Houses of the Holy: Checking out 'Physical Graffiti' 39 years later on St. Mark's Place

Led Zeppelin's double studio album "Physical Graffiti" was released 39 years ago — Feb. 24, 1975.



Off the Grid and Gothamist both had posts to commemorate the occasion ... and offer up some history.

And you probably know the connection to the album here. We'll let Off the Grid sum it up:

Led Zeppelin immortalized the twin tenements at 96 and 98 St. Mark’s Place between First Avenue and Avenue A on the Physical Graffiti album cover. The award-winning design featured the two buildings (with the fourth floors removed to make them fit the square shape of the album cover) with the windows cut out to reveal the letters of the album title printed on the inner sleeve, or, if the sleeve was reversed, a series of images of different characters seeming to occupy the building, including lead-singer Robert Plant in drag.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Fire scare on St. Mark's Place at iconic Physical Graffiti building

I'm not waiting on a lady...say, what the hell is Mick wearing anyway?

[Photos via Off the Grid]

That $40,000 townhouse rental that you been waiting for is now available on East 12th Street

A furnished four-floor townhouse is now available to rent over at 327 E. 12th St. between First Avenue and Second Avenue.

Here's part of the Streeteasy listing:

You won’t find a more magical place than East 12th Street, an exquisite five bedroom, three bathroom townhouse with a private terrace in the East Village. Spanning four floors, this home is full of delightful details, including the vintage wallpapers and multi-coloured doorknobs that are sprightly backdrops to your tastemaker host’s beautiful, eclectically chic décor.

The price to enjoy these multi-coloured doorknobs: $40,000 a month.

Oh, and there is a ping-pong table.

Like? Facebook has arrived in the neighborhood

Yesterday marked Facebook's first day at 770 Broadway at East 9th Street. According to TechCrunch:

Right now, Facebook has more than 100 engineers in the New York offices working on Pages, Location, Newsfeed, mobile, AI, and infrastructure, but 2014 represents a growth year in terms of NYC hires. More than 320 people work in FBNY overall. With more space in the office, and plans to hire more engineers, that number should rapidly grow throughout the next year.

Facebook reportedly signed a 10-year lease for 100,000 square feet at 770 Broadway, whose current tenants include AOL, Billboard, J Crew and the Huffington Post.

You can find a lot more photos of the (not-quite-done) Frank Gehry-designed office space over at Curbed.

Previously on EV Grieve:
East Village — the new Midtown?

Facebook is moving into the neighborhood; Midtown South expands its boundaries, apparently

This Thursday at MoRUS: 'ABC’s of Squatting In NYC'

Via the EVG inbox...

Museum of Reclaimed Urban Space to Host “ABC’s of Squatting In NYC”

Thursday, February 27, 7 PM at MoRUS

Beyond the ideologies associated with the urban lore of squatting are practical knowledge and hands-on skills necessary to reclaim abandoned, public space. Activists Frank Morales and Bill Timesup will lead a discussion about occupying neglected buildings and vacant lots to restore them to usefulness and vitality on Thursday, February 27 at 7 PM at the Museum of Reclaimed Urban Space (MoRUS), 155 Avenue C between 9th and 10th Streets.

Morales, a Lower East Side native and political activist whose work with squatters dates back to the 1970s when he served as an Episcopal priest in the Bronx, and Bill Timesup, founder of the environmental action group Time’s Up!, co-founder of MoRUS, will share the vast resources gleaned from their combined experiences. The two-hour session will include a slide presentation and Q&A on tools, building systems and the nuts and bolts of squatting in New York City in 2014. Attendance open to the public and free-of-charge but a suggested donation of $5 is always appreciated and in return, will include a copy of Morales’ zine, “The ABC’s of Squatting.”

Find more MoRUS info here.

Stray voltage alert on Astor Place

EVG reader Chris F. notes the arrival last evening of Con Ed cones and their new warning signs on Astor Place and Eighth Street…







Per Chris:

"However, despite the cones and caution tape, I didn't see any pedestrians avoiding the area — least of all the crew unloading goods for the Starbucks in back of the newsstand. Their tractor trailer was parked right in the 'danger zone,' and no one nearby seemed to be concerned."



Previously on EV Grieve:
Con Ed unveils new signage to warn pedestrians and their pets of stray voltage

A special Lou Reed delivery

Spotted on East Eighth Street and Avenue B this afternoon… (a copy of) the large format Polaroid of the late musician taken in Montauk in 2002 by Julian Schnabel … from the book "Julian Schnabel: Polaroids."



Photos by Bobby Williams

One way for your apartment to smell a little bit like Katz's

Courtesy of the Chocolate Egg Cream Candle.

Per the Katz's website:

Transform any room into a delicious blast from the past. These delightful candles are sure to sweeten up your day.

It will cost you $25, though.

We'll echo The Forward here: "When’s the pastrami sandwich candle going to debut?"

Things that you find when the snow banks melt

Things like a catheter here on East Sixth Street between Avenue B and Avenue C... photo courtesy of EVG reader Uncle Pete.

