June 2008

The New York Times has a fascinating article about the deli across from the co-op on 13th St., reviewing its history as a Schraftt’s restaurant and talking about the importance of its now destroyed architectural details. But what’s really interesting is the revelation of the first details of what’s going to be built there: a ten-story building with one triplex, three duplexes, and ground floor retail. “As for the apartment house, which is being designed for an owner who bought the site this year, the architect says plans are still in flux but she will probably produce “a contemporary interpretation of the Fifth Avenue apartment houses in the neighborhood” — the same goal of harmony that Schrafft’s sought 70 years ago.”

Thanks to Charles Stimson for purchasing and sharing these four photographs from the city archives. Shot for a tax survey in 1939, they show our block and are full of fascinating detail if you click on them to blow them up and look a little closer. Wouldn’t you love to stop off at Marty’s Luncheon for a sandwich? As New York races into the future, it’s quite a thrill to be able to look back and remind ourselves how things used to be.

Reminder: The annual shareholders’ meeting will take place on July 22nd at 7PM – 9PM at the usual place: The Seafarers and International House at 123 East 15th St. on the second floor.

Due to an increasing number of thefts of UPS packages which are left unattended by the UPS delivery man outside shareholders’ doors, the procedure will now change. UPS will no longer leave packages unattended upstairs. Instead, he will place them behind the locked door off the lobby, to which he and Niall will have a key. A notification of package arrival will be on the bulletin board. You can then get in touch with Niall to get the package.

Please address any questions to Niall.

This is Union Square West in the ’40s. The reason all these buildings are so narrow is that the lots originally held townhouses.

This is S. Klein, the famous discount clothing store that did business on the east side of Union Square for decades.

This appears to be the north side of 14th St. east of Union Square in the ’40s. Note the cool “Turkish” subway entrance.