What's up at 82 University Place, the former spot --- a moment of silence, please – of my beloved Cedar Tavern? As you may or may not know, remember or care, the historic Cedar Tavern shut its hallowed doors in November of 2006, initially saying it'd only be gone for a short spell in order to accommodate the construction of a luxury condo in the precious "wasted" air space above it. I watched for weeks and weeks as the place was gradually gutted and disemboweled (though I have no idea what became of its actual bar, a splendidly carved work of art). Gradually, word came through that the Cedar Tavern was not, in fact, going to re-open and that it was basically gone for good. Construction continued in earnest and a glaring eye-sore of a building went up in the Cedar's footprint. New York City lost one of its storied landmarks so that an ugly brick sliver could be erected, exclusively for irresponsibly wealthy shitheads to live in. Hurray for progress.
The building in question, meanwhile, seems to have been largely completed for some time now, but the scaffolding's still up and the front entry remains sheathed. It seems entire empires have risen, crested and fallen in the span of time since the Cedar Tavern went missing, but things seem to have stalled at 82 University Place. Let me guess – no one's buying?
Good, let's knock it down, then.
You know, they could have kept the bar at the bottom with apartments above.
The Cedar Tavern was not a rowdy place in the small hours, it was more of an after work/ dinner type bar. And its rents would have more than made up from the loss of rent on the residential properties due to being above a bar.
Posted by: Ed | December 09, 2008 at 03:04 PM
I'll bring a sledgehammer.
Posted by: EV Grieve | December 10, 2008 at 10:07 AM
Tear the sucker down. I agree. Enough.
Posted by: MEK | December 10, 2008 at 04:07 PM
More of the ongoing cultural genocide and homogenization destroying irreplaceable venues and architectural treasures in favor of cheaply-made bland monstrosities with no character designed to squeeze more profit (blood) out of the space they occupy in order to cater to a gentried class that feeds off the character of the neighborhoods that their very presence destroys.
While it's great that a nice economic nose dive cuts off the funds needed to complete their projects as well as money for their customers to purchase or rent those yuppie ghetto units, the problem is that the damage has already been done: more of our neighborhoods are gone forever.
These parasites need to be stopped -- entire blocks need to be landmarked. If developers can't make any money by buying on a landmarked block, then they won't buy. Prices will stay lower and rents more reasonable. Owners of landmarked buildings will respect what is there and will be required to leave things as they are!!
Posted by: chris flash | December 14, 2008 at 10:32 PM
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Sarah
http://www.thetreadmillguide.com
Posted by: sarah | December 30, 2008 at 08:59 PM