IBM officially opens its Watson division at 51 Astor Place today

[Photo via @IBM back in January when it was stupid cold out]

That's right, IBM opens its new business unit surrounding its "Jeopardy"-ass-kicking super computer at 51 Astor Place — aka the IBM Watson Building.

According to New York Business Journal last evening, this marks "a milestone in the company's $1 billion effort to monetize its cognitive computing power and remake its image for a new era."

The article also notes that 600 employees have moved into the 120,000-square-foot space. You can read more about their offices here. (They have an incubator!)

We're sure we'll see the gang at the Grassroots later. $1 off pints; $2 off pitchers for happy hour!

Previously on EV Grieve:
My dear Watson: 51 Astor Place is now the IBM Watson building

Meanwhile at the IBM Watson building, the Jeff Koons rabbit sculpture has arrived for the lobby

Reader report: The Cock won't be moving into Idle Hands

As previously noted, The Cock was looking to move from Second Avenue to 25 Avenue B, into the current home of Idle Hands.

This item went before CB3's SLA committee on Monday night.

Several EVG readers in attendance noted that Allan Mannarelli, an owner of The Cock, decided to withdraw the application when it became clear that the committee was going to issue a denial. Several residents apparently spoke out against the application, including members of the East 4th Street A/B Block Association.

We understand the fact that he was a managing member of the quaint former establishment called Superdive wasn't lost on residents.

Paperwork on file with CB3 (PDF!) showed that The Cock was planning on taking both floors of the Idle Hands space. No word on what might happen next to Idle Hands.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Lower Avenue B residents meeting tonight to discuss the Cock (25 comments)

If you'd like some free tickets to the CBGB Music & Film Festival

The 2014 CBGB Music & Film Festival gets underway tomorrow.

And festival organizer Tim Hayes passed along 50 free pairs of tickets for EVG readers. (Thank you Tim!)

UPDATED: We've reached the 50-pair limit!

Here's what you have to do to receive a pair: Mention EV Grieve (or, if you wish, "EV Grieve") and RSVP to this email for the free pair of tickets.

And please specify one of the following events that you'd like to attend:

Wednesday – Oct. 8

• U2, Bob Dylan, & The Killers producer, Daniel Lanois & The Modern School of Film Present: Flesh And Machine...The Films @ Landmark Sunshine Cinema, 6 pm

• An Evening with Dirty South: Screening, Q&A, and Album Listening Party Cocktail Reception @ Landmark Sunshine Cinema – 8:30 pm.

Thursday – Oct. 9

• Billy Idol, Duff McKagan’s Walking Papers, Ex-Cops & The Skin Festival HQ Launch Event @ Center 548 – doors at 6 pm.

Friday – Oct. 10

• Adam Horovitz, aka AD-ROCK, of the Beastie Boys, hosts anniversary screening of “Up In Smoke” @ Village East Cinema – 4:20 pm.

• Music Talks With Open Bar Featuring: Galadrielle Allman, Erin Davis & Vince Wilburn Jr., and Stephen Trask @ Helen Mills Theater – 6 pm to 8:30 pm.

• Exclusive Film Clips with Michael Alago & Duff McKagan
Village East Cinema – 9:30 pm to 11:30 pm.

• Hardcore DEVO Live! Film Premiere with DEVO members Gerald V. Casale & Mark Mothersbaugh doing a Q&A @ Village East Cinema – 7 pm.

Head to the 2014 CBGB Music & Film Festival website for more details on these events.

The Yaffa mural returns to view

EVG reader bayou happened by 97 St. Mark's Place this morning to see that workers have removed the Google ad that had been covering the Yaffa mural the past three-plus weeks...



Just in time for the restaurant to be permanently closed.

EVG reader Allen Semanco also shared photos...



... and he notes that workers are touching up the mural...



