In the wake of a recent string of closings and announcements of impending closings of places like the Holiday Bar, Bleecker Bob's and Rockit Scientist Records, a rumor started circulating that Gem Spa, the storied corner candy store/newspaper shop/egg cream emporium on the southwest corner of St Marks & 2nd Avenue, had been padlocked. It seemed as if there was some kind of full frontal assault on various downtown landmarks going on -- a ruthless "Spring Cleaning" taking place in the campaign to delouse downtown Manhattan of its remaining character. Well, breathe easy, as it's not true, at least in the case of Gem Spa. Click here to read Jeremiah Moss' authoritative take on it.
Gem Spa has indeed anchored St. Marks Place for decades and has an illustrious backstory all its own. For rockheads and music dorks like myself, however, it's pretty much tethered to its association with that iconic photograph of the New York Dolls that appeared on the back cover of their first album. I shot some pics for a photo quiz there last spring.
Anyway, go get yourself an egg cream there while ya still can.
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