We’re Getting a Hyatt Hotel

Next week (April 11 to April 15), Contractors will continue to excavate earth and rock, and load out material. We will continue to underpin both adjacent buildings with DOB approval of our means and methods. Drilling of tie-backs, lagging and sheeting around the perimeter will progress as well. The following week (April 18 to April 23), we will continue rock excavation and loading out, as well as underpinning both adjacent buildings, lagging and sheeting.

Next week (May 6 to May 10), material and equipment deliveries and installation work will continue on all floors inside the building. We will be working on the new sidewalks around the building and installing new curbs. Additionally we will be working on the roofs of the building.

The following week (May 13 to May 17), material and equipment deliveries and installation work will continue on all floors as well as sidewalk work.

This weekend the site will be open on Saturday, May 4th for interior, roof, and sidewalk activities between the work hours of 7AM and 5PM as permitted by the City.

Check out Breads Bakery, on 16th St. just west of Union Square. It’s really good.

It looks like shuttered Indian restaurant Babu Ji may be rising from its wage theft lawsuit ashes into the old All’onda space at 22 East 13th Street. A neighbor happened upon the space at an opportune moment, when a garbage bag hanging over a brand-new sign at the address fell down, revealing the words “Babu Ji” for all to see. It’s an unexpected changeover for the space — up until very recently, Red Farm restaurateur Ed Schoenfeld was planning to take the space for a new restaurant called The Mess. The restaurant with chef Zod Arifai was completely built out and had even hired staff and hosted friends and family in February when all work came to a halt in March. Schoenfeld previously told Eater the hold-up was initially a result of issues with the Community Board, who recommended a denial of the space’s liquor license. Schoenfeld did not immediately respond to inquiries, and Babu Ji owners Jennifer and Jessi Singh declined to comment.

The retail retreat continues, with the departure of Bolton’s from the corner of Union Square and University. This is a high-traffic area. It’ll be interesting to see what comes next.

From The Daily News:

Skip the holiday gifting anxiety attacks this year and head to the Union Square Holiday Market, now in it’s 13th year. There’s plenty of hand-made jewelry, clothes and other items as well as organic and free-trade finery. Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m; free admission. Union Square Park, E. 14th St. and Broadway. For more information, go to: www.nycgovparks.org.