I wrote about the funeral home's long and interesting history (Ethel and Julius Rosenberg were memorialized here) and reported that a Duane Reade was planning a move into the space. Then the economy crashed, things changed. The space stayed empty.
This week, a sign appeared on the facade: "Extraordinary retail space for lease."
Extraordinary is right. Too extraordinary to be a Duane Reade. How about a theater? Or a permanent house of worship for Reverend Billy? Or...?
P.S. A couple other changes on the block have happened since that last post. Max Brenner is now an HSBC bank and Tasti-D-Lite is an eyeglass store.
Um, so, I gather they have some discretion over who they rent/lease it to. Couldn't they have nixed the whole Duane Reade idea to begin with? I guess a dollar is a dollar, but, if on the one hand, you're professing to appreciate what a great space it is, then, someone has to take a stand in this city, no? (And not just do things because they can but hold out for the right tenant.)
ReplyDeleteI just read the previous article and comments so clearly others felt this way too. I know it's complex but it's just too few ready to take a stand. Yes, it's true, they are not like greedy landlord corporations that are raking the money in - I assume - who are like vampires on the soul of our city, but, at the same time...
ReplyDeleteA permanent house of worship for Reverend Billy is interesting, but Chase next door may have something to say about that!
ReplyDeleteA performance space would be great.
ReplyDeleteNo chance of another funeral home? It seems to me those are always in demand.
we're in a different economy than 2 years ago. thrift stores and used bookshops are opening in the east village. seems like anything could actually happen. maybe a theater co. with deep(ish) pockets will find this spot and love it.
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