Photos by Kevin Frech
A look at the annual holiday extravaganza at 327 E. Fifth St. between First Avenue and Second Avenue...
Amazing that it's already Dec. 18... and just a week from today is... the release of "Babygirl."
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
The wild project is fundraising to purchase its home on 3rd Street
Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy
The performance venue wild project is looking to secure its future in the East Village with a capital fundraising campaign to purchase its building located at 195 E. Third St., between Avenue A and Avenue B.
I recently met with operations manager Chris Moseley (pictured above) to tour the space and learn more about the campaign called Root Us in the LES.
The 89-seat, ADA-compliant venue stands out with its environmentally conscious features, including solar panels, a rooftop garden, LED lighting and repurposed bamboo risers.
However, if the necessary funds are not raised by February to purchase the $5 million building, the space may be sold to the highest bidder, potentially closing another arts venue in downtown Manhattan.
Since 2007, wild project has hosted over 55,000 patrons and supported more than 12,000 artists through programs like Wild Culture, Sound Stage and MainStage. These initiatives emphasize theater access and outreach for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC artists, offering free or affordable venue space to theater companies supporting 1,200 to 1,500 creators annually.
As NYC's community continues to face rising rents and venue closures, the wild project represents more than just one theater's survival — it's a fight to preserve the spirit of independent arts in the East Village.
I talked with Mosely more about the wild project's prospects and hopes for the future.
Why is it important for the wild project to be able to buy the space, and why now?
The downtown theatre ecosystem cannot afford to lose another space there simply aren't enough left. Earlier this fall, our neighbors at the Connelly Theater were forced to close, putting the community at a serious crossroads.
But the harsh reality is that over the past several years, the theater landscape has experienced devastating losses in affordable space for artists. Local artists can feel this urgency. We need to ensure our legacy in the East Village by providing free and subsidized space to our independent artists and resident companies.
Our capital campaign is called Root Us in the LES because we want artists, patrons, and all our supporters to know we are putting down permanent roots in the community. We have nurtured our theater for so long that planting roots will provide us a solid foundation to serve artists and members of our community for generations to come.
Artistic Director Ana Mari de Quesada, Director Tom Escovar, myself, and our entire staff of technicians and front-of-house employees — we have all lovingly put so much hard work and dedication into wild project. This fast-approaching deadline of February 2025 may seem like a high mountain to climb, but it is achievable with the help of our community!
We are determined to meet our goal and preserve the history and future of the East Village and Lower East Side as welcoming and accessible places for all artists.
How is the wild project involved in the East Village and LES community, and how will this purchase affect the neighborhood in the future?
Beyond being a space for artists, wild project has always been embedded in our neighborhood. We partner with Sixth Street Center's Climate Justice Program to give young people in our community hands-on experience with gardening on our green roof. We host an annual Halloween block party with our small-business partners to provide local families a fun and safe place to celebrate the holiday. We lend our audio equipment to the folks at the Miracle Garden across from us for poetry readings. We host a summer camp in partnership with the Educational Alliance that provides local students from PS 140 with workshops that teach artists about the various aspects of theater to inspire the next generation of artists.
We have this unique opportunity to purchase our building, continue our legacy in the East Village, and keep fostering this community in our corner of New York. If we are unsuccessful and our building is put on the market, another apartment complex of unaffordable housing will likely go up in its place.
How can people help?
Donations to our capital campaign are the most tangible way to help. If just 4,000 people donated $250, we could secure a down payment for an affordable mortgage.
People can also help by spreading the word! By talking to their friends and family about wild project, posting about it on social media — simply telling the people in their lives helps move our story forward.
Openings: Sushi Counter on 12th Street
Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy
Nearly a year after opening Sushi Counter on Christopher Street, owner Alex Marks has expanded to the East Village, opening a new location at 523 E. 12th St., between Avenue A and Avenue B.
According to Marks, EV residents who visited her West Village shop had repeatedly asked her to bring her Aussie-style handrolls to the east side.
So here we are.