Previously on EV Grieve:
A Google ad now covers the iconic Yaffa Cafe mural on St. Mark's Place

Yaffa Cafe will be back, though likely without its backyard garden

Yaffa Cafe is officially gone; back garden dismantled

More about Yaffa Cafe closing

Local pols blast 7-Eleven for blocking order to remove noisy refrigeration unit at 170 Avenue A

[File photo via the No 7-Eleven Blog]

From the EVG inbox yesterday afternoon…

Today, a group of elected officials and community groups blasted 7-Eleven for being a bad neighbor and demanded they drop the October 7, 2014 appeal of a Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) order to cease using a noisy ground-level refrigeration unit in the East Village. The refrigeration unit at 7-Eleven’s 170 Avenue A store has been tormenting neighbors for over a year and violates the City’s noise code.

Since the refrigeration unit was installed in September 2013, residents of adjoining 502 East 11th Street have been driven from their bedrooms by the unit’s constant grinding, clicking and vibrating. Residents have secured multiple DEP noise violations against 7-Eleven, which culminated in the agency issuing a cease and desist order for the unit last month. 7-Eleven has chosen to fight the order at the City’s Environmental Control Board rather than fixing or disabling the offending unit.

Senator Hoylman (D, WFP – Manhattan) said: “This is an outrage. It’s like living in a wind tunnel. Neighbors can’t get a good night’s sleep thanks to 7-Eleven and its noisy refrigeration unit at 170 Avenue A. I demand 7-Eleven to fix or disable the refrigeration unit and drop their appeal immediately.”

Hoylman continued: “This case is a perfect example of how the incursion of franchises like 7-Eleven have hurt the quality of life in the East Village. It’s sad they can’t be trusted to be good neighbors.”

Council Member Rosie Mendez said: "Since NYC is a city that never sleeps, 7-Eleven believes that translates into the fact that it can disrupt its neighbors quality of life of 24/7. If 7-Eleven wants to operate a 24 hour business in NYC and in our community, then act like good neighbors by dropping the appeal and fixing the HVAC unit that is located only 2-3 feet from the rear windows."

Maria Rosenblum, a resident of 502 East 11th Street, said: “Having this refrigeration unit next to my apartment windows has been a living a nightmare. The constant noise and vibrations prevents our daughter from doing her homework and prevents me from doing my own work; I'm a freelance film editor and I work from home. At night we all have trouble sleeping and have had to all camp out on the floor of our living room, my husband, daughter and I. We have all been uprooted and our bedrooms are useless. 7-Eleven is destroying my home, my neighbors’ homes and our neighborhood.”

Gigi Li, Chair of Community Board 3, said: “Community Board 3 thanks Senator Hoylman for working with residents and the Community Board for almost a year to try to remedy this illegal installation that has been a nightmare for the neighbors. 7-Eleven has shown blatant disregard for their negative impact on neighbors by appealing the cease and desist order. They have moved into our community without concern of being a good neighbor and contributing to our community.”

Previously on EV Grieve:
3 new AC units at incoming 7-Eleven prompts Partial Stop Work Order

A WHOOSHING AC unit update: 'We are roundly being ignored by 7-Eleven and Westminster NYC'

Report: 7-Eleven's AC units have forced residents from their bedrooms on Avenue A & East 11th St.

Pricing and interior shots of the 'intimate new development' at 277 E. 7th St.

[Photo from early September]

The new luxury building going up at 277 E. Seventh St. near Avenue D has been one of the noisier construction projects around, according to neighbors who have endured months of early morning and weekend work.

Meanwhile, a reader pointed us to a 277 website with some more interior shots and pricing for the six-unit building.

Here's the final rendering...



And oh boy the pitch...

This intimate new development presents a bold alliance of concepts and materials. The neutral concrete façade incorporates the pewter patina of weathered zinc panels arranged in a vertical “reveal” pattern with glass curtain walls and balconies facing north and south, framed in architectural stainless steel mesh. The result is a contextually and thoughtfully designed newcomer to the heart of the East Village’s vibrant and diverse neighborhood, best known as the birthplace of the Beat Generation poets, experimental theater and music and the post modern art movement.

