Derek Berg spotted this Casio on Second Avenue at Sixth Street... the person who dropped it off here also left a note on the keyboard...
"Missing an F key."
Thursday, April 19, 2018
For songs not in the key of F
Derek Berg spotted this Casio on Second Avenue at Sixth Street... the person who dropped it off here also left a note on the keyboard...
"Missing an F key."
East Village super charged in heroin overdose of tenant
The U.S. Attorney's Office in Manhattan released details yesterday about the arrest of an East Village building superintendent, identified as Daniel Jones, who allegedly sold one of his tenants the bag of heroin that caused his overdose, according to unsealed court documents.
The sale and overdose occurred in an unnamed building around First Avenue and 12th Street.
Here's the official news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office:
On November 18, 2017, Robert Martin Hill, a 54-year-old resident of Manhattan, overdosed in his apartment. The NYPD began investigating Mr. Hill’s death. An autopsy conducted following Mr. Hill’s death revealed that he died from a lethal dose of opioids. Four glassine bags were recovered from Mr. Hill’s pants pocket, which had the word “Gorilla” and a picture of a gorilla stamped in black ink. The residue in the glassine bags tested positive for heroin. The NYPD also obtained Mr. Hill’s cellphone.
As detailed in the Complaint, the NYPD was able to trace the last completed call that Mr. Hill made before he overdosed on November 18, 2017, to a cellphone used by Jones. The NYPD learned that Jones was the superintendent of the building where Mr. Hill resided, and that Jones continued to sell heroin near that building in the East Village.
In March 2018, the NYPD made undercover buys of heroin from Jones on two occasions. During the second undercover buy, Jones stated that he sold heroin to Mr. Hill, that he knew Mr. Hill recently died, and that he sold Mr. Hill heroin that was packaged in glassines with a gorilla stamp.
Prosecutors charged Jones, 53, with distribution and possession with intent to distribute heroin, and with conspiring to distribute heroin. He faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison.
1 month to the Dance Parade and DanceFest
The 12th annual Dance Parade and DanceFest is coming up on May 19.
The Parade kicks off at 1 p.m. at 21st and Broadway, and winds down to Eighth Street/St. Mark's Place ... and eventually heads into Tompkins Square Park for the DanceFest.
Here's the official website with more info... and how about a preview video...
Charlie Parker Jazz Festival set for Tompkins Square Park on Aug. 26
[Gary Bartz]
SummerStage announced its 2018 lineup yesterday... a list featuring more than 200 artists playing in venues citywide from May 17 to Oct. 7.
Included in the announcement: the 26th annual Charlie Parker Jazz Festival, which includes a date in Tompkins Square Park on Aug. 26 from 3-7 p.m.
Per SummerStage:
Hailed as one of the greatest alto saxophonists since Cannonball Adderley, Gary Bartz has made a name for himself in the jazz community. Performing alongside his quartet, Bartz will be in concert at the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival ...
Audiences attending the show are in for a treat, as they’ll also hear longtime gospel, blues, and jazz pianist, Amina Claudine Myers, the boundary-breaking trio The Bad Plus, and UNHEARD, a piece honoring Charlie Parker featuring musicians Immanuel Wilkins, Joel Ross, and Adam O’Farrill commissioned in association with The Joyce and George Wein Foundation under the artistic supervision of The Jazz Gallery.
Find the full SummerStage rundown here.
Report: Original Fuku is closing on 1st Avenue
Momofuku founder David Chang is closing his first Fuku branch at 163 First Ave. near 10th Street at the end of the month.
Eater brought the news yesterday:
The fast-casual chicken chain will close its original location in the East Village space that Chang has historically used as a concept incubator. It’s outgrown the tiny space...
Fuku opened to long lines in June 2015...
[The line on East 10th Street around noon on June 12, 2015]
Since then Fuku has opened outposts in other NYC neighborhoods ... and in other cities.
The last day is April 30 for this Fuku.
Expect something else from Chang at No. 163.
Back to Eater:
The space, near and dear to Momofuku as the location that kicked off Chang’s empire, will continue to serve as an incubator — though what else the company has up its sleeves is TBD.
