East Village

The Bronx Brewery is moving downtown. The local brewing company announced on Wednesday plans to open a pilot brewery and taphouse this fall in a multi-level East Village spot at 64 Second Avenue. The Bronx Brewery East Village will also feature a kitchen with "special guest" chefs and space for live music.
Details here

Uncategorized

Pubs, parades, and politicians: The Irish legacy of the East Village and Greenwich Village

Photo of White Horse Tavern (bottom left) courtesy of Wikimedia; Photo of the Merchant’s House Museum (bottom right) courtesy of Village Preservation on Flickr

March 10, 2020

Pubs, parades, and politicians: The Irish legacy of the East Village and Greenwich Village

For many, celebrating Irish American heritage in March brings one to Fifth Avenue for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, or perhaps a visit to St. Patrick’s Cathedral. But for those willing to venture beyond Midtown, there’s a rich Irish American history to be found in Greenwich Village and the East Village. While both neighborhoods became better known for different kinds of communities in later years – Italians, Ukrainians, gay men and lesbians, artists, punks – Irish immigration in the mid-19th century profoundly shaped both neighborhoods. Irish Americans and Irish immigrants played a critical role in building immigrant and artistic traditions in Greenwich Village and the East Village. Here are some sites connected to that great heritage, from the city's oldest intact Catholic Church to Irish institutions like McSorely's Old Ale House.
More here

This $750K East Village co-op has more than its share of tranquility and closet space

Images courtesy of Douglas Elliman

March 3, 2020

This $750K East Village co-op has more than its share of tranquility and closet space

Though it's located on busy 14th Street at the crossroads of Union Square and the East Village, this just-right-sized one-bedroom co-op at 243 East 14th Street promises pin-drop quiet within its walls. It also offers more closet space than the average Village pad.
More closets, this way

Distinctive Homes

Pierogis, borscht, and Ukrainian history: Behind the scenes at East Village restaurant Veselka

All photos taken by James and Karla Murray exclusively for 6sqft

February 13, 2020

Pierogis, borscht, and Ukrainian history: Behind the scenes at East Village restaurant Veselka

By Dana Schulz

21,000 pierogis, 2,500 latkes, and 110 gallons of borscht--that's how much Veselka is serving up each week. But it's impossible to quantify how many memories have been made at the famous East Village Ukrainian restaurant, which has been in operation since 1954. Whether it's grandparents who remember going to what was then a small candy shop and newspaper stand at a time when the East Village was a thriving Eastern European community, or counter-culture icons of the 1970s, or club kids of the '90s, or the NYU students of today, you can bet that nearly every New Yorker has some story of enjoying a meal at Veselka. 6sqft recently got a behind-the-scenes tour of Veselka's kitchen to see how the magic happens, in addition to chatting with third-generation owner Jason Birchard. Ahead, check out all the photos and learn about the history of Veselka.
Check it out

$525K East Village studio features lots of storage and a hidden solution for overnight guests

Listing images courtesy of Halstead Real Estate

February 11, 2020

$525K East Village studio features lots of storage and a hidden solution for overnight guests

By Alexandra Alexa

Exposed brick walls and a decorative fireplace give this East Village alcove studio at 186 East 2nd Street charm to spare while clever space-saving solutions and plenty of storage make it adaptable to modern life. Asking $525,000, it's got a prime East Village location to boot, just two blocks away from the Second Avenue F train station and a short walk to Tompkins Square Park.
Get the full tour

Distinctive Homes

January 31, 2020

The history of how the New York Public Library got its start Downtown

This year, the New York Public Library is celebrating its 125th anniversary. With 53 million items and 92 locations across Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island, the NYPL is the largest municipal library in the world. It’s also the steward of some of New York’s greatest landmarks, reflecting a century and a quarter of Gotham’s history, and in some cases even more. The roots of this library system can be found in Greenwich Village, the East Village, and Noho. The main antecedents of the NYPL which formed the foundation of today’s system— the Astor Library, the Lenox Library, and the New York Free Circulating Library – all began in these neighborhoods just below 14th Street. As a result, this is where New York’s oldest public library buildings and the oldest building housing an NYPL branch are located -- the latter ironically having been where great works of literature were banned and censored before it became a library.
Get the full story

History

$775K East Village co-op in a former rectory has 13-foot ceilings and a loft

Photo credit: Melanie Greene courtesy of Compass.