Nestled amongst pastel-hued townhouses, old world walk-ups and nods to loft living like the Flower Box Building, and just moments from Tompkins Square Park on one of the neighborhood’s prettiest tree-lined corridors, 277 East 7th Street’s six select residences range from a one bedroom, one bath with private garden to two bedroom, two baths with balconies and, for the two penthouses, the bonus of a private roof deck with dramatic Manhattan skyline views.

The website currently shows two availabilities — a 1,300-square foot residence with two bedrooms and two shitters bathrooms for $1.75 million ... and Penthouse 1 for $2.05 million.

Here are some more renderings/photos...

The garden!



The roof deck!



A living room!



Architect Joseph Eisner of Eisner Design, along with development partner Steve Ferguson, created the building.

Previously on EV Grieve:
The next sliver of space for development: The parking lot at 277 Seventh St.

Seventh Street parking lot destined to become 6-floor apartment building

A look at the dwindling number of East Village lots

[Updated] At Empellón al Pastor, with graffiti on the outside and Charles Bukowski on the inside

[Photo Sunday by Richard Kopperdahl]

Work continues on the exterior of Empellón al Pastor, the bar meets tortilleria opening soon on Avenue A and St. Mark's Place.

Not sure exactly what's going on out here… a graffiti tribute of sorts…





Meanwhile, as Eater pointed out yesterday, the interior includes a wall adorned with a Charles Bukowski quote …


[Via Instagram]

The third restaurant from Alex (Empellón Cocina, Empellón Taqueria) Stupak is expected to open soonish.

Updated 10-8

Workers installed the new awning yesterday...





Previously on EV Grieve:
[Updated] Chef Alex Stupak vying for former Sushi Lounge space on Avenue A and St. Mark's Place

As the for rent signs turn on Avenue A

Here are a few scant details about chef Alex Stupak's new venture on St. Mark's Place

CB3 OKs liquor license for Alex Stupak's new restaurant on St. Mark's Place

More about Empellón al Pastor, opening this fall on Avenue A and St. Mark's Place

Report: Aside from complaining neighbor, Yaffa Cafe endured a 9-hour DOH inspection

[EVG photo from February]

More details have emerged about the closing of Yaffa Cafe at 97 St. Mark's Place.

In a Facebook post last week, the folks at Yaffa said, "The city closed our garden, one of our not friendly neighbours complained to the building department, and they came and put 35 families out of work."

In an interview yesterday with DNAinfo's Lisha Arino, Yaffa manager Ron Ramati elaborated.

As previously reported, Yaffa was hit with the double whammy of a DOH temporary closure as well as a notice to discontinue use of their backyard garden.

To DNA:

Ramati ... said he was puzzled by the timing of a recent health inspection, as well as a partial vacate order the city slapped on his backyard dining area, since the patio had been in use for decades and advertised publicly by the restaurant.

“Suddenly, after 31 years, it’s illegal?” Ramati said.

Ramati said the combination of the fines and the ban on using the 100-seat backyard space, leaving only 75 seats inside, meant the longtime restaurant could no longer stay in business.

As for the inspection...

Ramati also complained that the inspector also spent nine hours at a restaurant, a move he found unusual, he said.

“I’ve never seen ever the health department being there for nine hours and being so vicious and rude,” he said, explaining that the inspector spoke "very brutally" to the kitchen and wouldn't let staff serve meals to customers.

If you're not Yaffa-ed out, then you can check out this essay at Brooklyn Magazine. "[I]n the midst of the bank construction and the influx of NYU frat bros, there was a shining light: The Yaffa Cafe."

Previously on EV Grieve:
A Google ad now covers the iconic Yaffa Cafe mural on St. Mark's Place

Yaffa Cafe will be back, though likely without its backyard garden

Yaffa Cafe is officially gone; back garden dismantled

More about Yaffa Cafe closing

The changing of the facade at 9 Bleecker St.

Signage is up now at the former longtime home of the Yippies here near the Bowery.