Wednesday, April 18, 2018
A look at 'Boom For Real,' Basquiat's life pre-fame
"Boom for Real: The Late Teenage Years of Jean-Michel Basquiat" follows Basquiat's life pre-fame and how New York City, the times, the people and the movements surrounding him formed the artist he became. It opens in theaters on May 11. The trailer and poster for the film arrived in our inbox earlier today...
Using never-before-seen works, writings and photographs, director Sara Driver, who was part of the New York arts scene herself, worked closely and collaboratively with friends and other artists who emerged from that period: Jim Jarmusch, James Nares, Fab Five Freddy, Glenn O’Brien, Kenny Scharf, Lee Quinones, Patricia Field, Luc Sante and many others.
Drawing upon their memories and anecdotes, the film also uses period film footage, music and images to visually re-recreate the era, drawing a portrait of Jean-Michel and Downtown New York City — pre AIDS, President Reagan, the real estate and art booms – before anyone was motivated by money and ambition.
And here's the official trailer...
4/20 at Ben & Jerry's on St. Mark's Place
The franchise here between Second Avenue and Third Avenue that opened in January is getting into the spirit of its first 4/20 Day...
There's an additional sign on the front window here at 24 St. Mark's Place showing their solidarity for the National Student Walkout planned on April 20, the anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting...
H/T @claireeboston!
Props for the Skateboard Gardener of 7th Street
In recent weeks, someone created a tree guard made out of skateboard decks here on Seventh Street between Avenue A and Avenue B ... and planted flowers ... the effort has inspired an admirer to leave behind a message of thanks, as these photos by EVG reader boxysean show...
"Thanks skateboard gardener! The flowers are awesome!"
Corner watch: 32 Avenue C
The sidewalk bridge on the southeast corner of Avenue C and Third Street (aka 32 Avenue C) celebrated its six-year anniversary last month...
A full-vacate order has been in place since August 2012. To paraphrase the DOB, the building is leaning/sagging.
At one point, there were plans for this corner... with the filing of permits with the city in July 2005 for a new 6-floor residential building here. The city disapproved the plans in May 2006, and nothing more happened with the project.
Most recently, the owner — listed as Fairfax Management — filed a permit last fall with the DOB to "rebuild exterior walls; replace windows and sistering of floor joists to address" the various violations on file. The city disapproved this plan on March 14.
Previously on EV Grieve:
There's activity at the long-dormant corner of Avenue C and East 3rd Street
Concern for 32 Avenue C
[EVG photo from March 2012]
Zen Yai Pho Shop now open on 6th Street
They offer a variety of pho, stir-fry noodles and rice bowls. (You can find their menu here.)
Last year the storefront saw the quick arrival and departure of both Baron's Dim Sum and Tasty Garden.
Previously on EV Grieve:
Zen Yai Pho Shop coming to 6th Street
There's now a public squash court on the Lower East Side
[Photo by @daniel.avila via Instagram]
In case you missed this announcement yesterday by the NYC Parks Department ... The city's (world's?) first outdoor public squash court debuted yesterday at Hamilton Fish Park, on Pitt Street between East Houston and Stanton.
Here are the guidelines via the NYC Parks website:
The public squash court is free to use, and is available for play on a first-come, first-served basis, except when the court has scheduled programming. The court is located on one of four of Hamilton Fish Park’s handball courts (the other courts remain available for handball use).
The court is for squash play only. Please bring your own equipment, and limit play to one hour. Goggles are recommended. Please do not wear open-toed shoes or flip-flops on the court.
NO FLIP-FLOPS!
Anyway, this isn't permanent — for now it's on a six-month trial basis, up through Oct. 18.
The idea for this emerged in late 2015 ... when a group of friends formed the Public Squash Foundation to help make the game more accessible to the public. (This Bloomberg piece has more background. And here's the Public Squash website.)
The court also has its own Instagram account...
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
Heeere's the Kubrick film of the week at City Cinemas Village East
As a reminder... City Cinemas Village East is celebrating the work of director Stanley Kubrick on Wednesday evenings in April.
Tomorrow night's "Heeere's Kubrick" feature — "A Clockwork Orange" from 1971.