Marks loves the neighborhood and wants to serve "high-quality food that's really, really affordable."
"There are a lot of
students and young people in the neighborhood," she said.
The rolls are hefty four-inch cylinders that go for $5 for one or three for $12. There are also special rolls of the month (currently the Volcano, with kani crab, spicy mayo and avocado).
Her shop is gluten-free (Marks has Celiac disease), sesame-free, nut-free, and mostly dairy-free. The miso soup ($3 for a cup) has a splash of dairy, as well as bonito flakes and tuna extract.
It's mostly a grab-and-go operation, though there are several tables for dining in ... where we spotted EVG friend Gutes Guterman.
Hours: Daily from noon to 9 p.m. If you're on Instagram, you can follow Sushi Counter here.
Book-Off will bring its discounted goods to Astor Place
The store, which also has a location on West 45th Street (as well as an anime lab in Brooklyn), is known for its discounted books, DVDs, CDs, video games, video consoles, manga, J-pop, etc. They will also buy the products above.
The 45th Street outpost is three levels. We're not sure how much retail space they're taking here, the previous Vitamin Shoppe.
A sidewalk bridge for the fire-damaged 328 E. 9th St.
Photo by Steven
Workers erected a sidewalk bridge yesterday outside the fire-damaged 328 E. Ninth St.
A fire broke out on the fourth floor this past Saturday. It was a dramatic moment on a busy holiday afternoon as flames shot out of a front-facing window on the block between First Avenue and Second Avenue.
There were no reports of injuries. While the cause has been speculated, we haven't heard anything official from the FDNY.
Several of the residential units are currently uninhabitable. At street level, the two retail shops — an.mé and Pillow-Cat Books — were largely unscathed and have since reopened.
Unfortunately, the same wasn't true for retail neighbor Jane Cookshop. The home goods store sustained major water damage and will be closed indefinitely.
Fans of the business who want to support owner Jen Ro can shop online. Orders placed by 5 p.m. today will be delivered by Dec. 25. People can also pick up orders at East Village Postal, which Jen's parents own on First Avenue.
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
Tuesday's parting shot
Photo by Steven
It was so nice of someone to dump a Pepsi merchandiser refrigerator and propane tank outside the New York City Marble Cemetery on Second Street between First Avenue and Second Avenue.
2 for Tuesday
As seen today on Third Street between Avenue A and Avenue B, a two-fer. (Thanks, Joseph Borduin, for the photo.)
And EV Arrow assisted with pointing out the second tree...
These are likely not leftovers from last year ... and were discarded by someone who wanted a tree this Christmas but was leaving town before the big day.
Housing lottery is underway for 21 apartments in the East Village
Photos via AAFE
Back in March, city officials announced forthcoming "affordable homeownership opportunities" in three refurbished East Village tenements at 406-8 E. 10th St., 533 E. 11th St., and 656 E. 12th St. aka 195 Avenue C.
The lottery to buy a unit in one of these three buildings is now underway. (The application deadline is Feb. 13.)
The minimum-maximum salary ranges from $83,016 to $211,860, depending on the unit size (21 are available). Studio, 2-bed, and 3-bed units cost approximately $260,582 to $386,372.
Details (all caps are theirs!):
These Cooperatives have a 40-year Real Estate Tax Exemption and are available for First-Time Home Buyers. This is a Limited-Equity Cooperative and includes Resale Restrictions based on Income. Occupancy is anticipated in Summer-Fall of 2025. DO NOT miss this opportunity to own your home in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. These gut-renovated, energy-efficient walk-up buildings have available apartments on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th floors. EACH BUYER MUST OCCUPY THE COOPERATIVE AS THEIR PRIMARY RESIDENCE. ANY PROSPECTIVE APPLICANT WHO CURRENTLY OWNS OR PREVIOUSLY HAS PURCHASED A RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY IS NOT ELIGIBLE. Eligible buyers should have 3% of the purchase price available for a down payment. Please note that the quoted sales prices, maximum household income, asset limit, etc., are estimated and are subject to change. Eligible applicants must qualify for NYSAHC and secure a mortgage from one of the pre-qualified lenders.
