Cleveland Place Construction Chronicles: Razing the Roof

Thursday, August 30, 2007, by Pete

Bricks falling from the sky? Could be a sign that Condo Fever has arrived along little Cleveland Place, the stretch of Lafayette Street that demarcates Soho and Nolita. At number 23 Cleveland the Department of Buildings has issued a Stop Work Order, saying "DEMOLITION-UNSAFE/ILLEGAL". Why? Perhaps because in recent weeks, the four-story brick building there has been gutted and its roof torn off. Ouch.

23 Cleveland Place with its new view of the sky

This simple little bit of brickage sits just to the south of swanky 225 Spring Street, home of the $100,000 closet and across from forlorn Lieutenant Petrosino Square (and near the site of those recent police raids). Number 23 has a twin to the north at 25 Cleveland. The buildings changed owners last winter. Apparently the new gang has wasted no time trying to get on the condo train before it leaves the station. A long-time tenant and a swell little Italian restaurant with one of the better gardens around, Va Tutto, vacated number 23 last spring. Another neighborhood eatery with an equally enticing garden, Le Jardin Bistro, sits just below the work site. Initial building permits for both 23 and 25 were issued in July, listing the project's architect as David Turner Architect PC. That work was described as

General construction removal of portion of building above ground in preparation of reconstruction of 1st,2nd,3rd &4th floors. Under separate applications. (Roofing Removal Excluded)

Hmmm. "Roofing Removal Excluded". Maybe somebody didn't read that part.

25 Cleveland just to the north still has its roof. For now, anyway.

The view from the back garden of Le Jardin Bistro.

Super Luxe 225 Spring rises above 23 and 25 Cleveland Place.

· 23 Cleveland Place: Stop Work Order [DOB]
· Celebrity Real Estate Wrap: The $100,000 Closet [Curbed]
· Police Raid The Box, La Esquina; La Esquina Still Shuttered [Eater]
· Le Jardin Bistro [Le Jardin Bistro website]

Filed under Manhattan Downtown, Manhattan: Nolita, NYC Codes & Regulations, Real Estate Development, 23 Cleveland Place, Cleveland Place, La Esquina, Lieutenant Petrosino Park

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Comments (7 extant)

Ummm, the $100,000 closet was at the Time Warner Center as I read the article

By Anonymous at August 30, 2007 9:39 AM

I had just assumed that work was part of the Sting lapdance club, but I now realize it's two doors down. Maybe it will be "Champagne Room" condos???

By Anonymous at August 30, 2007 9:48 AM

guys - you gotta read the comment thread at:
http://curbed.com/archives/2007/08/28/curbedwire_pm_edition_rumors_of_10th_streets_demise.php

By Anonymous at August 30, 2007 9:58 AM

I thought the Sting/Bowie(?) lapdance club was over on Kenmare - many blocks away.

Neighborhood rumor has it that a building around the corner from these 2 buildings - on Spring Street - which houses a deli and a co. called Happy Corps is also part of this same demolition - perhaps an L-shaped building that fronts both Cleveland Pl. and Spring St. that wraps around 225 Lafayette is in the cards?

Gourmands should make a bee line to Le Jardin and enjoy the final days of one of the city's best restaurant gardens.

By cleveland_placer at August 30, 2007 1:25 PM

It was a real shame to hear VaTutto was no longer in business.It was a diamond in the rough with it's backyard and quaint atmosphere.Not only was the food awesome but a great neighborhood place to go and relax.It's a shame, like many other places,even here in Maui it all boils down to the mighty dollar! .Thankyou Laurie Tomasino for the warm aloha you gave us at your restaraunt. your loyal patrons from Maui

By Andrea Christie at October 25, 2007 4:56 AM

How sad to loose Vatutto.It was a warm haven in the neighborhood. Laurie Tomasino was the consumate part owner and creator of a fine resturant.It was a shame the building was sold out from under her.Guess this is called progress and change. I call it greed and loss of values..We will miss all of the wonderful neighborhood shops that made the area what it was.

By BOBBIE TEE at October 29, 2007 10:09 AM

By BOBBIE TEE at October 29, 2007 10:12 AM