The theater is on Second Avenue at 12th Street. Find more details here. The films start at 7:30 p.m.
And next week: "Full Metal Jacket" starring the late R. Lee Ermey.
Previously on EV Grieve:
'Heeere's Kubrick' at the City Cinemas Village East
Tomorrow night's "Heeere's Kubrick" feature — "A Clockwork Orange" from 1971.
The theater is on Second Avenue at 12th Street. Find more details here. The films start at 7:30 p.m.
And next week: "Full Metal Jacket" starring the late R. Lee Ermey.
Previously on EV Grieve:
'Heeere's Kubrick' at the City Cinemas Village East
Cleaning out the Three of Cups
Three of Cups closed after service on April 1... and today, workers are removing some of the contents of the 25-plus-year-old restaurant here on First Avenue and Fifth Street.
An EVG reader shared these photos, noting: "If these are the new owners, they are off to a stellar start showing respect for their neighbors and general sanitation laws." (No word on who authorized this work.)
In announcing the closure, Three of Cups owner Anthony Barile wrote in part: "The reasons are many that we are at this moment, with all of them meaning that I can’t sustain it any longer." The pizzeria and Italian restaurant opened in December 1992.
Emmy Squared, the Williamsburg-based restaurant serving burgers and Detroit-style pizza, is expected to take over this corner space in the months ahead.
Previously on EV Grieve:
After nearly 26 years, Three of Cups is closing on 1st Avenue; Emmy Squared arriving next?
Souper Tuesday
As previously noted, Ciao for Now at 523 E. 12th St. between Avenue A and Avenue B now offers a soup service (along with a few other menu items) — to stay or to go — on Tuesday evenings from 5-10.
And tonight...
The cafe shut down its dining room after 17 years at the end of January. However, ownership was continuing on with their catering business as well as using the space for community events.
Previously on EV Grieve:
Ciao For Now is closing after 17 years on 12th Street; will continue with catering business
And tonight...
The cafe shut down its dining room after 17 years at the end of January. However, ownership was continuing on with their catering business as well as using the space for community events.
Previously on EV Grieve:
Ciao For Now is closing after 17 years on 12th Street; will continue with catering business
Construction watch: 3 E. 3rd St.
The condoplex coming to 3 E. Third St. just off the Bowery recently made its first appearance above the plywood.
Inspiron, the project's construction manager, has the details on what to expect:
The Building is a concrete design that will be roughly 13,400 square-feet. The space will be split between residential spaces on the upper floors with luxurious roof top access and commercial space on the lower floors. The project is anticipated to be complete in the spring of 2019.
Since the last look at the site, the building has been modified.
This is the PREVIOUS rendering...
[Rendering via Barrett Design]
And now the updated rendering ...
[Barrett Design]
Here's CityRealty on what's different:
[T]he building has been reduced by one floor, the setback removed, and will use metal instead of stone. The design will complement the austere zinc façade of Selldorf’s tower next door, and be clad in a glass and metal curtain wall of full-height windows, metal fins, and I-beam like spandrel sections.
The former building at this site most recently served as short-term rentals for students and interns.
[3 E. 3rd St. in April 2015]
Previously on EV Grieve:
Development site available on East 3rd Street at the Bowery
Demolition watch: 3 E. 3rd St.
A townhouse in a penthouse on 9th Street
[Image via Streeteasy]
I never paid much attention to 214 E. Ninth St., a residential building between Second Avenue and Third Avenue that counted the now-closed Dahlia's Tapas Wine Bar as a retail tenant.
Apparently it's quite nice inside... at least the top-floor unit that just arrived on the market is...
Here's the listing via Streeteasy:
A townhouse in an East Village Penthouse! Must be seen to truly experience all of the amazing design flourishes that went into making this home an Architectural Digest-featured property. No detail was overlooked in the gut renovation of this triplex, convertible-two bedroom with sprawling rooftop garden, and complete with outdoor shower.
All kitchen cabinets were designed specifically for this home and stained to match the neutral color palette throughout, with a custom Lacanche range and full-slab Carrera marble countertops and backsplash. The sun-drenched, south-facing living room has vaulted 18’ ceilings, oversize windows, and a fireplace.
