2025 Construction watch: Barrier Free Living on 2nd Street

Here's a look at the in-progress new state-of-the-art facility for Barrier Free Living at 270 E. Second St. between Avenue C and Avenue D...

The 12-story new building with a twisting façade will be known as "Freedom Village." 

Here's a look at the rendering (which we have posted in the past).

Barrier Free Living works with survivors of domestic violence with disabilities. The new complex will include 75 affordable and supportive apartments for homeless adults needing services and seniors transitioning out of nursing homes. 

Gov. Hochul's office funded $6.9 million for the project in July 2022. Funding for related services and rent support will come from the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative. 

Foundation work for the 65,000-square-foot facility started on the site in the summer of 2023. 

Workers demolished BFL's previous structure here in 2020.

A look at The March Hare, closing on Jan. 31

Photos by Stacie Joy 

Back on Friday, we shared the news that Ilana Wiles was closing The March Hare on Jan. 31. 

She bought the toy store at 321 E. Ninth St. between First Avenue and Second Avenue in April 2022. As Wiles wrote, she bought the shop not only to help the owners who were managing a health crisis but also to help prevent another storefront from going vacant dhring the pandemic. 

She told us last week: "There will be a new shop taking over. We did not want to leave until we knew something was taking its place." 

Until the end of the month, items inside the shop are being marked down...

The Zoltar machine is a rental, and Wiles said the company that owns it would love to find it a home. (And this is NOT the one that used to be outside Gem Spa.)

Also, Zoltar playing cards are available for your own parlor tricks (pan flute and cummerbund NOT included). 

The store is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

As for a possible next iteration of The March Hare, Wiles is keeping her options open — perhaps continuing to exist online or as an occasional pop-up.

ICYMI: Brick Lane Curry House has closed on 2nd Avenue, though a Brick Lane 2.0 is in the works

Photo by Steven 

Here's a December closing we never noted: Brick Lane Curry House shut down at 79 Second Ave. between Fourth Street and Fifth Street.

The modestly priced British-style curry spot had been operating for 23 years from several East Village storefronts, including at 308 E. Sixth St. and 99 Second Ave. 

However, in an Instagram post announcing the closure, ownership hinted at a return, though it's not clear if they mean from this space...

 

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The location in Jersey City is still open... and a new outpost is on the way for Montclair, N.J.

Playing Santa, Arnold Schwarzenegger looks for his magic bag outside Veselka

Crews were set up today outside Veselka on Second Avenue and Ninth Street, filming scenes for Amazon MGM's holiday movie, "The Man With the Bag." 

An EVG reader shared these photos...

... including a quick shot of Arnold Schwarzenegger in costume as — Santa Claus...

The plot for the action comedy, per IMDB: "When Santa's magic bag is stolen, he turns to his naughty list to find Vance, a former thief, to help him get it back." 

Production trucks were also set up along Tompkins Square Park today. 

Veselka, whose location credits include "Ocean's 8," will be closed today. 

 

Previously on EV Grieve:

• Arnold Schwarzenegger filming Amazon MGM's holiday movie 'The Man With the Bag' in the East Village

Report: The late Gary Indiana’s personal library and collection destroyed in L.A. wildfires

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Gary Indiana, the East Village-based novelist, playwright and critic, died this past October at age 74. 

Now comes word via Colm Tóibín in the London Review of Books that Indiana's library and archive that arrived in Los Angeles early last week have been destroyed in the wildfires that have devastated parts of the city. 

Read the article here.

First Look: Rendering reveal for new residential building at 1st Avenue and 2nd Street

We finally have a rendering reveal for the new residential building coming to the NW corner of First Avenue and Second Street ...

There are now approved (as of early December) work permits for the 7-story residential building with ground-floor retail here at 88 E. Second St. 

According to DOB paperwork, the building will be 19,278 square feet, with 2,994 square feet designated for commercial space. Plans call for 22 residential units, likely rentals based on the square footage.

Here's a closer look at the rather blurry rendering on the plywood...
 

This EVG post provides more background on the former 33-37 First Ave assemblage.

Revamps: Íxta turning Japanese-Brazilian at 299 Bowery

After two-plus years, Íxta has closed for a revamp here at 299 Bowery between Houston and First Street.

The restaurant serving a menu of southern Mexican and Oaxacan dishes closed last week. The door signage explains that they will reopen next month at Kobano, a Japanese-Brazilian restaurant.

