University Place will soon have not one but two taco spots within two blocks of each other. What was Tortaria at the corner of 12th St. will now become the second branch of Santo Taco. The update:
Since opening in the spring, Santo Taco’s Soho stall has gotten people to line up around the block for its steak trompos and rough-edged masa tortillas. Now it’s expanding: A new location will triple the number of seats while adding margaritas to the menu.
If you’re curious about the plans for the New School’s new construction on our block, there will be a public presentation on February 17. Here’s how the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Presentation is billing it:
On Wednesday, February 17 at 6:30 pm The New School (TNS) will make a public presentation of its current plans for a new development at 65 Fifth Avenue, between 13th and 14th Streets. Having originally proposed a 300-350 ft. tall building rising straight up over the entire site which would have required several zoning variances, TNS is now proposing a much smaller, 16-story, 189 ft. tall (plus mechanicals) building which will set back above the 6th floor and which conforms to the existing zoning for the site. The presentation will be similar to that which was made to GVSHP, other community groups, and elected officials in December. The plans are not yet finalized at this time, but do contain significant details about TNS’ thinking and progress on the design.
The fact that the mass and height of the proposed building has been reduced significantly from prior proposals in a very positive development. However, GVSHP does have concerns about the metal and glass design currently being contemplated for the facade of the building. The public presentation to Community Board #2’s Institutions Committee will be an opportunity to learn more about TNS’ plans for the site, ask questions, and provide feedback about the project.
Attend the public presentation on Wednesday, February 17th at 6:30 pm at the St. Vincent’s Hospital cafeteria on 12th Street.
Your reporter visited an open house at 15 Union Square West. The verdict: the ceilings are incredibly high and the windows are huge. Fixtures are fantastic although overdesigned for someone with more sedate tastes. The most interesting feature: an interior atrium complete with 19th century ironwork and a skylight that will be restored. Incredible to see it. The big problem: these apartments are insanely expensive.
What an interesting painting. The view is to the east across the southeastern corner of the park, back when the statue of George Washington was located in a traffic island at that corner.
DOB has granted our request to start placing our concrete at 6am, which will allow us to finish this work earlier in the evening. We have 3 more instances like this until we finish our superstructure in early June.
Therefore, next week (April 30 to May 4), Superstructure work will continue at the 15th and 16th floor levels. Tuesday, May 1st and Friday, May 4th we will have a pour with a 6 am start time and similar end time, weather permitting. Deliveries for the internal systems of the building have been ongoing and will continue, although they should not greatly affect the flow of pedestrian and road traffic.
The following week (May 7 to May 11), we will continue superstructure concrete and slabs on the 17th floor and roof levels. Deliveries for the internal systems of the building have been ongoing and will continue, although they should not greatly affect the flow of pedestrian and road traffic.
This weekend the site will be closed.
Certified closed: Recess, the angular coffee and snack shop on the corner of University and 10th. It lasted only about six months.