Asian Americans for Equality developed the project with the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development. It was financed through HPD's Affordable Neighborhood Cooperative Program.
For info on applying, visit this link.
Previously on EV Grieve:
'The Big Gay Jamboree' packs it in early
Photos by Steven
That's all for "The Big Gay Jamboree" at the classic Orpheum Theatre on Second Avenue.
The production, described as "a new comedy trapped inside of a musical," started previews on Sept. 14 ... with an announced run through Jan. 19.
However, the Off-Broadway show ended after Sunday's performance. (There were 15 previews and 88 performances in total.) The crew removed the "Jamboree" equipment yesterday.
We heard good things about the musical, which features a book, music and lyrics by the lead, Marla Mindelle. The show was produced by Margot Robbie's LuckyChap, which also presented Greta Gerwig's blockbuster "Barbie."
The post-"Stomp" life of the Orpheum has included shows by Rachel Bloom and Eddie Izzard, which saw the theater return to its roots in the 1980s and early 1990s when it hosted Off-Broadway productions like Sandra Bernhard's "Without You I'm Nothing," Eric Bogosian's "Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll" and John Leguizamo's "Mambo Mouth."
In 2023, the burlesque "Star Wars" parody "The Empire Strips Back" also closed a month early.
Cookie Puss alert! The Cinnabon/Carvel carb-heaven combo coming to 14th Street
Photo and text by Stacie Joy
ICYMI: The Cinnabon/Carvel combos signage is up at 430 E. 14th St. between Avenue A and First Avenue.
This Dessert Dream Team also has combo outposts in Flatbush and Hollis. Not sure where else!
The shop is currently hiring its "sweet team."
So you have time to get your eatin' pants ready.
Of the 347 Carvel outposts in the United States, 200 are in New York State.
Tom Carvel started the business from an ice cream truck in 1929 ... and he famously narrated the brand's commercials in the 1970s and 1980s...
The retail space — the former Sidewalk Cafe — at 94-96 Avenue A is for lease
Photo by Stacie Joy
A for-rent side now hangs above the retail space at 94-96 Avenue A at Sixth Street.
The Newmark listing notes that this storefront is "prominently located in the East Village dining/nightlife scene."
The monthly rent for the 6,500 square feet of space over two levels is available upon request.
The corner spot has been home to Offside Tavern since spring 2023. This is a new iteration of Offside, which had a three-year run at 137 W. 14th St. until the pandemic-related PAUSE of March 2020. During the NHL season, OT is a hockey bar — specifically for fans of the New York Islanders. They will apparently move on once a new tenant is secured.
August Laura had a brief run at the address, opening in October 2019 ... then a haphazard schedule during the pandemic before finally shutting down in December 2021.
They took over the space from what some people considered an East Village institution — Sidewalk, the restaurant bar and live music venue (home of the Antifolk Festival) that closed in February 2019 after 34 years.
Pini Milstein, who retired, was the principal owner of the building and the operator of Sidewalk. According to public records, Penn South Capital paid $9.6 million for the property in March 2019. The building's new owners added a one-floor extension here in 2020.
Some readers/residents had been hopeful that the post-Sidewalk life of the space would be something more interesting than a charmless, overpriced bistro or another sports bar. Perhaps the third time may be a winner.
Monday, December 16, 2024
A few thoughts on SantaCon 2024
Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy
Phew. Another SantaCon is in the books.
Saturday's edition of the annual pub crawl/alleged charity fundraiser seemed more subdued around the neighborhood — at least during the early and late afternoon, suggesting the raucous tradition might be gradually improving. (One can hope.) Some people blamed the colder weather for the perceived calm outdoors.
NYPD checkpoints and patrols were strategically stationed throughout the East Village. Officers were spotted at key locations, including Ninth Street and Second Avenue, and Avenue A near Fifth Street. Additional officers stood watch outside crowded bars like Solas on Ninth Street, which always serves as an official "Huge Venue," and Downtown Social, arguably the most congested of them all, yet not an official SantaCon destination.