Previously at this location, Daniel Boulud closed DBGB in August 2017 after an eight-year run.

Amor y Amaro returns to its original 6th Street home

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy

Amor y Amargo, the celebrated bar dedicated to bitters and Italian Amari, has returned to its original home at 443 E. Sixth St. at Avenue A. 

Beverage director Sother Teague made the announcement on Instagram on Friday... after teasing a recent renovation inside the space. 

Here's a look at the under-renovation bar from the other week...

Amor y Amargo from Overthrow Hospitality opened in 2011 and moved into the corner space at 95 Avenue A in the fall of 2020 before closing at the end of 2023. 

As for that storefront with the mixing store and bar ... paper now covers the windows...

Overthrow's Ravi DeRossi said they are considering various options for this spot, including moving Avenue B's Soda Club here.

A quick look at tonight's CB3's SLA agenda

Photo of 103 E. 2nd St. by Stacie Joy 

There are a modest number of applicants on tonight's CB3 SLA committee meeting agenda. However, at least one applicant may provide some fireworks. 

Here's a look at some East Village applications... 

• Momofuku Noodle Bar (Momofuku 171 First Avenue LLC), 171 1st Ave (upgrade to op) 

Momofuku is looking to expand its license to full liquor. 

• Meama Cafe & Restaurant (Meama LLC), 78 2nd Ave (wb) 

A Georgian restaurant is in the works for the former Nomad space between Fourth Street and Fifth Street. Questionnaire here.

• At Cave (At Cave LLC), 103 E 2nd St (op) 

An Asian-fusion restaurant called At Cave is looking to take over a vacant retail space at 103 E. Second St., between Avenue A and First Avenue. A questionnaire can be found at this link.

• Freedom for Ukraine LLC, 136 2nd Ave (op) 

A corporate change and a new liquor license are on the agenda for Brasserie Saint Marc on Second Avenue between St. Mark's Place and Ninth Street. However, the owners will remain the same. 

Meanwhile, as the flyer above shows, neighbors have complained about noise coming from what they claim is an unauthorized space in the back of the property. The applicants were also on the November docket, and the conversation became heated — to the point that CB3 District Manager Susan Stetzer said she would call the police if the applicant didn't leave. (You can watch the video starting at the two-hour-and-nine-minute mark here.) 

The applicant ended up withdrawing the application over a disagreement about stipulations. 

• Banshee (Entity to be Formed), 143 1st Avenue (North Store) (op) 

Jennifer Murphy (you might know her from the International) is developing a new concept for this former smoke shop. We covered it here. Jason of the Immigrant is a partner in the project.

Alterations

• Sugar Mouse (Sugar Mouse LLC), 47 3rd Ave (op/method of operation: extend Friday-Saturdays hours to 3am) 

• Motel No Tell (Alphabet City Group LLC), 210 Ave A (op/method of operation: extend hours to 2am Sunday-Wednesday, extend hours to 3am Thursday-Saturday, add DJ) New Liquor License Applications 

Tonight's meeting is at 6:30. The Zoom link is here. This is a hybrid meeting, and limited seating is available for the public—the first 15 people who show up at the Community Board 3 Office, 59 E. Fourth St., between Second Avenue and the Bowery.

Sunday's parting shot

Photo by Stacie Joy 

That's a wrap on Chipping Weekend, the MulchFest grand finale in city parks this weekend... including in Tompkins Square Park. 

There are now mounds of freshly shredded Christmas trees for the taking... you can use some to make a winter bed for a street tree, among other uses.

Week in Grieview

Posts this last week include (with a photo by Derek Berg on 2nd Avenue) 

• Why School for the Dogs abruptly closed in the East Village (Tuesday) 

• Tompkins Square Park upgrades: When will the field house and restrooms reopen? (Monday) 

• Reader report: Car crashes into Blink Fitness on Avenue A; driver flees (Monday) 

• Reflections on owning and closing The March Hare on 9th Street (Friday) 

• These 3 East Village venues are hosting concerts to benefit L.A. wildfire relief efforts (Saturday) ... Both Emma locations accepting clothing donations (Sunday) 

• Barn fire temporarily KOs a Tompkins Square Park Greenmarket favorite (Sunday) 

• Signs of construction life at former East Village parking garage that will yield to condos (Wednesday) 

• What are they now? The fate of several unlicensed cannabis shops in the East Village (Monday) 

