Thanks to Charles Stimson for purchasing and sharing these four photographs from the city archives. Shot for a tax survey in 1939, they show our block and are full of fascinating detail if you click on them to blow them up and look a little closer. Wouldn’t you love to stop off at Marty’s Luncheon for a sandwich? As New York races into the future, it’s quite a thrill to be able to look back and remind ourselves how things used to be.
On October 26, the owners of the upcoming Reyna restaurant, which is taking over the Le Midi space on 13th St., held an introductory Zoom call. Attendance was sparse, but it was interesting to hear their plans and to have the chance to voice concerns pre-emptively.
The restaurant will likely be open until 11 on weekdays and midnight on weekends. It is meant to be an upscale drinking/dining experience, not a noisy bar. They will also be using the Karaoke Cave space as a site for “French Karaoke” as well as sort of a holding space for people who may be waiting for a table (a problem Le Midi certainly never had).
They also plan to build a street-side dining shed, most of which will occupy the space now being used by Corkbuzz.
In general, they seemed quite eager to hear about any issues that nervous neighbors like us might have ahead of time, rather than deal with our anger later. They hope to open in the March/April time frame.
You can get an idea of what Reyna will be like by visiting the Web site for their two locations in Toronto: www.barreyna.com
If you have any questions, you can contact them directly:
Nicki at nicki@barreyna.com
Etienne at 646-421-4242.
Not that the area needed another high-end coffee pourer, but here comes Blue Bottle Coffee, on University between 12th and 13th.
Huge news as The New York Times reports on plans to pedestrianize the block of Broadway above Union Square as well as 17th St. in front of Barnes and Noble. Opinions are divided on this one. What do you think?
From the NY Post:
University Place is about to get a new, fun restaurant: the first New York outpost of Vapiano, a German-based chain of some 30 casual Italian eateries, which will open soon at 113 University at 13th Street. A Newmark Knight Frank team including Jeffrey Roseman repped the tenant and a Newmark team also repped the landlord, the Amalgamated Lithographers Union. Vapiano has locations in six other US cities. In Manhattan, it will have about 7,000 square feet on two levels in a long-vacant space. The asking rent was $200 per square foot. The chain, which calls itself a “fuel stop for grown-ups,” serves inexpensive antipasti, salads, pasta and pizza prepared on-site as customers watch. (Many dishes are priced under $10, according to Vapiano’s Web site). The new place also promises a full bar and “lively happy-hour scene.” Roseman chuckled, “It’s been described as a fast-casual cross between Mario Batali and Chipotle with uber-style.”
Have a look at Vapiano.
The deli at the corner of University and 13th will become Qdoba, a chain of Mexican fast food. More chain stores in the ‘hood. Signs of the times.
The Union Square Partnership has released its latest annual survey of people’s opinions about our neighborhood’s livability in terms of cleanliness, safety, landscaping, lighting, and quality of life. It makes for an interesting read. One highlight:
“USP is committed to enhancing livability in the Union Square 14th Street district through its Clean + Safe program. According to the 2024 survey results, satisfaction for district conditions improved or remained consistent compared to 2023 results, with satisfaction for public safety increasing by 15%. This notable increase follows USP’s deployment of Public Safety Officers (PSOs) in June 2023, and survey respondents noted that their patrols have had a positive impact in Union Square Park and the playground. Despite this improvement, respondents dissatisfied with the conditions expressed ongoing safety, sanitation, and quality of life concerns around the district, including the lack of City enforcement and City services for those in need. USP is dedicated to continuing investment in the PSO program and increasing coordination with City agencies and law enforcement in response to the community’s quality of life concerns.”