14th St. in 1939, Part II

No foul play is suspected in the death of the woman who fell down her Union Square building’s trash chute in July, the city’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner said on December 19. The body of Lara Prychodko, 48, was discovered by a building maintenance worker inside the trash compactor at Zeckendorf Towers on the corner of Irving Place and E. 15th Street on July 10, police said. Authorities believe the woman dropped 27-stories in the chute. Her body was discovered “crushed from multiple angles” in the compactor. It was not immediately clear if Prychodko’s death was accidental or a homicide, authorities said at the time.

That sinkhole that opened up on University Place between 11th and 12th Streets certainly was something.

The McDonald’s on 6th Ave between 14th and 15th St. has been remodeled in a sleek and sexy European style.  Well worth a visit to see what the future of fast food looks like.

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 trendy and chic Asian Eatery Qi (31 West 14th Street, 212 929-9917) combines environmentally conscience design and hip ambiance with an adventurous menu of options, including seasonal and macrobiotic selections that help detox and cleanse the body to reset energy flow. Dishes include Lemongrass Tuna Tartar and Ginseng Duck with Five Spices. Lunch specials start at just $6.90, everyday from 11 AM – 3:30 PM, including a free appetizer and rice.

Bookmark THIS LINK if you want to keep track of what the New School is saying about construction of its new building.