• About the free activities for people 60+ at the John Paul II Friendship Center on 7th Street (Wednesday)

• Sunday Morning will sell cinnamon rolls every day of the week on Avenue B (Tuesday)

• 2025 development watch: 360 Bowery, future home of Chobani House (Friday) 

• Openings Fomo Momo on First Avenue (Friday) ... Sinsa on 2nd Avenue (Friday)

• Signage alert: Alison on St. Mark's Place (Monday) 

• Core workout: New building prep on 1st Avenue and 2nd Street (Wednesday)

•  Some history of a now-vanished 3rd Avenue block (Sunday)

• Coffee at the Holiday Cocktail Lounge (Wednesday) 

• Where to still find a curbside dining structure on the Lower East Side (Friday)

• Arnold Schwarzenegger filming Amazon MGM's holiday movie 'The Man With the Bag' in the East Village (Sunday) 

Barn fire temporarily KOs a Tompkins Square Park Greenmarket favorite

Photo by Steven 

Samascott Orchards, a regular presence at the Tompkins Square Park Greenmarket on Sundays, suffered a barn fire this past week (Jan. 7) on their Columbia County farm.

While everyone is OK, their property suffered extensive damage, and the sellers of apples, strawberries, potatoes, ciders, and more will not attend any greenmarkets until further notice.

 

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[SEE UPDATE]You can donate clothes to victims of the L.A. wildfires at the 2 LES locations of Rogue

1/13 update: Due to an overwhelming response, Rogue will no longer accept donations...

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The two outposts of Rogue are accepting gently used clothing donations through Friday to help Los Angeles residents affected by the wildfires. 

You can make donations (shirts, pants and hoodies of all sizes are ideal) at either location of the vintage clothing store from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.: 

 • 154 Allen St. between Stanton and Rivington 

 • 313 E. Houston St. between Clinton and Attorney

Arnold Schwarzenegger filming Amazon MGM's holiday movie 'The Man With the Bag' in the East Village tomorrow

Photos by Steven 

Crews for Amazon MGM's holiday movie, "The Man With the Bag," will film in parts of the East Village tomorrow.

We've spotted filming notices along Avenue A from Seventh Street to 10th Street... and St. Mark's Place, Ninth Street, and 10th Street between First Avenue and Second Avenue...

The plot for the action comedy, per IMDB: "When Santa's magic bag is stolen, he turns to his naughty list to find Vance, a former thief, to help him get it back." 

Arnold Schwarzenegger plays Santa and "Reacher"'s Alan Ritchson is Vance. (The production has been filming around NYC in recent weeks.) 

And thinking about other large-scale shoots in the neighborhood in the last 30+ years... Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson filming on Avenue A and Tompkins Square Park for 1995's "Die Hard With a Vengeance."

   

Also, Keanu Reeves and Al Pacino at Most Holy Redeemer on Third Street for 1997's "The Devil's Advocate" ... and Sean Penn and Nicole Kidman on 10th Street/Stuyvesant Street for 2005's "The Interpreter." What else?

Saturday's parting shot

Photo by Stacie Joy 

Meet Bash, the new puppy that belongs to Will Kroeze, pastor at Trinity Lower East Side...

These 3 East Village venues are hosting concerts to benefit L.A. wildfire relief efforts

Three East Village music venues are hosting benefit concerts on Jan. 27-29. Proceeds will benefit L.A. wildfire relief. 

Details via Instagram: 

The New York music scene is coming together to raise funds for the fallout caused by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires. Taking place January 27th through 29th, this event promises to be an unmissable convergence of music and community action.

Each night's ticket proceeds will go directly to mutual aid efforts providing resources, support, and relief to those affected by the fires. In addition to live music, there will be DJ sets, tattoos, raffles, and more. Full lineup TBA. Any ticket purchased will be honored at all venues day of show, capacity allowing. 

The venues:

• Berlin, 25 Avenue A 

• The Bowery Electric, 327 Bowery 

• Heaven Can Wait, 169 Avenue A 

Ticket info here.

Reminders: It's Chipping Weekend

Tree escapee caught on 14th Street

In case you missed our previous posts on the topic, Chipping Weekend (aka MulchFest) is happening in Tompkins Square Park. 

The Parks Department will mulch up the assembled Christmas trees from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today and tomorrow. 

You may take a bag of mulch home "to use in your backyard or make a winter bed for a street tree."

