The condo conversion continues at the landmarked Congregation Mezritch Synagogue on East Sixth Street between First Avenue and Avenue A ... construction signage arrived last week, though various crews and contractors have been on the scene dating to the spring...
A reader also noted a few pieces of broken furniture (left in front of the neighboring building) a rusted dumpster with a hole ...
... and discarded prayer books ...
The DOB approved the interior demolition in June. On July 29, the DOB disapproved the following:
CHANGE OF USE, OCCUPANCY, AND EGRESS FROM THE EXISTING CELLAR, 1ST, 2ND & 3RD FLOOR, AND CREATE NEW 4TH FLOOR & 5TH FLOOR, OVER EXISTING ROOF, AS PER PLANS FILED.
As previously noted, the historic building was in bad shape and the congregation has apparently dwindled. Synagogue leaders reportedly signed a 99-year lease with East River Partners worth some $1.2 million. The renovations include a penthouse addition and an elevator. The synagogue will reportedly retain space on the ground floor and basement for their use.
Rabbi Paul (Pesach) Ackerman, the popular longtime rabbi of the synagogue, died in June from complications of pneumonia, The Villager reported. He was 84.
Per this article:
In his final days, Ackerman was instrumental in working out a development deal for the badly deteriorating synagogue building that will revitalize the landmarked structure and also guarantee that space will be reserved there for the synagogue for the next 99 years.
Previously on EV Grieve:
Plan to add condos to historic East Sixth Street synagogue back on
Play spot the potential penthouse atop the East Village synagogue