174-176 First Ave. is now on the market. The asking price for the two buildings between East 10th Street and East 11th Street: $12 million.
Here's the brief Corcoran listing:
This prime East Village asset is comprised of two adjoined mixed use walk-up apartment buildings, with a combined 35.5’ of frontage on First Avenue. The basement and first floors are occupied by 3 unique retail stores. The 176 First Ave building, has rail road style one bedroom apartments on the second, third and fourth floors with east and west exposure. The 174 First Ave building, has rail road style one bedroom apartments on the second and third floors with east and west exposure.
Nothing too alarming about that listing, like, Building will be delivered vacant ... or Plenty of air rights for an ugly condo!... 176 First Ave. is the longtime (since 1904) home of DeRobertis Pasticceria and Caffe, one of our favorite places around. It's our understanding, via city records, that the DeRobertis family still owns the buildings ... (DeRobertis has their in-house bakery in the basement...)
We're not sure at this point what a sale means long-term for the bakery. Regardless, the bakery has been through a lot since 1904 ... From their website:
There are not many Pasticceria and Caffe's that can actually claim four continuous generations of friendly, family service. Our family tradition has survived through all types of conditions such as World War I, the Great Depression, World War II, the fabulous Fifties, the Vietnam War, the recession of the 70's, the boom of the 80's ... With hard work, a determination to provide the finest pastries, cakes and desserts and your patronage, we will continue into the 21st Century.
Read more about the history of DeRobertis on their website.