The new tenant, Overthrow, named for one of the countercultural newspapers that the Yippies published here, aims to be a boxing gym/training facility.

This past week, Throwback NYC partner Joey Goodwin, aka "the Soho Kid," a Golden Gloves contender, sent us information about the club's Indiegogo campaign (looking to raise $50k).

The crowdfunding page includes a lot of details about what to expect from the space, such as:

Overthrow New York will create a brand and a flagship location, which offers a high intensity anaerobic workout based on classes using boxing as a foundation. overthrow nyc provides a base for those in need of a high intensity work out in an equally cool and historical venue.

Stemming off of the neighborhood’s long history, Overthrow New York will take cues from CBGBs, the Bowery, underground boxing fight club Friday Night Throwdown, and 9 Bleecker street’s own rich counterculture history.

The club

The main level at Overthrow is the first impression for both the fascinated taste-maker and the intrigued passerby. The walls are adorned with framed counterculture and underground posters celebrating the activist history of 9 Bleecker and the punk scene on the Bowery. The main floor will feature the boxing club which will include a branded ring, unique heavy bags and one of a kind speed bags. This area will allow members to check in for group class, shop the Overthrow New York retail concept, grab a juice, or workout with a private trainer.

The locker rooms

Overthrow New York's locker rooms allow members to change and shower before or after their workout. The steamed glass wall dividing the men's locker room from the women's locker room makes for one of the cities sexiest yet grittiest bathrooms.

According to the Indiegogo campaign, the Overthrow folks are currently pitching "Off the Bowery," a television show about the building, concept and team, to production companies.

After a protracted legal battle, the Yippies had to vacate their home of 41 years this past Jan. 17.

Previously on EV Grieve:
The Yippie Museum Cafe is in financial trouble

The Yippie Museum Cafe will reopen next Wednesday

A bad sign at the Yippie Museum

Last day for the Yippies at No. 9 — for now

Fights of a different kind coming to 9 Bleecker St., longtime home of the Yippies

About Overthrow NYC, the boxing gym coming to the former home of the Yippies at 9 Bleecker St.

Learn the history of the NYC greenmarket program tonight

[Greenmarket guy Barry Benepe]

From the EVG inbox…

Greenmarkets: A Presentation by Barry Benepe
Tonight 6:30-8
Church of St. Brigid, 119 Avenue B at East Eighth Street
Free! Reservations required

In 1976, planner and architect Barry Benepe co-founded the Greenmarket program in New York City with a fellow planner, Bob Lewis. Their open air farmers markets offered a solution to two pressing problems: regional farmers were struggling to make a living and losing farmland to development, and New York City consumers had a hard time finding good, fresh produce.

Barry will join GrowNYC and the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation to discuss the history and development of several iconic open air farmers markets, including the Union Square Greenmarket, Tompkins Square Greenmarket and the Saint Mark’s Church Greenmarket.

To register, please call (212) 475-9585 ext. 35 or email rvsp@gvshp.org

Let the 'Twin Peaks' references commence

Outside Everyman Espresso on East 13th Street near Third Avenue.

Earlier today, David Lynch and Showtime announced that they will air nine new episodes of "Twin Peaks" in 2016… coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the show's demise after two seasons on ABC in 1990 and 1991.

Dear Twitter Friends… it is happening again. http://t.co/r0l9rhK4eB #damngoodcoffee

— David Lynch (@DAVID_LYNCH) October 6, 2014

Excuse me — a DAMN fine cup of coffee…

Noted

Tompkins Square Park this morning

The Whitehouse Hostel has closed for good on the Bowery

As we first reported on Sept. 2, a sign appeared on the front door at 338-340 Bowery pointing out that the Whitehouse Hostel was no longer accepting reservations …


[EVG file photo]

Given that hotelier Sam Chang had sold the property, there was not going to be anything temporary about this closure. (Public documents point to The Renatus Group, a Greenwich, Conn.-based privately held real estate investment firm, as the new owner.)

Sure enough. The Whitehouse announced the permanent closure on Facebook back on Sept. 12. (No mention of the closure on the Whitehouse website.)