The stairs lead up to a sitting area/media room, which was formerly the apartment’s master bedroom, and has an extensive walk-in custom closet. The master bathroom has a steam and rain shower, as well as free-standing, clawfoot tub, which is accentuated by a vintage crystal Kinkeldey chandelier. Full-slab granite marble flooring and a double Carrera marble vanity receive plenty of extra light from the bathroom’s skylight. The top floor is the master suite, with an operable window wall that leads out onto your own private rooftop oasis.
And some photos...
Price: $2.650 million.
It previously sold for $1.495 million in 2014, per Streeteasy.
Report: New building permits filed for former St. Denis Hotel property
[Image via Wikipedia Commons]
Plans are moving forward for a new office development at 799 Broadway at 11th Street — the former St. Denis Hotel.
The Real Deal reported that Normandy Real Estate Partners filed permit applications for a new 12-story building.
Here's more from New York Yimby:
Original reports said the development of 799 Broadway was limited to a gut renovation of the interior structure and a vertical expansion of the historic corner property. Permits filed ... however, reveal the construction of a new, 12-story, 182-foot-tall building containing 182,626 square feet of Class-A office space. An additional 10,032 square feet will be dedicated to an unspecified community facility.
TRD also had an updated rendering of the building via design firm Perkins + Will...
Demolition permits haven't been filed just yet for 799 Broadway. As previously noted, the 165-year-old building is noteworthy for many reasons. It opened in 1853 as the St. Denis Hotel, which is where Ulysses S. Grant wrote his post-Civil War memoirs and Alexander Graham Bell provided the first demonstration of the telephone to New Yorkers.
However, the building is not landmarked... and it is not in a Historic District.
Vanishing New York's Jeremiah Moss, a former tenant at the address, wrote a feature titled "The Death and Life of a Great American Building" for The New York Review of Books back in March.
Previously on EV Grieve:
Report: Former St. Denis Hotel selling for $100 million
End of days at the St. Denis
Former El Maguey y La Tuna space for rent on East Houston
As we first noted, El Maguey y La Tuna, the 15-year-old Mexican restaurant on East Houston between Attorney and Ridge, closed at the end of February. The landlord reportedly upped the monthly rent from $7,000 to $14,000.
A "for lease" banner recently arrived on the storefront. We didn't spot a listing just yet at the Oxford Property Group website. However, a Loop Net listing from late March shows an ask of $125 per square foot.
Meanwhile, in the building next door, the 24/7 East Village Deli & Grill has been closed the past three-four times that we've walked by... the phone number is also no longer in service...
Sugar Sketch closes storefront to focus on catering and special orders
Sugar Sketch, the bakery-cake shop on Second Street between Avenue A and Avenue B, has changed its method of operation starting this week. Owner-baker Martina Nardo explains in this letter posted on the shop's social media accounts (and front door):
So, as you can see, for now Sugar Sketch will focus on the catering end of the business. You can contact the shop via their website here.
The small bakery opened here in the fall of 2016. You can read our Q&A with Nardo here.
Monday, April 16, 2018
The 9th Precinct's monthly Community Council Meeting is tomorrow (Tuesday!) night
The 9th Precinct's Community Council meetings take place on the third Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. ... at the 9th Precinct, 321 E. Fifth St. between First Avenue and Second Avenue.
This is an opportunity for residents to address any concerns and ask 9th Precinct officials for their input on recent crime statistics ... and more.
7th Precinct hosting Women's Empowerment Night at Hamilton Fish Park
On Wednesday, the 7th Precinct’s Neighborhood Coordination Officers, Toni Burke and Erica Rivera (pictured below), are hosting a night dedicated to women’s empowerment at the Hamilton Fish Recreation Center.
The evening (from 5 to 7) includes several guest speakers and self-defense tips from Hamilton Fish Recreation Center trainer Dana Brown.
The Center is at 128 Pitt. St. just east of Houston.
[From left: Toni Burke, Dana Brown and Erica Rivera]
H/T Stacie Joy!
