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Development Rises on Funeral Parlor’s Ashes

Construction at 152 2nd Avenue today.
Construction at 152 2nd Avenue today.

As GVSHP highlighted several years ago now, the site at 152 2nd Avenue between East 9th and 10th Streets was sold to be replaced by a new six-story ‘luxury’ retail and residential development. Today we swung by the site to see that construction is finally accelerating and several of the floors are going into place. This site was the former home of the Sigmund Schwartz Gramercy Park Chapel, a funeral home that occupied the space since the former building was constructed in 1937.

The memorial chapel in 1941. Image via jeremoss on Flickr.
The memorial chapel in 1941. Image via jeremoss on Flickr.
Rendering of the new development planned for 152 2nd Avenue.
Rendering of the new development planned for 152 2nd Avenue.

Although this site was not included in the recently landmarked East Village/Lower East Side Historic District just to the south, GVSHP and other local groups fought hard for a rezoning of the neighborhood that was passed in 2008. This rezoning put height limits on developments such as this one. If the rezoning battle has not been won, the development on the site would likely be much taller than it’s planned to be now.

For more information on our continuing efforts to preserve and protect the East Village, visit our Preservation page.

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