January 27, 2020

$775K East Village co-op in a former rectory has 13-foot ceilings and a loft

This cozy East Village pad at 300 East 4th Street has the modern chic vibe that gives apartments in this neighborhood such charm. The building also has the architectural distinction of being in a former rectory that was converted to co-ops, giving each unit within a unique footprint. Asking $775,000, the one-bedroom home near picturesque and lively Avenue C gets 13-foot ceilings and a loft for storage or sleeping.
Get a closer look

Distinctive Homes

The Rite Aid at 81 1st Avenue. Photo © Adam Friedberg

January 16, 2020

Photo exhibit highlights the disappearing single-story buildings of the East Village and LES

By Dana Schulz

In 2015, photographer Adam Friedberg was passing through Astor Place and took notice of the two single-story buildings on Third Avenue and St. Marks Place--the one that housed Continental Bar and the other a McDonald's. From there, Friedberg began a project to photograph all the single-story buildings throughout the changing East Village and Lower East Side neighborhoods and the negative space they created. After capturing 97 of the roughly 105 structures, his work is now on view at the Center for Architecture in an exhibit titled "Single-Story Project."
See more of the photos

Events & Things To Do

Via Wiki Commons

January 3, 2020

New Trader Joe’s on 14th Street and Avenue A opens Monday morning

It's been over two-and-a-half years since Trader Joe's announced its plans to open a new store in a 23,000-square-foot space at 432 East 14th Street across from Stuyvesant Town, just three avenues east of their original 14th Street store. The beloved grocery store is the retail anchor tenant in the newly-constructed residential building called EVE that replaced the former Stuyvesant Post Office at that address. With leasing at the building a year in and an affordable housing lottery open, Trader Joe's now confirms on its website that the store will open on Monday, January 6th at 8am (h/t EV Grieve).
14th Street, street of groceries

City Living

December 19, 2019

14 historic sites of the abolitionist movement in Greenwich Village

As this year marks 400 years since the first African slaves were brought to America, much attention has been paid to what that means and how to remember this solemn anniversary. The city's Landmarks Preservation Commission issued a story map highlighting landmarks of the abolitionist movement in New York City. Absent from the map were a number of incredibly important sites in Greenwich Village, the East Village, and Noho, which were a hotbed of abolitionist activity through the 19th century, as well as the home of the city’s largest African American community. Ahead, learn about 14 significant sites of the anti-slavery movement.
Learn more

History

Photo credit: VHT courtesy of Compass

December 19, 2019

St. Mark’s studio with a working fireplace is a cozy little slice of East Village life for $475K

Though St. Mark's Place in the East Village may not be the colorful alt-culture adventure it once was, it's still central to a neighborhood that never stops moving. This compact co-op studio at 87 St. Mark's Place is in the center of it all, yet it's buttoned up, fitted out, and ready for the next adventurer to enjoy. Attributes like a working fireplace and a built-in Murphy bed make the space feel like home.
More cute studio, this way

Distinctive Homes

The 8 best neighborhoods in NYC for holiday shopping

Photo by Josh Wilburne on Unsplash

November 26, 2019

The 8 best neighborhoods in NYC for holiday shopping

By Rebecca Fishbein

New York is a prime spot for holiday shopping, in large part because of big department stores like Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s, designer flagships that line the Upper East Side, and whatever hell awaits you in the Disney Store in Times Square. But true New Yorkers should avoid the major shopping hubs, and instead seek gifts and other goods in some of the city’s slightly less crowded and infinitely more interesting ‘hoods, including the many holiday markets and pop-up shops found across the five boroughs. Find our favorite neighborhoods for holiday shopping this season, ahead.
See the full list

Events & Things To Do

Lottery launches for East Village rental with a roof deck and Trader Joe’s, from $674/month

Street View of 433 East 13th Street in June 2019; Map Data © 2019 Google

It’s your chance to snag an affordable apartment in a prime section of the East Village. A lottery launched this week for 30 mixed-income units at a newly constructed building called EVE NYC, located at 433 East 13th Street between 1st Avenue and Avenue A. Not only is the building within walking distance of an abundance of restaurants and bars, but it also offers one of the best perks inside of it: a Trader Joe’s will open on the ground floor of its 14th Street side. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 40, 60, and 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the units, which range from $674/month studios to $2,991/month two-bedrooms.

Designed by SLCE Architects, the EVE consists of two buildings, seven- and eight-stories, holding a total of 113 units. Residences boast oversized windows, open floor plans, and stainless steel appliances. Leasing for the market-rate apartments launched in January, with apartments priced at $2,999/month studios and $6,499/month two-bedrooms, as CityRealty reported.

Impressive amenities include a landscaped roof deck that comes with a large lawn and grilling area, as well as an outdoor TV and sound system. Residents can also enjoy a fitness center, dog run, communal lounge, and a private outdoor courtyard.

The building sits across from the L train at 1st Avenue, with the 4, 5, and 6 trains a few blocks away at Union Square. Around the corner, food and late-night options include the Momofuku Noodle Bar, Raclette, Please Don’t Tell, Keybar and Phoenix Bar.

