A new opportunity...

I received a call yesterday from the real estate office that I had called regarding the space on Ditmars and 28th... they're interested in having a bookstore there (which makes my job easier, baing that they're "on my side". Although I was planning on going to the gym, it was something worth skipping in order to get to see it before I go to little Rock this weekend.

The space has a lot of potential....it's a great amount of space, and it's lower ceiling for the back half may actually help give it a greater sense of intimacy.  the price is very reasonable, and the fixer-upper back garage area could make a kick-ass cafe area/reading room. And it has a full glass front facade. I had often wondered how I was going to be able to visualize a space given a bare store, but even with the slats meant for product shelving walls in the way, it's easy to see what you can do with a space.  I almost wish all the money was in place already, as the real estate agents are willing to talk the landlord down...

Once I figure out how to add photos to a blog post, I will update this with pictures (meaning once I have an extra fifteen minutes tomorrow) with ideas and comments.

Better yet, here's the link to the Flickr pictures.

Commitments...

Realizing, as I look through these posts, that I have not been in action the way I wish I was about the bookstore - It's trickles here and there.  but I also have to put into account that I've had a lot of things on my plate, one of which will be done as of Wednesday  - my current portfolio. However, i also have a show coming up that will keep e busy through the middle of September, starting the 2nd - so don't expect to hear anything from me, as I have a prior commitment.

Taking a lot of projects on is difficult, especially when you don't know who to give what in order to get it done quicker.  is there someone who could take over part of the business plan?  someone who would know how much things cost?  Perhaps a new e-mail to Andy might help...

The 'rents...

I was able to get in touch with a real estate office that is dealing with a now-extinct computer store - right on Ditmars and 28th...ends up there's much more to the store than I thought...about 1600 sq. ft, to be exact - a good size.  and the rent seems reasonable - and they like the idea of a bookstore in the 'hood. which will help.  and they want me to see the place...

More later - in a hurry.

Why I'm doing this...

I was browsing through Astorians, a neighborhood forum site, when I came across the section labeled POLITICS/RANTS.  Curious, I decided to see what was up for discussion.

There was a 4 page discussion where a number of people had were taking the stance that Astoria is deteriorating - equating the fact that there are fast food places and convenience stores as a sign that there is no stable family life, or that the large influx of single people is an indicator of a "dorm mentality"...I could go on for a while, but what frustrated me is that a good number of people in the forum discussion were formulating conclusions rather than asking questions...that rather than asking what could be done about what they considered to be "wrong" or "bad", they simply stated their complaint, neglecting the opportunity to get into action.  

In addition, I was wondering what neighborhood they could possibly be talking about.  The only thing that made sense to me was that a good number of these people were only seeing what they wanted to see to reinforce their beliefs.   Yes, yes, I know, we all do that to one degree or another.  I think what bothers me is how much they're missing out on by dismissing the possibilities in the neighborhood, or embracing what is already present.

Molly had asked me the other evening whether Astoria Park is safe at night.  I've always been of the belief that it's basically safe, but as crow is not a bird I like to dine on frequently, i figured, as I was ahead of schedule, to check it out for myself.  On the way there, I was noticing the stores and places that were on the way, and how great they all are - and that the newer cafes and stores have brought more life to the hood than the places that closed before them.  As I got to the park, noticing the restaurant at the north corner, I couldn't imagine a place being there if it weren't safe.  

Walking through the park, I noticed that the paths were well lit, but the lawns were not...that the river was lit and people could enjoy the view.  That middle aged people were walking their dogs, and a couple of people were jogging through the park.There was one hooded guy sitting on a bench that may have been "suspicious", but I've also seen the same guy there in the middle of the day on the weekend.  He is a bit creepy, but I've never seen him stand up - ever.  I also walked past the building we're considering moving into to see how it's lit at night, and was happy to see a lot of light at street level, and a lit terrace up above.

To get to the point from a tangent (is that mathmatically possible? I think so), I'm attempting to create this bookstore because I believe in this neighborhood.  lots of single people is great - have a singles night.  lots of delis are great - advertise at them.  Your home is not you place to deal with, but to shape.  If you don't want to be part of a neighborhood, live in an isolated condo tower.

