Video store on Washington Ave

810 Washington: http://www.brooklynian.com/discussion/38020/will-810-washington-ever-become-anything/p1

816 Washington will be stuck under the end of time, because the property must become rent stabilized housing as a result of the landlord being um, "strongly suspected" in the fire that destroyed the rent stabilized building previously on the site. As I understand it this restriction can not be lost by selling the lot to parties uninvolved.

Former(?) Kareem deli is now gutted, and getting new facade. Good bye plexi glass.

Former(?) Kareem deli is now gutted, and getting new facade. Good bye plexi glass.

Yes, I've noticed that while riding my bike to Propect Park. Is this still going to be a bodega, albeit an upgraded bodega? Or are they going a completely different route here (restaurant, juice bar, etc.)? If you ask me, that block has enough on it already. I'm looking forward to stores filling in more units going north on Washington (past St. Marks). Yes, we have Gen, Almadria, The Saint Catherine, Washington Bagel Cafe (which is a major improvement on the businesses that used to be there, especially as they upgraded their facade), Vegetarian Palate, Blue Smoke Cigar Room, Kings Clam Bar, and Sapid Indian, but I wouldn't mind more. Call me greedy . 

Update: I asked a guy who appeared to be supervising the operation, "still going to be a bodega?"

He responded, "yea, nicer"

Kareem's is now known as Washington Goumet Deli. It might not sell beer.

They could buy it under the belief that it will continue to appreciate, and knock it down in a few years. Or, sell it to someone in a few years that knocks it down.

It is hard to beat the present ROI for the area. By some measures it is 15% a year, for the last 10 years, compounding.

Personally, I would knock it down after Washington is "fully gentrified" which is looking like 2017.

However, If CVS told me they would sign a 20 year lease starting the moment it was ready to be occupied, I would buy out those tenants and begin demolition and construction.

BTW, if this property sells, I think video store is history regardless of how long they hold the property.

In addition to the roles described, it would not surprise me if the space served as a "office-workshop" for the building's super.

heightsmom said:

That video store... I just don't understand how it still exists.

A few weeks ago, a sign appeared above the video store announcing it is For Sale.   However:

What a crap bodega.  Another one where they let the corner guys smoke inside.  

I thought all items in bodegas were profitable.  Lottery tickets maybe not as much (?)

Except I mainly experience them just standing around the counter, blocking other customers, as they choose number after number and ticket after ticket, buying nothing else.  But yeah, I'm sure stores choose to sell these for good rea$on$