Demolition for 50-52 Bowery, Luxury Tower Still Feared

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Those four-years-running fears of a Bowery high-rise near the southwest corner of Canal Street are seemingly on the next step toward reality. Within the last six months, both Duane Reade and neighborhood favorite Danny Ng’s departed 50 and 52 Bowery respectively. Rumors at the time maintained that the buildings would fall in favor of a “shiny new hotel.” Some claimed – rightfully, it appears – that the tower would peak at higher than twenty stories.

While plans for an inevitable replacement are still very much behind the scenes, the DOB illuminates us to the progress onsite. Indeed, demolition permits were filed with the city (and approved) back in early November for “full demolition of three-story structure using mechanical means.” Wrecking ballz. However, those who were worried about 22 Elizabeth Street needn’t. The adjacent address on the backside is specifically mentioned in the paperwork as a structure that is “to remain.”

There’s more. By the end of November 2012, an updated “new building” application was submitted to the DOB. One that reduced the overall height to 22 stories (i.e. 232 feet) and 160 dwelling units. Yet like the proposal from 2009, the revised plans met with the same disapproval. Nevertheless, the architect onboard still appears to be Peter Poon.

Back to the drawing board. Meantime, evidence shows that the 50-52 Bowery project site is still in the hands of Chu and Partners owner Alex Chu.