I have mere shreds of evidence to go on, but what the hell, I'll spin them out anyway:
1. Public notice has been posted at 110 9th Ave to say that a business called "Barroco Cafe" is up for a restaurant wine license. This could easily be a misspelling of Emerman's original Barocco.
click to enlarge for info on meeting
2. #110 (formerly the failed gentrifier, overpriced cafe Clementine) has started buzzing with activity, including the presence of a bunch of well-heeled, out-of-place guys in suits.
the suits
3. The building permit is in the name of David Howell Design, the designer who did the recently opened Savarona restaurant, as well as interiors for Coach and Badgley Mischka. He also aimed to put a big glass building on 4th and Bowery. He is high-end.
4. Emerman is all over the neighborhood and he likes to "pioneer." First there was "art world institution" Barocco in Tribeca; followed by Bottino, a "pioneer in burgeoning West Chelsea" that helped create the current real-estate frenzy there; then Bivio on the edge of the Meatpacking District; and most recently a wine/sandwich bar Zampa at 13th and 8th. He's also got Glass lounge on 10th Ave. Gritty little 9th Ave and 17th St seems like a natural spot for Emerman to land next, especially when it is mere steps away from Vikram Chatwal's homeless-shelter-turned-luxury-hotel and the infamous Maritime.
5. Did I already mention this block has been positioned for imminent Vongerichtification? A protest will be held here tomorrow at 1:00.
So, whether it's Emerman or not, I really don't know. This question may be answered at the May 13 CB4 meeting--where you get to say if you want a designer, Meatpacking-style wine bar here, because it looks like someone is putting in a swanky wine bar and, with or without Emerman, that makes it the first nail in this block's coffin.
Go to the protest tomorrow and help save this block from becoming part of ever-creeping "MePa."
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