French Cafe to Replace French Cafe?

Curious to see what our block looked like 400 years ago. Check in at the Mannahatta Project, search for our address, and you’ll discover that as you might guess, it was covered with trees. There was also a lovely little river running north to south between 5th and 6th Ave.

From DNAinfo:

A developer’s plans to knock down two buildings in an historic district near Union Square to make room for new apartment towers, was shot down by the local community board, who say the integrity of the neighborhood and the retail options there should be preserved. Developer C.A. White wants to tear down two buildings at 21 W. 17th St. and 16 W. 18th St. to build 13- and 11-story apartment buildings in their place. The current buildings, which are significantly shorter, are occupied by a Rent a Runway shop and an empty storefront, formerly home to the restaurant BLT. They’re also a part of the Ladies Mile Historic District, and would ultimately need approval from the Landmark Preservation Commission to be altered.

The corner of University and 10th will soon be graced by Amorino, a very upscale French purveyor of fine gelato. Just in time for spring.

The annual meeting of shareholders will take place on June 6 at 7PM at the Seafarers and International House at 123 East 15th St., second floor.

The retail retreat continues. MAC Cosmetics is gone from its 14th St. perch near Broadway.

Soon to arrive on University Place: Mimi’s Frozen Yogurt. It’s Australian, and it’s fancy.