Plans were filed in April to "convert 4-story lodging house into a 9-story hotel," according to DOB records. The city disapproved the plans again on Sept. 9, records show.

It's not clear if the Whitehouse would be demolished for the new hotel, or if new floors would be dropped on top of the existing structure.

Previously on EV Grieve:
More tenant meetings for White House residents; plus the bed bugs will be exterminated

Another round of plans to convert the Whitehouse Hostel on the Bowery into a 9-floor hotel

The Whitehouse Hostel on the Bowery is 'temporarily closing down'

137 Avenue C, hollow on the inside

The inside of 137 Avenue C just south of East Ninth Street is pretty much gone…



As previously reported, there's a building-wide gut renovation underway (obviously), which will see the addition of an extra floor all via architect Ramy Issac.

The renovations include shoring up the exterior wall … which resulted in the (temporary) destruction of the sliver of a garden to the south of No. 137...





As we understand it, the regulars who tend to the garden are unfazed by the construction. They were made aware of it and plan to restock the garden once the work is complete next door.

One last note. The ground-floor space was previously home to the Sunburnt Cow, which closed on April 27 after 11 years.

There is a potential new tenant for this storefront. An attorney for the applicant had filed paperwork with CB3 for the October SLA committee meeting, accidentally citing 137 Avenue A on the paperwork. (Result of the confusion is here.) The applicant subsequently withdrew for the October agenda.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Renovations in store for 137 Avenue C, home to the Sunburnt Cow

The Sunburnt Cow closes for good at the end of this month

Centre-fuge Cycle 15 is ready for viewing on East 1st Street

Here is the now-complete Centre-fuge Cycle 15, the rotating outdoor gallery/construction trailer here along East First Street between First Avenue and Second Avenue.









Artists represented in Cycle 15 are Basil, Dasic, Martalicia Matarrita, Miss Zukie, Mr. Prvrt, Object and Sest2. For more information on each artist, go here.

Find more info about Centre-fuge here.

As BoweryBoogie noted, Centre-fuge received a one-year extension last year to continue through 2014. Its fate for 2015 is uncertain at this point. Updated: They are now confirmed for 2015.

People behind Gestations still pretending to be opening a bar for pregnant women on Avenue A

From the EVG inbox from Friday evening…

Hi EVgreive,

People seem to have forgotten their Lamaze techniques and are panicking over the opening of our bar, Gestations.

In light of this recent media coverage, we thought we’d take this opportunity to give you a better idea of where we’re coming from.

Just like any other bar, Gestations’ only objective is to provide a specific segment of the population a place to gather, relax and socialize.

We are not advocating reckless behavior in any way — that is the responsibility of each individual — simply seeking only to provide a judgment-free place where people can congregate and enjoy a drink or two.

We’d love for you to learn more and get to know us a little better before passing any judgments and encourage you do so on Facebook, Twitter or [redacted] for exclusive photos, information, and the latest on bars like us.

Cheers,
Gestations Bar

The broker for the storefront told us that the building's landlord rented the space for the sign for a month. (You have a few weeks left to enjoy.) The bar's supposed opening date is Oct. 25.

The storefront at 72 Avenue A at East Fifth Street remains on the market. According to the active listing, the asking price is $7,800.

Previously on EV Grieve:
No, 'NYC's first bar for pregnant women' isn't opening on Avenue A

Espresso for kids?

Closed for renovation signs remain up on the door of Au Breve Espresso, which closed back in early August here in the retail space of Cooper Union's 41 Cooper Square building.

Meanwhile, the Philip Berley Preschool of the Arts next door has co-opted the space… looks as if they made their own little cafe for the kids…

Dojo Izakaya announces itself on Avenue B

Signage is now up at Dojo Izakaya, which the Post described as "a Japanese gastropub."

It is the latest restaurant from chef David Bouhadana, who opened Sushi Dojo in June 2013 on First Avenue.

No word on an opening date here yet.

