transportation Alternatives, there were 36,000 hit-and-run incidents in 2013, compared to an average of 45,000 in the last three years.

Updated 5 p.m.

Streetsblog has surveillance video of the collision. 

A video from the scene showed clearly that the cyclist had the light and that the driver swerved around stopped traffic to run the red light and strike Ullah. After the crash, the driver is seen racing away at a high rate of speed as two cops in an unmarked police car — which was right behind the hit-and-run driver and might have been pursuing the driver before the crash — pulled over to check on the victim.

Streetsblog also has more about Ullah, who was a member of Desis Rising Up and Moving, an undocumented workers' rights group.

There is a GoFundMe campaign set up to help Borkot's family both here and in Bangladesh whom he supported financially through his food delivery work.

Top image via the Citizen app.

A memorial chalk out Sunday in honor of Hash Halper, aka New York Romantic

The family of Hash Halper is inviting his friends and followers to the New York Romantic Memorial Chalk Out in Washington Square Park on Sunday. The chalking will start at 9 a.m. 

Halper, known as New York Romantic, was the artist who helped beautify streets by drawing chalk hearts on the sidewalks around the East Village and other parts of the city. He died on June 11. According to published reports, he took his own life by jumping off the Brooklyn Bridge. He was 41.

It was estimated that Halper drew over 300,000 chalk hearts in downtown NYC since 2014. 

He told The New York Times in February 2018 that he draws the hearts "because he feels New York is losing its romance, with people holding phones instead of looking at each other." 

Halper got his heart start in 2014 while working at Kossar's Bagels & Bialys on Grand Street. "The reason I started drawing hearts all over the city is because I fell in love with a woman."

Despite his desire to spread positivity, he harbored his own struggles, his family told The New York Times in an article published on July 4.

He was recently preparing for a solo exhibition of his work. 

But, his family said, his paintings were destroyed during an altercation with someone who attacked him in his Lower East Side apartment. Rattled by the incident, he took to the streets and was seen two days later walking barefoot in SoHo.

"He didn't tell people that he was troubled because it was dissonant with his public persona," his brother Omkar Lewis said. "He was the heart guy, so he couldn't reveal his problems to the world, because he was the guy carrying other people's pain."

During Sunday's event, his family is also planning on raising awareness of mental health, homelessness and drug abuse.

If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, text TALK to 741741 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources. 

Details on the East Village Swap & Shop on Saturday

The organizers behind Nexus Flea are hosting an East Village Swap & Shop tomorrow. (Saturday!) 

They are billing this as a double event. You can find vendors selling vintage clothes, homemade jewelry, etc., outside 26 First Ave. at Second Street. And across the Avenue at 89 E. Second St., there's a clothing swap. 

Per the Instagram invite ... "How it works: bring clean, gently used clothing (women's or men's) you'd like to donate and take something in exchange from the swap table..." 

Anything left from the swap will be donated to the House of Good Deeds. 

Hours: noon to 6 p.m.