Several venues listed on the official SantaCon map remained sparsely attended. During the peak afternoon hours, Phoenix, located on 13th Street near Avenue A, had just a few patrons. 10 Degrees was similarly quiet.
One NYPD officer commented on the department's vigilance: "We write hundreds of summonses for this event, all for open containers. We receive complaints every year about this event. We're hoping things go smoothly and there are no incidents."
An alert on the Citizen app at about 9:30 p.m. on Stanton and Orchard had the headline, "Man Slashed by Person Wearing Santa Costume." We haven't heard anything further about this incident.
There also appeared to be more "no Santa" signs up on the doors of local establishments (including a neon "Fuck Off" Santa at Joyface on Avenue C and Seventh Street) that want no part of this SantaShow ...
Though not incident-free, the 2024 edition of SantaCon showed signs of being more manageable than in previous years. For some, that may be a holiday miracle in itself.
RIP Steven Englander
Updated: 12/19: ABC No Rio announced this memorial fundraiser in Englander's memory.
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It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the passing of our visionary director, Steven Englander.As many of you knew, Steven was diagnosed with a rare form of lung disease over a decade ago. Despite a successful lung transplant 6 years ago, Steven passed away on Thursday, Dec. 12, comfortable, pain-free, and surrounded by the two things he lived for — his family and the ABC No Rio community.Those who knew Steven were touched by his commitment to the New York City DIY arts community. He helped mold ABC No Rio into a sanctuary for New York activists, artists, and musicians through the simple act of believing that what you had to say was relevant, powerful, and, if given a platform, transformative. Steven dedicated his life to inclusive, community-run art spaces that give voice to oppositional culture, and we will be forever grateful for his work.Not only did Steven's philosophy shape what ABC No Rio became, but he also shaped what it will become. A true visionary for what was possible, Steven began planning and fighting for the creation of a brand-new arts center over 20 years ago. And as a testament to his 'by hook or by crook' mentality and his belief in collective power, it's happening. His dream's realization is underway, with ongoing construction work following July's groundbreaking ceremony.When the new ABC No Rio building opens its doors, Steven's philosophy will once again have a home to flourish and inspire the next generation of DIY art culture.
He was 63.
ABC No Rio's new building is under construction at the site of its previous home on Rivington Street between Suffolk and Clinton on the Lower East Side. There's an expected 2027 reopening date.
Among the tributes...
Englander's passing comes two months after the death of another longtime resident who was intrumental in creating spaces for artists and performers — Cowboy Ray Kelly, sculptor, leader of the Rivington School, and co-founder of the performance space NoSeNo. He died Oct. 12 at age 79.
Openings: Pasta Rullo on 9th Street
Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy
Pasta Rullo is set to debut at 441 E. Ninth St. at Avenue A.
Owners (from left below) Burak Gündübay and Ogün Doğan are first-time restaurateurs who wanted to create a "restaurant-quality pasta as fast-food" option in the neighborhood. (And they say they love pasta.)
You can create your own dishes for dining inside or to go.
The menu starts with four main sauces: bolognese, lemon-ricotta, walnut pesto, and a house-special roasted tomato sauce with herbs and spices. Pasta options are fettuccine and fresh-made gnocchi. Then, add whatever toppings you'd like, such as caramelized onions, truffle oil, sauteed mixed vegetables, etc.
For desserts, there's chocolate fettuccine and tiramisu. You can find the menu here.
The hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 4 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
If you're on Instagram, they have an account here.
50-64 3rd Ave. is going, going...
Here's the latest demolition watch, the view from 11th Street...
Kinsmen Property Group — a joint venture between State Building Group and another Toronto company, Madison Group — bought the walk-up buildings over several years, paying more than $60 million for the parcel. Residences are planned for the space — the site allows for 160,000 square feet of new construction. However, there is no sign of new building work permits just yet.
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