The following email received from a reader sent me down to Court Street immediately. It simply said:
"Looks like some real action is happening at the old Blockbuster building. Windows have been sprayed to block what is going on inside and it looks like the ceiling has been removed.
Anyone know what is happening?"
Of course I needed to inquire and take some photos. The Court Street storefront, at 288 Court, which has been empty for a few years now, is one of the largest retail spaces in the neighborhood. Local residents have been speculating on its future ever since Blockbuster vacated the site. For a while, a rumor circulated that McDonalds was coming to that location. Others thought that a supermarket would rent it. There was no end to the possibilities...
As I approached yesterday, I could see that work had indeed been done since I had walked by, just days prior.
The windows have now been frosted, the dropped ceiling has been removed and electric wiring was hanging down from the ceiling. A long ladder was propped against the façade of the building.
I heard voices coming from the roof, so I waited around to see if someone would come down, so that I could ask what was happening, but had to leave after a while.
According to Brownstoner, the building was sold to Broadmill Development in mid-2008 for $3.7 million.
The "Retail Space Available Sign" by Ripco is still hanging on the building and the space is still listed on Ripco's web site. Of course it could be that the owner of the building is simply doing some maintenance work. But maybe, finally, after all this time, it has been rented?
Anyone know?
For an interesting retail history of the building, read the comments on this post:Former Blockbuster Space On Court!
***UPDATE***
Brownstoner just reported this morning that the space has been taken over by Union Market.
Cool, I say. What is your opinion, Neighbor? Like the idea???
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