A few tips on the renovation of the old bodega at 2070 FDB had us curious on what was actually going on with the storefront at the corner of 112th Street. Permits just filed less than 3 weeks ago show that a complete facade alteration and some interior additions are at hand which includes a stainless steel venting duct. Walking by the retail space yesterday, we noticed that this is not a minor job and the entire interior has now been completely gutted. Interestingly enough, the DOB permits also indicate "no change of use" so is this just an extreme deli makeover? It seems like a lot of trouble just to add food service in the back but this might just be what is happening here.
I saw people working there the other day and they said that it is indeed a make-over being done by the same owner. Does seem a bit exteme. But an upgraded/updated Deli on that corner would be nice.
ReplyDeleteAs long as it is isn't a 'Gourmet' Deli.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of....Did you notice that a Gormet Deli is going up right next door to the bodega on 7th Ave & 115th/116th Sts? I'm wondering if the bodega is morphing or will they coexist side by side.
ReplyDeleteSaw that Lynn. I suppose it is my skepticism kicking in after seeing a couple of delis going up near me that fulfilled the definition of sketchy. One closed down a couple of months after opening (not surprising since they hardly ever had anything stocked on the shelves). The other bodegas nearby are great though.
ReplyDeleteHey, I also saw a sign for Harlem fish n'chips, or something like that, on 113th & St. Nic. How long has that been up for?
All delis/bodegas are ‘Gourmet Deli’s and all condos/rentals are ‘luxury’. Hyperbole abounds.
ReplyDeleteWell, a deli is a deli. The renovation of the deli on 112th an ACP only made it marginally nicer and did not change the nature of people who loiter in front of it day and night. And they are all "gourmet delis" now - a meaningless term.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if they will also take this as an opportunity to do something with the (poorly) sealed up newsstand on the side of the building:
ReplyDeletehttp://harlembespoke.blogspot.com/2011/01/see-last-of-old-harlem-newsstands.html#comments
Although the DOB permits do indeed indicate "no change in use," it's worth noting that the certificate of occupancy for this building merely specifies "TWO (2) COMMERCIAL STORES" on the ground floor.
ReplyDeleteSince one of those "commercial stores" is the Uptown Vets office around the corner, the definition clearly provides enough latitude for the space to be turned into something other than a bodega (gourmet or otherwise) without involving a change in use.
Here is the narrative portion of the permit:
RENOVATION OF STORE, INCLUDING INSTALLATION OF PARTITION, PLUMBING FIXTURE AND
S/S HOOD WITH EXHAUST DUCT; REPLACEMENT OF STORE FRONT.
The vented hood means a kitchen of some sort for sure. Notwithstanding Lyne's anecdotal evidence to the contrary, the other possibility is a restaurant.
Just to test out the theory, I took a look at the CO for the space next door (5 & Diamond, on the ground floor of 2072 8th Ave), and the use is designated the same way ("commercial store" / zoning use group #6).
Still looks like it will be a (gourmet) bodega -- but it doesn't *have* to be one.
Chris, fish is often sold on the corner of 7th Ave/113th St - really fresh - sometimes grilled right there and sometimes not. If they are now including chips that would be nice. Lovely man that catches and sells the fish.
ReplyDeleteAs for the empty newsstand on 112th & 8th Ave - wish someone would utilize it. I'd hate to see it go.
and yes a deli is a deli is a deli. I just wish the one on 112th & 7th Ave was not a 24/7 deli
This place was always in pretty bad shape in desperate need of a little TLC so this is welcome news.
ReplyDelete