EMM on the Bowery Gains Giant Plywood Fence

Alas, it’s really happening. Lower Eastpacking District is gaining another of its unwanted ilk down on the Bowery. We now have visual confirmation.

The landlord of 199 Bowery elected to stick with the EMM Group and its plans to develop a new concept for the former BLVD space. You’ll recall that the Stillmans’ Quality Meats was all over that property, and was even given a green light by Community Board 3 for on-premise privileges. Yet those plans fizzled. Instead we are left with the bitter pill of an as-yet-unnamed nightspot boasting bakery, tapas lounge, and a restaurant with Latin/Asian fusion. And in the kitchen – Franklin Becker is head chef, 2007 Top Chef winner Hung Huynh is involved, and Thiago Silva is pastry chef.

EMM was awarded approval from CB3 for its on-premise license back in January, but 199 Bowery remained a vacant mess nonetheless. As of yesterday, however, the entire facade is now encased behind a fresh fence of plywood. More Meatpacking money is on the way. Principal Eugene Remm gushed to the Post:

It’s an exciting area — up-and-coming with an amazing energy. It’s like the Meatpacking District was eight years ago.

Let the games begin…