Danny & Coop's Cheesesteaks is open today (Saturday)

Danny & Coop's is back this weekend for another pop-up, opening today at noon. (They opened yesterday at 5 p.m., in case you were wondering about the line around the block.) 

As previously reported, actor-filmmaker Bradley Cooper teamed up with Danny DiGiampietro, the owner of Angelo's Pizzeria in South Philadelphia, for the venture at 151 Avenue A between Ninth Street and 10th Street. 

And Philly cheesesteaks are the only thing on the menu (aside from maybe sodas and bottled water). 

Now with signage, the shop is expected to open full-time in the weeks ahead. 

Previously on EV Grieve: 

• A warmup (with lines) for Danny & Coop’s Cheesesteaks on Avenue A

'Sunset' now

 

Local band Rebounder is working on a new album... and heading out on a short tour with JW Francis.

Rebound plays at Public Records out in Gowanus (tickets here) this coming Thursday (Jan. 16). They'll be on around 9 p.m.

The above video is for the band's most recent single, "Sunset Vision."

Reflections on owning and closing The March Hare on 9th Street

Photo by Ilana Wiles 

In April 2022, writer Ilana Wiles bought The March Hare at 321 E. Ninth St. between First Avenue and Second Avenue... taking over the whimsical toy store from the founders, who had to step aside for health reasons. 

The shop was around the corner from where Wiles, the founder of the blog Mommy Shorts, and her family lived. 

Wiles has announced that The March Hare is closing on Jan. 31.

"There will be a new shop taking over," she told EVG in a message. "We did not want to leave until we knew something was taking its place."

In her newsletter, Apparently, Wiles, who now lives in Tribeca, wrote about what brought her to this point.

Here are some excerpts: 

I knew this day would come eventually (I was anticipating some time in the spring), but as it turns out, our last day in this location will be January 31st. That’s because we decided to go month to month until the landlord found new tenants and he happened to find them rather quickly, which is a testament to how much different this block feels than when we first took over The March Hare a little over two and half years ago, in an effort to keep our neighborhood from having another small business with a closing sign on the door and cardboard covering the windows. The eagerness of the new tenants symbolizes to me that the March Hare has served its purpose, we fulfilled our promise to keep it going for the good of the community, and it has all come to its natural end. 

When we bought the shop in April of 2022, we did it for three reasons. The first, and most pressing, was to help out the previous owners who were a young married couple [Jason McGroarty and Karen McDermott] facing a health scare. They needed consistent capital to pay for their medical bills, which the toy shop did not provide. Selling the shop to us did just that. 

Plus, we let them phase out their inventory while still collecting income, helped fundraise for them through my online platform, and were happy to have them stay involved through part-time work for a paycheck. Since then, Karen's health has vastly improved and she is doing great. Jason now has a full-time job and has moved on. Everyone is happy and healthy.

The third reason [for buying The March Hare], which was probably the biggest ... was our desire to do something good for our community ... It was post-pandemic, and it felt like our city was falling apart. Families we knew were leaving left and right, mom-and-pop shops were closing at an alarming rate with nothing taking their place, and personally, we were feeling pretty isolated, as a lot of people were at that time. It was a time when we were rethinking our priorities and eager to make positive changes. 

Everyone said that buying the March Hare was a bad business decision, but we countered that it wasn’t about the money. It was about the community. And that’s how I elicited support from you all— buying something from the shop was not just a way to support me, it was a way to help keep small businesses alive in Manhattan. 

But then, something pretty wonderful happened over the course of these last few years— new shops started to open all around us on East 9th Street ... East 9th Street between 1st and 2nd Avenue is now a thriving block full of unique independent small businesses, so asking for support to help the March Hare stay open “for the good of the community” started to feel a bit disingenuous. The March Hare was just like any other business — it needed sales for our bottom line, which never did more than break even. 

I have always said that buying the shop was for the community. I meant NYC. But you showed me that my real community is so much broader than my neighborhood. We come from all over the world. I love you all. Thank you for supporting me through this chapter. 

The March Hare opened in November 2020. It carried on the tradition of Dinosaur Hill, the 37-year-old toy store on the block where Karen McDermott had worked. Dinosaur Hill closed in 2020 after owner Pamela Pier retired. 

As for a possible next iteration of The March Hare, Wiles is keeping her options open — perhaps continuing to exist online or as a pop-up.