Exclusive 3rd look at the all-new USPS retail outlet

Which opens today! But it wasn't open on our way to Day Job! Boo!

But! Workers took down the rest of the paper that was covering the doors... and we could see more of the interior... and it looks like there are service windows!



Right back here or there ... we saw at least three arrows service windows...



Please let us know if you go by today... Give us a report! on this most eagerly anticipated USPS retail outlet opening ever. (And how much longer will the Duane Reade sign remain up? That will be good for at least 10 more EVG posts!)

Previously on EV Grieve:
UPDATED: Did you hear the rumor about the Peter Stuyvesant Post Office branch closing?

Report: Closure of the Peter Stuyvesant Post Office is pretty much a done deal

Today in rants: the Peter Stuyvesant Post Office

Meanwhile, at everyone's favorite local post office branch...

Reader mailbag: What has happened to the Cooper Station Post Office?

The Peter Stuyvesant Post Office closes for good TODAY

A look at your new post office on East 14th Street

Exclusive 2nd look inside the all-new USPS retail outlet on East 14th Street

A few reactions to the Peter Stuyvesant Post Office branch closing

[Photo by Gian G. via Yelp]

Remembering the P.O. branch that closed for good this past weekend… which no one seemed to like…

@RecruitingGeek @evgrieve Good riddance! Was the worst #USPS #PostOffice in America. Maybe now my mail will actually be delivered.

— Zr. King (@zoctorking) February 21, 2014

"@evgrieve: Whoa, the Peter Stuyvesant Post Office on E. 14th St. closes for good TODAY http://t.co/7LZf3tYLku" amen. Worst post office ever

— John Gannon (@johnmgannon) February 21, 2014

“@evgrieve: Whoa, the Peter Stuyvesant Post Office on E. 14th St. closes for good TODAY" @ashleyanndarcy ! Because it is a hell hole!!!!!!!

— Very Leah M. Buffalo (@Leah_Buffalo) February 21, 2014

@evgrieve Worst. Post Office. Ever. Possibly in the world.

— CrossFit East River (@CFEastRiver) February 21, 2014

Take a last look…


[Just an hour to go! Photo by Adam H. via Yelp]

Previously on EV Grieve:
The Peter Stuyvesant Post Office closes for good TODAY

The Roost settles in on Avenue B

Vito DiTomaso opened the original Luca Lounge on Avenue B back in 1997. The venue closed sometime in the spring of 2012. (Luca Bar remains open on St. Mark's Place.)

Turns out that DiTomaso is making a return engagement to 222 Avenue B with The Roost, a coffee shop-bar hybrid that held a friends-family gathering on Saturday night.

Here's the description via The Roost Facebook page

The Roost is a hideout that pays homage to iconic spaces of the past where high and low can find common ground and drink, eat, laugh and carouse together.

They'll be serving coffee (Brooklyn Roasting Co.) … as well as beer… and we're not sure what else exactly at the moment.

The Roost Facebook page includes a few photos of the interior…





There's also a fireplace.

Root & Bone taking shape on East 3rd Street

Former "Top Chef" contestant Jeff McInnis and season 11 contestant Janine Booth have been working on opening Root & Bone here at 200 E. Third St. at Avenue B.

The sign went up on Friday… (and what's with the Quincy tag everywhere?)



… and a nighttime view via Facebook…



According to Food & Wine last Oct. 2:

[T]he new spot will celebrate Southern foodways through dishes like caramelized brisket meat loaf with smoky plantain crème, sunchoke and house-made ricotta “tater tots” and Carolina Gold rice risotto with butter beans and pickled egg yolk. To pair with the chefs’ modern takes on Southern dishes, the restaurant will serve an all-American beer and wine list with a focus on craft brews from the South. The chefs are also forming a partnership with Mama’s Bar next door to offer a hip, Southern gastropub late-night menu and weekend brunch.

This location was, of course, previously home to Mama's Food Shop, which closed in July 2012 after 15 years. Then Heart 'n Soul was here for a sec.

Root & Bone has a placeholder website … as well as an active Twitter account … A Facebook post Friday says "Our sign is up! Won't be long…" until they open.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Mama's Food Shop closes after 15 years; 'the community nature of the neighborhood has all but vanished'

Rumors: 'Top Chef' alum Jeff McInnis will help revamp former Mama's Food Shop space

Root & Bone announces itself on E. 3rd St.

Former San Loco space for rent on Avenue A

San Loco closed for good on Feb. 16 after 15 years at 151 Avenue A, as we first reported here. The for rent signs are up now…



We didn't spot the listing online. The sign says "retail," though given that San Loco had a full liquor license, you'd have to expect another bar-restaurant in this space.

As for San Loco, the locations on Second Avenue and Stanton Street remain open … as well as the outpost in Williamsburg.

