Most might remember that there had been scaffolding up on the building for several years and this was part of a restoration permit for the entire structure that was requested back in 2001. The storefronts were worked on over the summer and the interior has basically been gutted and cleaned out (lower photo). There hasn't been much progress in the past couple of months so we were doubtful about future prospects. Then again, we just found out that the original listing for the space confirms that it has indeed been fully leased out: LINK. The question now remains if Settepani will be the new proprietor to the space and have their second shop debut in the Mount Morris Park Historic District.
And they tarted up the window frames a bit. . .originally had been the common aluminum variety but they sheathed it in some manner of wood-like stuff.
ReplyDeleteIt’s disappointing that, after the scaffolding being up there forever, they did such a poor job of cleaning the facade. The old graffiti is still visible. They did add nice cornices, though.
I had brunch at Settepani last week and I asked one of the
ReplyDeleteowners to clarify if the rumors were about a possible pizzeria,
he gave me a smile and just said "maybe".
Soooo... In my opinion, I think we're getting a
real Italian pizzeria in the near future!!!
I think the deal is still on. The building is converting into a co-op at the moment (HDFC) so there are piles of paper work and red tape to go through....stay tuned!
ReplyDeletePizzeria is virtually a done deal. Another lease has gone out to a restaurant for the second space. However, some of the new occupants of the building are trying to put a monkey wrench in the plans. They are asking other tenants to protest the idea of restaurants as tenants. Let's pray they are not successful. They should be thankful that they are getting such incredibly large apartments for cheap and shut up!
ReplyDeleteNathaniel, that is not quite correct. Old and new neighbors (especially the ones right around the restaurants) want to make sure the walls are sealed and ventilation is done properly to avoid rodents & smells. I am sure everybody is quite happy to have the spaces rented asap. Also the tenants don't have the say in this as they do not own the place yet...its still in the HPD/non-profit's hand and they make the final decisions here.
ReplyDeleteHaving a restaurant in a building also jacks up a building’s insurance premiums by quite a staggering amount.
ReplyDelete...yeah, you are right Sanou's Mum...especially if a brick open fire oven the size of a truck is involved ;-)....but some income is desperately needed to pay the upcoming oil bills.
ReplyDeleteOr just huddle around the truck-sized brick oven.
ReplyDeleteAhhh, maybe that IS the plan. That thing will be replacing the confused boiler...smart thinking! Very green too...no wonder it is taking so long.
ReplyDeleteFor a place so starved for decent eateries and the like people sure do like to whine and complain. I am with Nathaniel if the eatery is a good one and not another $1 pizza front then nit should be welcomed with outstretched arms. That corner has really could use some decent retail. While they are at it they should get those bodegas there to spruce up, they really are eyesores!!!
ReplyDelete