Qualifying New Yorkers can apply for the apartments at 433 East 13th Street until January 27, 2020. Complete details on how to apply are available here (pdf). Questions regarding this offer must be referred to NYC’s Housing Connect department by dialing 311.

If you don’t qualify for the housing lotteries mentioned, visit CityRealty’s no-fee rentals page for other apartment deals in the city.

RELATED:

Trader Joe’s confirms a new store is opening on 14th Street and Avenue A
161 affordable apartments available in the South Bronx, from $331/month
Apply for 52 mixed-income units near Lehman College in the Bronx, from $736/month

November 22, 2019

Lottery launches for East Village rental with a roof deck and Trader Joe’s, from $674/month

Street View of 433 East 13th Street in June 2019; Map Data © 2019 Google It's your chance to snag an affordable apartment in a prime section of the East Village. A lottery launched this week for 30 mixed-income units at a newly constructed building called EVE NYC, located at 433 East 13th Street between 1st Avenue and Avenue A. Not only is the building within walking distance of an abundance of restaurants and bars, but it also offers one of the best perks inside of it: a Trader Joe's will open on the ground floor of its 14th Street side. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 40, 60, and 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the units, which range from $674/month studios to $2,991/month two-bedrooms.
Do you qualify?

Affordable Housing

Image credit: VHT courtesy of The Corcoran Group.

October 18, 2019

This East Village co-op packs plenty of small-space ideas into a $640K one-bedroom

This renovated one-bedroom co-op at 322 East 14th Street makes the best of a compact space with ceilings over 10 feet, well-designed details, and splashes of color. Asking $640,000, it's in the heart of it all in the East Village near Union Square, Nomad, and endless transportation options.
Take a look

Distinctive Homes

Photo by Beyond My Ken / Wiki Commons

October 17, 2019

Publishing giants, radical literature, and women’s suffrage: More secrets of Union Square South

The area south of Union Square, on the border between Greenwich Village and the East Village, is changing. The approval of the new 14th Street Tech Hub south of Union Square combined with an explosion of tech-related development in the area has resulted in the demolition of mid-19th-century hotels and Beaux-Arts style tenements, with new office towers like 809 Broadway taking their place. Aside from being rich in 19th- and early-20th-century architecture, this area is overflowing with history connected to many of the great American artists, writers, musicians, publishers, activists, innovators and artisans of the last century and a half. As part of Village Preservation's work to document and bring to light some of that often forgotten history, we wrote this piece last year exploring the connections to Mark Twain and Walt Whitman, Alexander Graham Bell and Leroi Jones (among many others). Now, we've uncovered even more history-making people and events connected to this area and its buildings, from Hammacher Schlemmer (NYC's first hardware store) to a slew of influential publishing houses (including that which published the first U.S. edition of "Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland") to the Women’s Suffrage League headquarters.
READ MORE

History

October 3, 2019

12 historic Italian-American sites of the East Village

October, the month we mark Columbus Day, is also Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month. That combined with the recent celebrations around the 125th anniversary of beloved pastry shop Veniero’s inspires a closer look at the East Village’s own historic Little Italy, centered around First Avenue near the beloved pastry shop and cafe. While not nearly as famous or intact as similar districts around Mulberry Street or Bleecker and Carmine Street in the South Village, if you look closely vestiges of the East Village’s once-thriving Italian community are all around. In the second half of the 19th century, the East Village was a vibrant checkerboard of ethnic enclaves. Germans were by far the dominant group, until the turn of the century when Eastern European Jews took over the Second Avenue spine and much of what’s now Alphabet City, Hungarians congregated along Houston Street, and Slavs and Poles gravitated towards the blocks just west and north of Tompkins Square. But a linear Italian-American enclave formed along and near First Avenue, broadening at 14th Street. Vestiges of this community survived into the third quarter of the 20th century, with just a few establishments and structures connected to that era continuing to function today.
Get the full list

History

Free cannolis and major pastry discounts for Veniero’s 125th anniversary celebration

Photo by James and Karla Murray exclusively for 6sqft

September 20, 2019

Free cannolis and major pastry discounts for Veniero’s 125th anniversary celebration

A longtime Italian pastry shop is celebrating its 125th anniversary this month and celebrating in the best way possible: free cannolis. Family-owned and operated since 1894, Veniero's has grown from a small immigrant-owned candy shop in the East Village to a New York City institution, selling more than 150 desserts today. On Monday, Sept. 23, the bakery will offer free mini cannolis (while supplies last), live music, and a discount of 18.94 percent on all orders, according to Time Out.
Get the delicious details

