Latest New School Construction Update

Read this fun and interesting New Yorker article about artists who get together in our nearby smelly Taco Bell.

Sad! Joe Jr.’s diner on 6th Ave. at 12th St. is dying after 35 years. Here are all the sad details.

Later this year, Capital One will open a new banking concept in New York City’s Union Square with a large café, operated by Peet’s Coffee, and an upstairs lounge that will function as a communal work space, complete with free Wi-Fi.

Not unlike the Apple Store, the bank will serve customers with mobile tellers, who will have iPads on which they will handle transactions, rather than the standard glass window setup.

The bank already operates a number of Capital One 360 Cafés, where customers are invited to enjoy coffee while they learn about ways to manage their finances, but the upcoming location takes a page from the rising popularity of communal office spaces, which are increasingly common in New York City.

The basement of the café at 853 Broadway will be used as a classroom. Customers can take courses on mortgage financing and other topics.

The elevated café concept is expected to expand beyond Union Square; the bank is reportedly already looking to open a location in the SoHo neighborhood, but a deal has not yet been made.

First Au Bon Pain kicks the bucket, and now Tisserie at corner of Union Sq. West and 17th is gone as well.

Dominique Ansel is opening a third bakery in Manhattan. The French pastry chef, famous for inventing the cronut in 2013, has signed a 15-year lease n at 64 University Place, between East 10th and 11th streets. The new bakery is located on the ground level of that yet-to-be-completed 11-floor luxury apartment complex.

Next week (January 30 to February 3), Superstructure work will continue at and 3rd, 4th and 5th floor levels.

The following week (February 6 to February 10), we will continue superstructure concrete and slabs on 4th and 5th floor levels.

This weekend the site will be open on Saturday, January 28th for superstructure related activities between the work hours of 7AM and 5PM as permitted by the City. To control noise levels within the site, work activities will be limited to the placement of formwork and concrete, plumbing and electrical work, rebar for concrete placement, using the crane and equipment to support all activities. Safety horns are used, and required by law, to coordinate lifting with the crane and to alert the workers of the danger overhead. We have directed the operators to limit the use of horns to one short sounding and to use the crane later in the day so as to avoid any excess noise.

In addition to the normal work this Saturday we will be disassembling the small crane and removing it from the site. During the demobilization 13th St. will be closed as well as some lanes on 5th Ave. Pedestrian traffic will also be temporarily closed on the east side of 5th ave. for safety.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any concerns or questions. Thank you

Jane R. Crotty
Senior Vice President
George Arzt Communications, Inc.
123 William Street, 22nd Fl.
New York, NY 10038
T (212) 608-0333