Former LES American Apparel Becomes Equinox Showroom for Ben Shaoul Condos
The former American Apparel on Orchard Street (at East Houston) has been sitting vacant, and well lit, for almost two years. It closed down in October 2015 after more than a decade in business; a watershed moment for Lower East Side gentrification trends.
Several brokerage houses tried to secure a commercial tenant for the warehoused locale to no avail. Until now. Kitschy window wrapping from their “commit to something” ad campaign reveals that Equinox is leasing the valuable corner retail space for a temporary showroom. As if prospective customers don’t know what they’re getting into when signing up.
The location-specific teaser website, meanwhile, promises that the forthcoming gym will “tap into the always-on energy of this legendary neighborhood.”
As previously reported, a 30,000 square-foot Equinox facility will reside inside the Ben Shaoul condo development rising just across Orchard Street. The gym is three levels: first floor includes a reception area, lounge, and Juice Press station, while the second and third floors boast several exercise areas, including yoga and cycling studios. Corporate reportedly anticipates between 6,000 and 7,000 members.
The Equinox is slated to go on line with the rest of 196 Orchard – expected early 2018.
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