Ben ‘Sledgehammer’ Shaoul Files Permits to Demolish the Corner of East Houston and Orchard
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The process of demolition and development is now accelerating at the corner of East Houston and Orchard Streets. Tiehama Grocery – a neighborhood bodega on the block for twenty-five years – shuttered last weekend thanks to Ben Shaoul. Two days later, paperwork was submitted to hasten the takedown. Indeed, the controversial landlord is grabbing his namesake sledgehammer to level the joint.
Demolition permits were filed with the Department of Buildings on Monday for nearly the entire low-rise strip of retail. That includes addresses with businesses still in operation, such as Ray’s Pizza (which sold the property), Karaoke Boho (moving to old Tammany Hall space), Empanada Mama and Taqueria (relocating to St. Mark’s Place).
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Prime meat for Ben Shaoul
As previously reported, additional luxury living will sprout at 196 Orchard, thanks also to the air rights acquired from Katz’s Deli last summer. The current plans call for a ten-story (120 feet) mixed-use tumor with 94,923 square-feet of residential and a commercial footprint of 13,463 square-feet. There will be 83 dwelling units and community facility space for a “physical culture establishment” (possibly a for-profit gym which isn’t typically allowed). Retail is part of the equation, as well.
This latest proposal is still listed as “disapproved” by the DOB.
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