Cafe Rakka, the previous tenant here at 38 Avenue B near East Third Street, apparently got Cromanated last November.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Chef David Bouhadana looking to open Dojo Izakaya in former Cafe Rakka space on Avenue B

From Cafe Rakka to Dojo Izakaya on Avenue B

Week in Grieview

[Photo yesterday by Luke on Seventh]

The Bowery Mission needs donations (Monday)

A sneak preview of the Westside Market, opening soon on Third Avenue (Thursday)

No, 'NYC's first bar for pregnant women' isn't opening on Avenue A (Monday)

What's going on with the former Mary Help of Christians property? (Tuesday)

The expanding Jehovah's Witnesses on Avenue C (Tuesday)

Yaffa Cafe closes for good (Thursday, 45 comments) for this reason (Friday, 32 comments)

How you can help save Siempre Verde Community Garden from luxury housing (Friday)

Korilla BBQ's interior will include an illustration by East Village artist Terry Galmitz (Tuesday)

PS 64 rally coverage (Tuesday)

Full reveal at the rebranded Eleventh and Third (Monday)

About the Cock moving to Avenue B (Tuesday)

Looking for Dana Scully (Monday)

In case you have some mystery charges from South America (Thursday)

The Os Gêmeos mural returns to view on the Houston/Bowery Mural Wall (Tuesday)

Hitchcocktober! (Wednesday)

Kotobuki has closed on 3rd Avenue (Thursday)

One less dorm in the East Village, but one more luxury rental (Friday)

Cool clouds (Tuesday)

Lou Reed wasn't really feeling this interview (Tuesday)

Neighborhood's priciest rental now selling for $9.5 million (Wednesday)

Menkui-Tei has closed for renovations (Wednesday)

Out and About with Mikey Cole (Wednesday)

… and speaking of Mikey Likes It Ice Cream… just noting the new mural on the gate for October's flavor of the month — Halloween…

Last night's waxing moon

Here's a report from local astronomy buff Felton Davis:

It rained all day Saturday, and that must have washed a lot of soot out of the atmosphere, because the waxing moon came up unusually sharp and clear. Gassendi Crater on the edge of the Mare Humorum was spectacular as the shadow of the sun receded across its sharp edges and central blip. And down and to the left of Tycho was another stretch of jagged craters that will all look smooth on Tuesday night when the moon is full.



The eclipse of the moon will take place just before dawn on Wednesday, Oct. 8, as the earth passes directly between the rising sun and setting moon.

We've had a whole lot of partly-cloudy-chance-of-showers in the last week, so don't get your hopes up for anything different on Wednesday. If it is clear, all the way down to the horizon, I plan to get on the #5 Train to Bowling Green at 4:30 am, and walk over to Battery Park. The moon will set long before the eclipse is over.

It's too cold and too far away to bring the telescope, but anyone with a camera and a tripod should be able to get some amazing photos. Will the darkened moon set over the Statue of Liberty, over Ellis Island, or north of Ellis Island? I have no idea!

Report: NYPD looking for a possibly albino suspect in yesterday's Chase branch robbery

[Photo yesterday by Derek Berg]

As we reported yesterday, someone robbed the Chase branch on Second Avenue at St. Mark's Place.

The NYPD have released the following description of the suspect, who left with $1,080:

"white male (possibly albino), 5'10", mid to late 20s, light colored hair with a medium build. He was last seen wearing a black and grey jacket, dark rimmed glasses, black sneakers with a red bandana around his neck."

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.

H/T Gothamist

St. Stanislaus represents in the annual Pulaski Day Parade

Today is the 77th annual Pulaski Day Parade in New York City. This year's theme: "Canonization of Blessed John Paul II."

And, once again, St. Stanislaus on East Seventh Street between Avenue A and First Avenue will be part of the parade… as you can see from these float photos this morning by EVG Senior Float Photographer Derek Berg …

There is, apparently, a plant thief among us

A reader shared this from a building on East Seventh Street.

Don't make it an issue, OK?