Champion Coffee opens Wednesday on 14th Street
[Photo from Sunday]
Champion Coffee debuts Wednesday morning at 319 E. 14th St. between First Avenue and Second Avenue... this is one of three new Manhattan locations for Champion Coffee, which started in 2006 in Greenpoint.
Per their website:
All of our beans are blended to be representative of classic, delicious coffee without hype or trendiness.
We currently roast our beans in Maspeth, Queens.
They will be open daily here from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Champion took over the space from Madman Espresso, which has three other NYC locations, including on University Place.
Post updated to reflect change in grand opening from today to Wednesday.
Previously on EV Grieve:
Champion Coffee taking over the Madman Espresso space on 14th Street
Bakeri closing at the end of the month on 6th Street
[Image via Instagram]
With the opening of one Brooklyn-based coffee shop in the East Village ... comes news of another like-minded establishment closing.
The owners of Bakeri NYC announced yesterday that they are closing their cafe-bakery at the end of the month at 627 E. Sixth St. between Avenue B and Avenue C.
They didn't provide a reason for the closure, saying on Instagram: "We are so grateful to have been part of such a lovely neighborhood! Thank you all for all the love and support."
Bakeri, with locations in Williamsburg and Greenpoint, opened in October 2016 and sells homemade bread and pastries as well as Counter Culture Coffee.
It is a good place... foot traffic is tough on the block, though. There's also construction on both ends of the block (here and here).
Previously on EV Grieve:
Brooklyn-based Bakeri now serving bread, croissants and coffee on East 6th Street
The past and future of the Merchant's House Museum
The story is behind the paper's paywall. Here's an excerpt:
For nearly 100 years it was the residence of hardware merchant Seabury Tredwell and his family. Equally significant, it is the only such building to have intact servants’ quarters, giving a rare glimpse into the everyday lives of the Irish immigrant girls. The late Federal/Greek Revival residence was among the first 20 buildings to be landmarked under the city’s new landmarks law in 1965.
And...
The story of the house begins in 1831. Hatter and real-estate speculator Joseph Brewster bought two adjacent lots for $3,550 and $3,000 in the booming Bond Street area to build two townhouses. He sold one home and moved into the other at 29 E. Fourth St. in 1832. Three years later he sold his townhouse for $18,000 to Seabury Tredwell — about the time Mr. Tredwell was leaving the hardware business for other ventures at age 55. He moved in with his wife, Eliza, and seven children. Their eighth child, Gertrude, born in 1840, was the last occupant. She lived there until she died impoverished at 93. The other townhouse was demolished in 1988.
The Journal asked asked broker Peter Sommer to estimate the listing price if the home were to go on the market today as a single-family residence with six bedrooms, one full bathroom and three half-baths. The answer: $6 million, maybe $9 million with a renovation.
The article doesn't address the pending development next door — an 8-story hotel. Museum officials and preservationists worry that the construction may cause damage to the historical home here between the Bowery and Lafayette.
The developers have promised to take extensive measures to ensure that the neighboring structure will not be harmed during the hotel construction.
As previously reported, CB2 held a public meeting (standing-room only, apparently) last Wednesday evening to discuss the proposed construction. The Board will make its decision on May 9. (Will update time and place later.) You can read the Merchant’s House call to action here.
Previously on EV Grieve:
Concern again for Merchant's House Museum as developer moves forward with hotel next door
Image from 2008 via Wikipedia Commons
New restaurant plans for 304 E. 6th St. and 117 Avenue A
Here's a look:
• Entity to be formed by H Cheng, 117 Ave. A (pictured above)
There's not too much information about the unnamed project here between Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place. According to the questionnaire on file at the CB3 website (PDF here), the establishment will serve "New Age American food."
The proposed hours: noon to 2 a.m. daily. The seating chart shows 14 tables to accommodate 62 guests as well as a 14-seat bar.
The previous occupant, the Black Rose, closed last April after nearly two years in business. No. 117 was the longtime home, until August 2013, of the Odessa Cafe & Bar.
• Entity to be formed by Huey Cheng, 304 E 6th St
Cheng's name is also attached to an application at 304 E. Sixth St. between First Avenue and Second Avenue. Again, not much information on the questionnaire for view at the CB3 website. (PDF here.)