Vivi Bubble Tea coming to East 14th Street

Chinatown-based Vivi Bubble Tea is expanding… with a new shop coming this spring to 226 E. 14th St. (previously a small dress shop) between Second Avenue and Third Avenue… a poster announcing this mentions Gramercy…



Which is confusing. Because everyone knows that this area is either East Union Square … or the Northwest East Village …

Also, the check cashing place next door closed … and that space is for rent too…

As the crow eats

East 9th Street today via Bobby Williams…

Week in Grieview

[Snow Your Rights, per anon commenter. Photo by Derek Berg]

RIP Marty Thau, manager of the New York Dolls (Monday)

Walter De Maria's home/studio hits the market for $25 million (Thursday)

Ben Shaoul's parents are suing him for $50 million (Monday)

ConEd's new signs to warn pedestrians about stray voltage (Friday)

Out and About with HiFi's Mike Stuto (Wednesday)

A big reveal at 154 Second Ave. (Tuesday)

Burkina has a new lease on First Avenue (Monday)

The Winter Antifolk Festival celebrates 20 years at Sidewalk (Wednesday)

A lawsuit at the Pride and Joy BBQ site (Tuesday)

McSorley's celebrates the big 1-6-0 (Monday)

About that 'no pizza' petition (Thursday)

Alphabets is closing and moving on Avenue A (Thursday)

Cafe Cambodge opens on Avenue C at former Arcane space (Tuesday)

Video: Watch 324 E. Fourth St. get Hanksified (Wednesday)

Can your landlord drill your lock off to make repairs inside your apartment? (Thursday)

So long holiday tree lights in Tompkins Square Park… (Monday)

So long Peter Stuyvesant Post Office (Friday)

[Updated] A makeshift memorial on 2nd Avenue for those who died during the uprising in Ukraine

Members of the local Ukrainian community created a memorial outside 136 Second Ave., which houses the Ukrainian American Youth Association in this building between St. Mark's Place and East Ninth Street…



Al Jazeera America reported from the scene here:

They expressed sadness and anger over the violence that left at least 77 people dead in the bloodiest week since anti-government protesters took to the streets of the capital Kiev in late November, furious with President Viktor Yanukovich for rebuffing a deal with the European Union to strengthen old ties with Russia.

No one who spoke to Al Jazeera expressed support for Yanukovich, who was dismissed by parliament on Saturday. Many said he should face stiff punishment for the deaths of demonstrators.

Updated 2:15

A reader shared these photos from the site today… where U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney and other leaders held a press conference…





All the media outlets seemed to be on the scene… we'll link to one of them once the recaps are online… (Here is the report from WCBS.)



Updated 2:25

This photo from EVG reader Dan Efram shows how the memorial is growing…

Exclusive 2nd look inside the all-new USPS retail outlet on East 14th Street

The mostly eagerly anticipated USPS retail outlet opening ever The new USPS retail outlet opens tomorrow at 333 E. 14th St. at the former Duane Reade (and Gristedes) location. We don't know exactly what services will be offered here, aside from self-service stamp sales and P.O. boxes. (We'd have better luck getting info from the Kremlin.)

This location will serve, in part, as a replacement to the now-closed Peter Stuyvesant Post Office branch at 432 E. 14th St.

Anyway! Walked by the place this morning… The iconic Duane Reade has-moved-around-the-corner sign is still up. But workers removed the paper that covered the windows…





.. and here is a shot from last night via EVG regular Pinch, who first alerted us to the photo opp…



Guess we'll find out tomorrow what other services the retail outlet will offer… such as large package pickup.

Previously on EV Grieve:
UPDATED: Did you hear the rumor about the Peter Stuyvesant Post Office branch closing?

Report: Closure of the Peter Stuyvesant Post Office is pretty much a done deal

Today in rants: the Peter Stuyvesant Post Office

Meanwhile, at everyone's favorite local post office branch...

Reader mailbag: What has happened to the Cooper Station Post Office?

The Peter Stuyvesant Post Office closes for good TODAY

A look at your new post office on East 14th Street

The most amazing photo of a rainbow that you will see today, most likely

We posted a photo of a (the?) rainbow from late Friday afternoon…

…EVG reader Cliffdweller sent along this photo taken from the East Village that afternoon… showing a (the?) rainbow ending, seemingly, at the Chrysler Building…



And the photo has not been altered/Photoshopped/Instagrammed, etc.



Per Cliffdweller: "The photo didn't do it justice — it was quite a sight. But yes, the picture is definitely real — as real as rainbows ever are…"

The E Smoke Shop is cooking now!

[Feb. 15]

The rest of the signage for the all-new E Smoke Shop on the corner of Third Avenue and St. Mark's Place went up yesterday… The transformation of the former New Corner Magazine (or King's Magazine) is, apparently, complete…



Wait till you see it at night!

Previously on EV Grieve:
New Corner Magazine closed for renovations; new operator to take over

What happened to DJ Lenny M?

[Updated] A new look for the magazine shop on Third Avenue and St. Mark's Place

E Smoke Shop now anchoring St. Mark's Place and 3rd Avenue