We swung by today and noticed a truck out front and workers emptying all the refrigeration display units from the number 41 end of the building (lower photo) and the entire food stock had been emptied from the interior. DOB records show a general renovation permit for the space that was approved this past April but doesn't really mention any new use for the storefront. This small triangular, single-level building that spans from 111th to 112th Street is a prime spot since it gets direct access to the 2,3 express train but has been kind of run down in the past decade.
On a side note, many might recognize this corner as part of the big real estate scam that happened a couple of years back. The New York Road Runners Club tried to buy the entire complex (21-41 Lenox) for $8.5 million and it turned out to be one big con: LINK. Any more tips on what's happening to this space?
Seems like an ideal location for new development. At least, hopefully something other than the ugly one-story thing currently there.
ReplyDeletei spoke to a cashier and she said they were renovating the space, making it much larger somehow, though i don't see how that's possible.
ReplyDeleteThey told me that it was just a major renovation & that they'll be up & running in 2 weeks. Much needed...I admit I've been stopping in at the 116th St store on my way home for certain things.
ReplyDeleteMaybe they are trying to go upscale hoping to get some business from the new condo at 5th Ave/110th - although the condo at Lenox/110th obviously wasn't a boon for them. Otherwise I don't know why they would bother - the store wasn't particularly rundown - it just wasn't a good grocery store. And frankly, that whole triangle complex is really the pits - not an upbeat place to think of as your daily market.
ReplyDeleteThey should really knock it down and start over...
ReplyDeleteCool Blue - I vote for backing up a few revisions, like this archive shot:
ReplyDeletehttp://tinyurl.com/st-nick-111th
The back of that building makes that block of st nicholas feel ignored and unimportant. How did no-one fight that design from ever being built?
That's kinda cool, Columbia. I like the big arch.
ReplyDelete***a reminder to have user names such as first names, last names, initials or nicknames for all comments to remain permanent on current threads.
ReplyDeleteIt might be old news at this point, yesterday there was a sign that says "Fine Fare coming soon", not "Shop Fair" as it was before. I would be thrilled for a supermarket of the quality (or better) of the Fine Fare at 116th and Lenox. I hope harlem+bespoke and its readers will continue to post updates.
ReplyDelete