The food is described as "New Age American/Pan-Asian." The proposed hours are daily from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.
This address is currently Mayahuel Mariposa, which was Mayahuel. There was some reported conflict over rent and naming rights after Ravi DeRossi and Co. departed and building owner Keith Siilats reopened the space under the same name. (Eater has a recap here.) Now it appears Siilats has a new team taking over the operation.
The CB3-SLA meeting is tonight at 6:30 in the Public Hotel, 17th Floor, Sophia Room, 215 Chrystie St. between Houston and Stanton. Other applicants this month include Bubbleology Tea and the team behind Entwine eyeing the former Golden Market.
By the way, this is the second of the CB3-SLA committee meetings this month. Last Monday's meeting at the Perseverance House Community Room on Fifth Street included the license upgrade for Club Cumming.
Previously on EV Grieve:
The Black Rose, 'a neighborhood rock and roll bar,' opening in the former Odessa Cafe and Bar space (73 comments)
Suffolk Arms now closed for renovations and 'mechanical upgrades'
[Photo by Vinny & O]
Last Monday we first noted that Suffolk Arms, the cocktail lounge on Houston at Suffolk, has been closed of late.
There's now signage on the front door noting the temporary closure for "renovation and mechanical upgrades." The bar's social media accounts have disappeared, though the website is still operational.
Neat Pour reported that Suffolk Arms "would reopen at a later date with a new concept, but the same staff." Neat Pour also had that co-owners Ruben Rodriguez and Giuseppe González are "at odds with one another."
The upscale bar, lined with portraits of famous New Yorkers, opened in February 2016.
Sunday, April 15, 2018
April 15
EVG reader Emily Mauney spotted this rather sprightly tree discarded on Avenue B and Second Street earlier today ... and sooo close to Earth Day... and Memorial Day...
Week in Grieview
[Photo on 4th and B via Vinny & O]
Stories posted on EVG this past week included...
RIP Anthony Pisano (Wednesday)
New-look Alphabet Scoop reopens (Friday)
CB3 to hear request of support for low-income housing at former 2nd Avenue church site (Monday)
Concern again for Merchant's House Museum as developer moves forward with hotel next door (Tuesday)
Paradiso has closed on Avenue B (Wednesday)
Construction watch: 298 E. 2nd St. (Thursday)
A call to help preserve Theatre 80 on St. Mark's Place (Friday)
Scumbags & Superstars closing this month on Clinton Street (Monday)
Beijing-based hot pot chain taking over the former Dunkin' Donuts storefront on 14th Street (Monday)
A look at the other OTHER hawk in Christo's life (Tuesday)
Soft openings on 12th and 2nd: Lumos Kitchen and Dunhuang East Village (Monday)
Karma Books now open on 3rd Street (Wednesday)
Suffolk Arms has not been open lately (Monday)
First Avenue fruit vendors return (Friday)
Team behind West Village wine bar Entwine eyeing former Golden Market space (Thursday)
A warning about off-leash dogs in Tompkins Square Park (Thursday, 28 comments)
More about Bubbleology Tea, possibly coming soon to 1st Avenue (Tuesday)
New locations for OddFellows and Morgenstern's (Wednesday)
On the David Bowery (Thursday)
... and this past week, someone placed this memorial outside the now-closed Webster Hall on 11th Street in honor of DJ Jess (aka Jess Marquis aka Jesse Immler), a house DJ and party promoter at the venue... he died on April 9, 2015. (The cause of death was not made public.)
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Noted
Alexi is a well-known portrait photographer, and photographed Prince Harry and Ms. Markle last year at Frogmore House, Windsor, to mark the news of their engagement. pic.twitter.com/p42g8QRjmY
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) April 13, 2018
The photographer, Alexi Lubomirski, lives in the East Village — reportedly in Molly Ringwald's old place. This article at Town & Country has more on him, if it's of interest.
Spring in Tompkins Square Park
As a follow-up to the previous post on the overflowing Big Bellies... I appreciate Debbie the gardener’s dedication to keeping the grounds in Tompkins Square Park looking like this...
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