What’s Going On with the Burned-Out Building?

Curbed reports: The curvy low-rise building at 61 Fifth Avenue, devastated by fire in 2006, has been marked for death ever since the structure—a former Scrafft’s luncheonette (see photo at top left circa 1940)—was sold to a developer in early 2008. An architect was quickly enlisted to draw up plans for a 10-story building with apartments and ground-floor retail, and it was made clear that the current 61 Fifth Avenue was too far gone to be preserved in any manner. Has the economy put a pause on those plans? Perhaps, but broker-blogger Andrew Fine reports that demolition permit was issued for the property in December, so the wrecking ball could come calling any day now.

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    Interesting….”Long regarded as a leader in New York’s fine-dining world, Danny Meyer is making moves into the casual ranks of the city’s culinary scene. The restaurateur’s Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG), which encompasses a range of high-price dining spots such as the Michelin-starred Gramercy Tavern and the Modern, is investing in Joe Coffee, a New York-based coffee chain with 13 locations in the city and two in Philadelphia.”

    “Historically we’ve had the privilege of investing in some incredibly special companies whose cultures, leaders, and innovative business models caught our eyes, and Joe is no different,” said Danny Meyer, Chief Executive Officer of Union Square Hospitality Group. “USHG has had a meaningful relationship with Joe Coffee and founder Jonathan Rubinstein for many years, both as avid fans of their coffee bars and also having served their coffee at Union Square Events for years. We chose to make this investment with Joe Coffee because they are dedicated to the pursuit of making flawless coffee, are led by passionate and exceptional management, and share the same hospitality values as USHG.”

    “We are incredibly proud and humbled that USHG and its affiliates have chosen to invest in Joe,” said Jonathan Rubinstein, Co-Founder and President of Joe Coffee. “Danny Meyer is a leader I have admired my entire professional career and to have the opportunity to partner with him and his outstanding team at Union Square Hospitality Group is a dream come true. With this new funding, we will continue to do what we love – roast, brew, and serve the best quality coffee with genuine hospitality – and now we are excited to bring Joe to even more great communities across the country.”

  • Summer in the Square for July 18

    7:00 AM Morning Running Club with Paragon Sports (Fitness)
    7:00 AM Boot Camp with Circuit of Change (Fitness)
    8:00 AM Yoga with Jivamukti (Fitness)
    9:00 AM CrossFit with Paragon Sports (Fitness)
    10:00 AM Yoga StoryTime with Karma Kids (Kids)
    11:00 AM Rolie Polie Guacamole (Kids)
    12:00 PM New School Jazz (Music)
    6:00 PM Salsa with Baila Society (Dance)

  • Goodbye Garden of Eden, Hello Atherea

    Garden of Eden is gone and missed. In its place will come Atherea, a more organic, health-food focused market and cafe. Does that mean $$$$? Probably. Here’s what they say:

    “At Atherea Natural Market, we are leaders in the niche of premium organic products and your trusted resource for individuals who are dedicated to integrating health and sustainability into their lifestyles. At Atherea Natural Market, we understand that food is foundational to our well-being. Our rigorously curated selection encompasses awide array of local organic and NON-GMO fruits and vegetables, nutrient-dense pantry essentials, organic prepared foods andcatering, along with our third party tested vitamins and supplements. We partner exclusively with local NYS organic farmers who strictly adhere to biodynamic and regenerative farming standards that enhance the health of our ecosystems. This dedication ensures that our customers have access to products that are not only organic and NON-GMO but also responsibly sourced, harvested, and sold within our market.”
    Yep, sounds $$$$