Lost Brownstone is Rolling in its Grave

**Update below**
Here's what's left of the fencing around the new building that replaced a brownstone on 6th Avenue and 54th. I guess since the work is only going on INSIDE the building, they figure the fencing isn't necessary anymore. That may be, but take the whole darn thing down; it's becoming a trash heap and it looks pretty dangerous. There is a complaint in about this. The 9th one for this site.

This building will have three 3-bedroom apartments, one on each floor. It will also have some type of commercial fun on the ground floor.

**Not 24 hours later, the fencing and trash have been removed. 311 works! Or maybe it was that when I took the photo (probably with a scowl on my face), a woman who works in the laundry next door rushed out looking very worried. Either way, the trashy stuff is gone and now we can admire the facade in all its glory.

Brownstone Replacement Shows Off Ground Floor

Unfortunately, it's not a unique aesthetic. The grey marble (is it marble?) looks like it's spackled on, and new graffiti keeps showing up. At least the light fixture over the roll-down door is on straight now. It was hanging from one side the last time I saw it.

The store front has yet to be revealed. With that look, I'm guessing a nail salon or maybe a music store...but it will probably be a "grocery" that only sells diapers, formula, and candy. A new one of those just opened up in the old Ho Ho Cleaners space. Because THAT is needed in the neighborhood. Not enough Baby Dry stacked up to the ceiling around here. Why is that the "grocery" diaper of choice, anyway?

Dead Brownstone Has Had Work Stopped

This very rained-on Stop Work Order at 5405 6th Avenue has been up since November. True enough, work seems to have stopped for now, but I wasn't able to find any record about why the work was stopped. (update: oh yes I did. And part of it has to do with smoking.) The sign itself is so faded that it's difficult to make any words out. Only "entire job" and the address are clear. Well, that and DO NOT REMOVE. Perhaps it's because one sign was ripped down within a day? Or, perhaps it was because the inspector noticed the "marble" facade going up on the ground floor? The horizontal light fixture is hanging precariously as well. Sad that this is what the previous building made room to allow.

Sixth Avenue Walkdown - Shut cafe; Sink hole; Lost Brownstone update

So today, on my way to Three Guys from Brooklyn, I walked down Sixth Avenue from the park to 59th Street. Boy oh boy was there stuff to ponder.

First, I noticed this yesterday, but two days in a row makes me curious. Why has Miguel's Cafe been closed up? There's no sign about a vacation or violations. When I called the number, there was no answer. Anyone know what's up?




I was also interested in the development of the Demolished-Brownstone-turned-orange-brick. This is what it looks like as of today:


No work was going on, and it doesn't look like a lot of work has been done inside the building. Just orange brick jutting out from the front, so far. The description on the fence says that the first floor will be commercial, but neither of the stores that flank this building knew what kind of business would be joining them. Of the five brownstones on the block, only two have been un-contaminated with storefronts. There is a grocery, a laundromat, and now a mystery store. Perhaps it will be a beauty salon? That seems to be the third prong in storefronts for Sixth Avenue.

Then, as I continued along, I noticed a decent-sized sinkhole in the middle of Sixth Avenue at 56th Street. It is already filled with a garbage bag and several pieces of jetsam, including chunks of a book. It breaks my heart to waste reading material. The barrel left there for safety is now crushed, and the cones look like they're on their way out as well. At least it's in the middle of the street, I suppose. Drivers were using it as a chance to make very illegal moves around the intersection. In the 90 seconds I stopped there, I saw two almost accidents involving drivers who all knew THEY had the right of way. This particular location has had a few fill-in jobs already. I wonder how long it will be before a sink-hole large enough to swallow up a van will open up. Bay Ridge has had a few already.

In more positive displays, the most pleasant windows of Sixth Avenue are in full bloom. There are also two bright green planters with additional flowers/plants in front of this house. The person responsible has kept this display up for many weeks now. The photo doesn't do it justice, and the flowers are a lovely way to get over the sink-hole and orange-brick feeling.