May 31 will mark the end of Ansonia Cleaners’ run at 230 West 74th Street, between Broadway and West End Avenue. The business, named after the historic Ansonia residential building that rises behind it, was taken over by owner Brian Chu in 2001, after running for approximately 10 years. Chu informed ILTUWS that the landlords, Ansonia Realty, were not interested in renewing his lease, while also noting that business had been on the slow side lately.
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“It has been a pleasure being a part of the community for 22 years, getting to know you and having support of so many wonderful people. I have considered many of you more than customers, but friends, and family members,” reads a note from Chu on Ansonia Cleaners’ door. “Over the years, I have seen many children grow up from babies to college graduates, and quite a lot of young people from dating to marriage. Even though there were friends who have moved out of this neighborhood, I am happy for them because they got a better job or found a bigger house. No matter where they moved to, west coast or even oversea[s], when they visit New York and come to see me, it touched me very much.”
Chu went on to thank his neighbors for the beautiful memories that he’ll remember forever. As for his future plans, Chu is currently in the process of figuring out his next steps.
Regarding the future of 230 West 74th Street, Chu mentioned the landlords (who’ve struggled to fill another vacancy at the building for over a year), are considering opening a restaurant in the Ansonia Cleaners space.
ILTUWS reached out to Ansonia Realty for comment and will update this story accordingly if and when they respond.
Until it closes, Ansonia Cleaners will be open Monday-Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will be closed on Thursday and Sunday.
Ansonia Realty was “not interested in renewing the lease.”
Meanwhile most of the retail spaces at the Ansonia sit empty.
Same with the Apthorp.
T
he most prestigious residential buildings in the neighborhood deserve better than this.
Prestigious buildings deserve better? What about the commercial small businesses like the cleaners whose livelihood depend on the ability to negotiate reasonable rents in good faith? Your loyalties are a tad askew.
Hi Ira,
I could not agree more and I’m sorry for being obtuse. My point is that it’s an absurdity that the even the most prestigious residential buildings in town are riddled with retail vacancies. It is a very poor reflection on the city, and one that you simply do not encounter in other global cities.
Small Business owners absolutely deserve the ability to negotiate reasonable rents. Unfortunately there is no political will in this city to help make this happen as the powers that be are completely beholden to the real estate industry.
Imagine how much more vibrant our neighborhoods would be if retail was a reflection of the wants and needs of the community instead of what we have now. Businesses being forced out left and right due to abstract “market rents” that are not really market, given the thousands of vacancies.
Dry cleaners are evil. I can’t wait until the day I no longer need to use one.
Really too bad. Brian is a good guy. All the best to him.