The Gaiety Site

[BgMstr4u]

This is from the real estate section of the NY Post yesterday, June 16:

 

It's go-slow at HoJo.

 

The former Howard Johnson site at 1551 Broadway at West 46th Street has been slapped with a stop-work order by the Buildings Dept., bringing a halt to demolition.

 

The good news is that owners Jeffrey Sutton and SL Green Realty Trust are in no hurry anyway.

 

The partners bought 1551 Broadway and the adjacent 1553 Broadway last year with plans to build a three-story retail box for a major store or entertainment company.

 

A few months ago, they filed plans for a new, three-story structure including an "eating and drinking establishment" and a second-floor movie theater, although no tenant has yet been signed.

 

But yesterday, SL Green Chief Investment Officer Andrew Mathias said although a hearing on the stop-work order is scheduled for next month, the delay "has no bearing on the progress of the site."

 

"We're continuing to refine plans based on feedback from prospective tenants, and we're taking our time to get the right design nailed down," Mathias said.

 

Demolition started last winter, revealing remnants of the long-obscured façade of the 1910 Globe Theater.

 

The Buildings Dept. issued the stop-work order on May 20 for various technical reasons.

 

Nothing has happened at the site since, and the half-demolished structures are an eerie sight next to the Marriott Marquis Hotel.

 

Among those said to be interested in the site was Pepsi, although Cushman & Wakefield's Brad Mendelson, the landlord's leasing agent, said the soda giant is no longer interested.

[beefeater]

hmmm, plans for a 2nd floor movie theater. The Gaiety showed movies between stage shows. Is there a possibility???