A clarification...

In the previous post, I was responding to posts ( albeit posts that were a year old ) regarding a property that Molly and I are considering to buy into, and I was somewhat perturbed by a post that that had no firsthand knowledge of the place that they were referring to...

However, the title of the post was "Why Astoria will never be cool...", using the new building and the renovation, which, on it's backside, is quite a bit out of place in comparison to the front side - and that the renovation failed to retain the aged sensibility of the industrial building, which is a hallmark for NYC lofts - the cool factor.  Could the building have been renovated in a hipper fashion? Of course...but cool will and has always changed.  I will sacrifice cool if it means that I could sell the place in a few years for a huge profit.  Or to be happy with where I'm living...

On the book front, both of us bought books on mortgages that will get that doe-eyed look off our face in regards to the whole process...

Real Estate - One way or Another...

I spent the other morning combining biking and scouting for new properties for rent and ownership - and found more places for rent to replace places that had been taken...well, gee, I thought, they'll always be places to rent...so now I'm in the process of putting it all together in terms of what it's all going to cost, and then formulate a game plan...

...while, at the same time, preparing to send out 3 dozen copies of my portfolio to major regional theatres across the country....

...while working full time for the next month and a half....

...while, as a new development, pursuing the possibility of moving into a co-op apartment building with Molly, which would involve a mortgage, but would be a dream home with a view of Manhattan and at the edge of Astoria Park.

Now, I had been reading another blog which criticized the building for being ugly, overpriced, of shoddy construction, and just plain being uncool.  Having actually been the only person of all the people commenting who had actually been in the building, toured the apartments, talked with the sales staff, and started the paperwork to pursue owning a 1 BR apartment in it IN ADDITION TO BEING A DESIGNER...I have this to say...

1. Yes, the neighborhood side of the building looks like the back of an Orwellian cruise ship, and is in an unremarkable beige - but then again, the vast majority of newer apartments in the neighborhood fare no better in their decor.  Astoria, regrettably, is known for it's flat fronted, faux-Gothic facades, ostentatiously decorated wrought iron fenced, ALLEY-BACKED, flat topped buildings.  We will never have the Victorian history of Brooklyn and Manhattan...the back end of the building is not attractive at all.  Neither are most big residential buildings.  However, they have done a reasonably good job with the front, which is what most people in the park are going to see.

2. No one can criticize the interior unless they've seen it, and therefore, let me criticise.  the interior hallways are labyrinthine and devoid of natural light, with a reasonably average carpeting that you'd expect from a hotel.  the views from the terraces on the interior are unremarkable from the lower level, and the laminate flooring could use some work. The kitchen fixtures are small and generic, and the kitchen cabinets could be MUCH more stylish.  There are obstructions in some of the lofts.

THAT HAVING BEEN SAID:

The spaces themselves have a nice and airy feel - all the spaces feel clean and livable and the proportions of the rooms give a sense of comfort.  The lofts are refreshing and graceful, and they have created enough character to compensate for the complete lack of any "loft"coolness from exposed brick or girders.  The place will alter to fit tenants needs, and there are no creaky floors.  The views in some of the places are spectacular.  And those not fortunate enough to have a loft get a terrace or balcony to enjoy the outside air, which the lofts do not include.  The amenities are spectacular...

also, regarding the cheapness and generic-ness of the fixtures:  most people who own will alter to fit their tastes - usually starting with the kitchen - cause it's theirs.  so why should a building swing for a high end appliance when it'll be replaced in a few years during a renovation by the owner.  that it the primary thing I saw in the spaces - the ability to make them our own.  And right now , the prices are great - far better than what a craptacular house in the neighborhood will be asking for more space than you'll want with no storage....ah yes, I forgot about that...big closets - walk in closets, and multiple tenant storage rooms on each floor...and a fitness center...as for the asking prices - well, you'll just have to check the place out to see whether it's worth it.  No use in complaining from the outside.

One step closer...

to a name for the place - 

Molly, after spending a few days continuously reading Harry Potter novels, suggested the name

Reade, Wright, and Moore Books...which, quite honestly, is a nice play on words, slightly cheeky, and just the right touch of the hoity and the toity...What're your thoughts?