Continental Bar And Papaya King Could Become 10-Story Office

EAST VILLAGE, NY — Developers at 3 St. Mark's Place are planning to buy air rights from a landmarked building across the street to build a 10-story office building to replace the now-closed Continental bar and Papaya King.

Under developers' new plans, the office building would rise with the additional air rights from the Hamilton-Holly House. The developers will present their proposal to the Community Board 3 Landmarks Committee next Wed., Feb. 13.

The Real Estate Equities Corp. are requesting the Landmarks Preservation Commission to issue a report to the City Planning Commission to allow the construction of the 10-story building, according to the developers' application posted on CB 3's website.

If the LPC approves, REEC would apply for a special permit for around 8,300 square feet of air rights and modify part of the zoning resolution.

The new office building will replace the Continental bar, famous for its shots deals, which announced its closure in November 2017 after nearly 30 years in the East Village. Papaya King, which has also closed, and Korilla BBQ will also be demolished for the development. As recently as last October, Department of Buildings permits revealed developers planned to build a five-story building at 3 St. Mark's Place.

Hamilton Holly-House will commit to additional restoration work if the air rights deal goes through, which would include a maintenance plan for the building, according to the developers' application.

The landmark was home to Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton, the widow of Alexander Hamilton in the 1800's, according to the Village Alliance.

Representatives for the developers will be at CB 3's Landmarks Committee meeting Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m., at the JASA/Green Residence, 200 E. Fifth St.

REEC did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Image credit: Morris Adjmi Architects via Manhattan Community Board 3's meeting schedule Image caption: A rendering of Real Estate Equities Corp. proposed building at 3 St. Mark's Place.