‘Compass’ Proceeding with Restaurant in Doomed Mission Chinese Space on Orchard Street
This image has been archived or removed.
Compass Restaurant and Bar is proceeding into the minefield otherwise known as 154 Rivington Street. The teaser signage recently placed in the windows all but confirms to the public the imminent arrival.
As previously reported, principal Beka Peradze (ODA House) plans to install a Georgian-style (as in, the country) restaurant here, occupying both the former Mission Chinese Food space and the adjacent David Owen’s Vintage boutique (currently moving to Rivington).
Compass briefly appeared before Community Board 3 in August, but withdrew the application for lack of preparation and community outreach. That ordeal was totally embarrassing – Peraze’s counsel repeated ad nauseum that 154 Orchard would be a “bona-fide Georgian restaurant.” That the applicant is “trying his hardest.” A month later, however, he met CB3 prerequisites to qualify for the fast-track to beer-wine approval. Given the trends in Hell Square, expect an upgrade attempt within the year.
We’d be remiss if we didn’t reiterate that the south basement store of 154 Orchard is front-and-center in a lawsuit between Danny Bowien and landlord Abraham Noy. Legal proceedings are still ongoing. Of course, there are also legit safety concerns with the backyard, including illegal enclosure (fire hazard) and the lack of Certificate of Occupancy.
Recent Stories
DOT Announces More ‘Asphalt Art’ for Chinatown Seasonal Streets
For the second year running, Doyers Street is the recipient of the alliterative Asphalt Art. The Department of Transportation’s Temporary Art Program (DOT Art) is again joining forces with the Chinatown Partnership to paint the former “Bloody Angle.” Hangzhou artist Chen Dongfan was the first to paint the area last July, imparting a 4,851 square-foot mural […]
Cactus Store Returns Saturday for Third Season on Essex Street
Unless (or until) development takes hold at 5 Essex Street, the annual cactus retail setup will continue. For the third year running, the Los Angeles-based Cactus Store is set to return this season. Ownership confirmed the plans, and relayed an opening date of this Saturday (May 25). All the infrastructure is still in place, including […]
Essex Market Vendor ‘Rainbo’s Fish Market’ Retires After More than 40 Years
With all the fanfare the last couple weeks for the new Essex Street Market, it was pretty easy to miss the loss of two longtime vendors. At the end of April, shortly before the move across Delancey to Essex Crossing, the decades-old Rainbo’s fish market and sister vendor Tra La La Juice Bar both called […]
Aging Cooling System Blamed for Reduced Services at Hamilton Fish Park Library this Summer
With summer fast approaching, the NYPL’s Hamilton Fish Park branch staff is taking steps to ensure they don’t find themselves in a Fahrenheit 451 situation. Due to an aging cooling system, the library is reducing its services, as well as downsizing its footprint for the summer. A few portable air conditioning units will cool a […]
CC’s Cafe Space on Monroe Street Hits the Market
CC’s Cafe on Monroe Street might not last. Rumors of its demise – aka the owner wanting to surrender – have appeared over the last couple years. But now it appears more likely. This retail listing on Craigslist for the 700 square-foot restaurant space went live several days ago. Asking rent is $6,500 per month. According […]
