I couldn’t wait until the end of the week to post the extra juicy feedback in the M&G thread:
Hugo offered the following tidbits about the 135th Street corridor:
On the subject of historical establishments, construction workers have already begun to dismantle the old Pan-Pan site. I remember an old post saying that the owner wanted to clear that entire area. The time has arrived I guess.
Also, old Cafe Lia is going to open as a linens store…the old site of Slice of Harlem which became Swing Out! is slated to open as a corner deli. The sign looks nasty, too.I’ll try to snap some pics as I pass through there when I walk home.
Thanks for finding that old thread, Hugo. I’m a little disappointed that Paragon is going to be included in the razing of that site. Although Duane Reade is infiltrating the area, Paragon is one of the last “one stop shops” that gave it’s Harlem flavor. Who remembers the Woolworth that was on 125th, complete with lunch counter and surly waitresses?
Pan Pan was unique though and as greasy as it was in there, I wish they had come back. These old places are becoming extinct. Perhaps we should compile a list of places that are holding on, like Margie’s, although sadly I suspect the list will be short.
As far as Cafe Lia becoming a linen store, probably not a good move. If I recall, that was the location of Moshood years ago. Despite the success of his Brooklyn location the Harlem store just never got off the ground. The store front stayed vacant for years.
I am glad that something is finally going to be on that corner where Slice of Harlem used to be, although another deli/sandwich shop/bodega is kind of overkill at this point.
Anyone know what’s going on on the northwest corner of 145th St. and Lenox. I’ve been seeing construction guys working inside…just wondering.
I’m pretty sure you mean the brick building that burned a couple of years ago. If you look at the top of that building it has a sign painted on the brick that says Lenox Lanes with an arrow pointing around the corner. For some reason whenever I’ve tried to get a shot of that sign it comes out blurry. If anyone has a nice shot of that sign, please post it to the pool.
300 West
April 23, 2007
The linen store won’t make it through the summer, unless they are selling something additional in tha back of the store.
The Food store on the corner might fare better, but the signage is really “Loud” and unappealing. For that reason alone, I might choose not to eat there. Not to mention the fact that we have enough high cholesterol food establishments in the hood.
The furniture store next to the Duane Reade is equally unappealing. I went in to take a look, and wasn’t impressed. The owner was pleasant without being pushy though.
Hugo
April 20, 2007
i added pics of the new businesses replacing cafe lia and swing out! to the uptownflavor pic pool…
Anonymous
April 19, 2007
I could not believe how popular PanPan was, but it was. Go watch the Alicia Keys video “You Don’t Know My Name” if you’re feeling nostalgic. I remember the morning the fire went down, supposedly from a coffee pot? Ha! This was no accident, the key people with a vested interest, one of them did it. The developer who wanted the place empty, and the owner, who was about $60K behind on his rent. He collected insurance on the deal, the developer got the place vacent, everyone was happy. Lawd knows a coffee pot did not start that fire. The guy was supposed to open up again on Lenox between 131-129 somewhere…he’s still around, you’ll see him.
More Tip? The Chase Manhattan Bank on 135th & 5th is about to be relocated and placed on Lenox next to the clearners I believe. I believe the developer is getting ready to clear out the Goodwill store/that bodega & candy shop and knockdown that whole corner preparing it for redevelopment.
Just talk to some of the store keepers there about their lease situations and outlook going forward….
Hugo
April 18, 2007
I always used Paragon to keep my office stocked with home-away-from-home items…grooming kit, extra t-shirts, dress socks, even extra boxers in case I had a big date on any given night
truly heart breaking.
Anonygirl
April 18, 2007
Okay I just mentioned the Woolworth in the M&G post. I remember those SURLY women. OMG…okay, I just shed a tear.
Seriously, it breaks my heart.
Now Paragon? Jeez.