Events & Things To Do

New exhibit from photographers James and Karla Murray celebrates mom-and-pop storefronts of NYC

Photo © James and Karla Murray

September 9, 2019

New exhibit from photographers James and Karla Murray celebrates mom-and-pop storefronts of NYC

A free photography exhibition highlighting mom-and-pop shops of New York City opens in the East Village next week. Photographers and award-winning authors James and Karla Murray hosted two workshops earlier this year on using photography and oral history to "raise public awareness, build community, and encourage advocacy." The free exhibition, "Capturing the Faces & Voices of Mom-And-Pop Storefronts," shows off the photos and interviews from the workshop's participants, as well as large-scale photos of now-shuttered East Village shops, taken by James and Karla.
More here

Events & Things To Do

August 8, 2019

Uncovering the stories behind downtown’s overlooked synagogues

On August 8, 2008, Village Preservation and the East Village Community Coalition (EVCC) submitted a request to the LPC to landmark a little-known but remarkable survivor– Congregation Mezritch Synagogue at 515 East 6th Street between 1st Avenue and Avenue A. The building was the last operating “tenement synagogue” in the East Village. A young, little-known developer named Jared Kushner was planning to tear it down and replace it with condos and a new space for the tiny congregation, which had operated out of the building since 1910. The story has a (relatively) happy ending – the synagogue and much of its surroundings were landmarked in 2012, and the demolition plan was dropped. But unlike the deservedly beloved and celebrated Eldridge Street Synagogue, now a National Historic Landmark, Mezritch is one of several unique but in many cases overlooked historic synagogues still standing in and around Greenwich Village, the East Village, and the Lower East Side, which in the early 20th century contained what was by many accounts the largest Jewish community in the world. Ahead, we take a look at the history of seven of them and what makes them so unique.
Learn about the history

History

The social and cultural Puerto Rican history of the East Village

Photo via Flickr cc

July 25, 2019

The social and cultural Puerto Rican history of the East Village

The tumult and unrest in the streets of Puerto Rico right now harken back to a time when many Puerto Rican New Yorkers were also agitating in the streets for long-overdue reform and change. One milestone in that history took place 50 years ago when several Puerto Rican activists gathered in the East Village to found the New York Chapter of the Young Lords. This began a flowering of Puerto Rican cultural and social ferment in the East Village, the legacy of which can still be seen and experienced in the neighborhood today. From Tompkins Square Park to the Nuyorican Poets Café, here are six of the most significant spots.
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History

Classic East Village brownstone apartment with private outdoor space seeks $6.8K/month

Listing images by Rise Media; courtesy of Compass

July 24, 2019

Classic East Village brownstone apartment with private outdoor space seeks $6.8K/month

By Alexandra Alexa

This classic brownstone apartment at 218 East 12th Street is an East Village delight. Located on a quiet, tree-lined block—right around the corner from St. Marks Church between Second and Third Avenues—the floor-through unit offers a temporary but quintessential slice of life in the buzzy neighborhood. Available to rent for $6,800 a month, the sunny one-bedroom apartment boasts prewar details, a flexible layout, and a private outdoor space.
Get the full tour

Distinctive Homes

Mount Sinai files plans for new $600M Beth Israel facility in the East Village

Renderings courtesy of Mount Sinai

July 23, 2019

Mount Sinai files plans for new $600M Beth Israel facility in the East Village

Mount Sinai Health System filed an application with the Department of Health to close its current facility and redesign a $600 million Mount Sinai Beth Israel facility two blocks away, slated to open in 2023, Crains reports. The new facility and Mount Sinai's New York Eye and Ear Infirmary will share a campus. The hospital's $1 billion downtown development plans also include a $140 million behavioral health center on the Lower East Side for mental health and substance-use treatment.
Find out more

New Developments

July 19, 2019

This $3.8M Village live/work duplex condo was among the neighborhood’s first lofts

After 25 years as the home of The Phillip and Edith Leonian Foundation, this 3,200 square-foot duplex condo asking $3.75 million is still a classic Village live/work loft. The late, famed photographer Phillip Leonian is known for his iconic portrait of Muhammad Ali in a crown and red velvet robe; the foundation has funded photographic education and documentary photography across the United States. The American Felt Building at 114 East 13th Street was once home to the suppliers of the hammer and bushing felt for the Steinway piano company; it was among the area's first to be re-purposed for loft living, loved for the high ceilings and massive windows that made former industrial spaces so popular.
See more, this way

Distinctive Homes

A-Rod steps up his NYC real estate game with a new partnership to buy multiple apartment buildings

East Village photo via Flickr cc; A-Rod photo via Wiki Commons

June 26, 2019

A-Rod steps up his NYC real estate game with a new partnership to buy multiple apartment buildings