Cookie Monster

A true neighborhood standy is officially gone. So long to the Giant Bagel Shop on the corner of University and 13th. Who knows what will take over that high-traffic space.

Here are the details:

Saturdays 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Union Square Partnership has teamed with Big Onion Walking Tours to create a free 90-minute walking tour. The tour explores the social and political history of the Union Square neighborhood through discussions of the people, history, architecture, and forces that have shaped this community.Location: Union Square Park: Meet at Lincoln Statue by 16th Street Transverse, Union Square Park

More Information:
(212) 460-1200
Union Square Walking Tour

Joyce Leslie, “the store where you send your daughter to dress like a hooker,” has been gone for a while on the corner of University and 8th. A replacement has finally been named: CVS. So the neighborhood gets yet another alternative to the surly hellhounds at Duane Reade.

Here’s what’s happening in their building as described in a memo sent to the university community:

June 22, 2009
From President Bob Kerrey and Provost Tim Marshall Abatement of Hazardous Materials in the University Center at 65 5thAvenue This is a follow-up to the recent announcement of the closing of the 65Fifth Avenue. There were some questions from members of our communityand we thought it would be helpful to provide additional information. The closing occurred because our university’s trustees have approvedthe removal and abatement of hazardous materials in the building.Several Board members with considerable New York City constructionexperience recommended that abatement work be started in advance of thedecision to build since it is highly likely that decision will be madethis fall. Abatement of hazardous material will shorten the duration ofthe construction of the University Center project. However, becauseabatement results in stripping the interior of the building of allfinishes, it was necessary to close the building in order to performthis work. Please note that the abatement work would have beennecessary regardless of future building plans. The Board had previously authorized the production of schematicdrawings for a new building. This authorization has led to extensivecollaboration with the newly created University Facilities Committee.This committee is working closely with the architect, and severalsubcommittees have been formed to offer input around particular kinds ofspaces. This input will likely lead to a final Board decision in the fall toproceed with construction of the Fifth Avenue University Center. Thisdecision will depend upon evaluation of new construction cost estimates,of actual enrollment results, and of financing. We recognize that the closing of the 65th Fifth Avenue has resulted insignificant dislocation of student activities. We have accommodated someof these activities with new construction in Arnhold Hall on 13thStreet. However, more needs to be done. We are pursuing severalpromising real estate opportunities that give us confidence that we willbe able to provide the new amenities this year. In the unlikely event adecision is made not to proceed with the new construction, or to delayconstruction for a long period of time, the trustees will review alloptions for dealing with the existing building at 65 Fifth Avenue. We expect that a schedule of construction activities at the site can beannounced within a couple of weeks, when we expect the abatement anddemolition contracts approved by the trustees to be finalized. Afterworking with the University Facilities Committee to reach broadconsensus about the program for the new building, we will continue tomeet throughout the summer with the Committee and with other user groupsin developing the schematic design. We are also working to set upvenues for regular communication to the entire University communityabout the project’s progress.

It looks like a crepe joint called Vive Le Crepe will open on University near 13th in a former day spa. It joins an upcoming falafel place and the glam Italian place to come on the corner. That’s three chains filling spaces formerly operated by three local businesses. Times change.

Next week (December 17 to December 21), material and equipment deliveries and installation work will continue on all floors inside the building.

The following week (December 24 to December 28), Material and equipment deliveries and installation work will continue on all floors. The site will be closed on December 25th for the holiday but will be open on Monday the 24th and Wednesday the 26th.

This weekend the site will be open on Saturday, December 15th for interior and superstructure related activities between the work hours of 7AM and 5PM as permitted by the City.