Progress Report: Remember the SRO Restaurant at 245 Bowery?

Delays are part of the nightlife game, but 245 Bowery is certainly setting some sort of record in that department.

These days, the southeast corner of Stanton Street is defined by the strikingly pungent stench of urine, the sight of faded circus-themed plywood, and the buildup of fossilized museum-preserved garbage. Despite the decay, 245 Bowery will eventually birth another drinking establishment for the midsection of the thoroughfare. And one housed in an active flophouse – the Sunshine Hotel. Hence the last known title for the joint – SRO.

Recall that the principals behind this future gamechanger – Chris Chesnutt and Ewa Olsen (both of Alta) – first appeared before the neighborhood in the summer of 2010. Two years ago – talk about wasted money on rent. Their outreach was ultimately successful and SRO unsurprisingly obtained the full on-premise license (active per SLA). Recent hiatus notwithstanding, it’s still very much happening. The unconfirmed word on the street is that the Spanish-Portugese tapas joint is roughly two months out.

Meanwhile, electrical contractors have been onsite the last week or so installing a new exterior lighting system. This latest work afforded the public a brief preview of what to expect here, thanks to the open door in the plywood shed.

May 2010