University Place Loses Bambootori and Pierre Marc Opticians

Information is sketchy, but it appears that Pan Am Equities, the real estate company that owns the collection of “True North” apartment buildings, including one on our 13th St. block, is now in the process of reconfiguring 24-26 East 13th St., the former home of the New York Health and Racquet Club, into 39 apartments, up from the previous 24. The ground floor and basement may once again hold a fitness facility. It’s unclear if the overall size of the building will change, but it appears not.

This is the west side of Union Square in 1899. Note the Tiffany & Co. building that is now the luxury condos clad in black.

Soon to arrive on 4th Ave. between 12th and 13th Streets is Schmackary’s Cookies, which allegedly sells more types of freshly baked cookies that any other cookie store.

The flowers are back on sale at the corner deli on 13th. Problem solved.

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

What used to be a fur shop is now Petco. Somehow appropriate.