The city has problems with empty storefronts, but that doesn’t stop it from making it as hard as possible to run a business.
Nancy Bass-Wyden’s grandfather founded their Strand bookstore in 1927 and moved it to 826 Broadway on the corner of East 13th Street in 1956.
In 1996, when junkies still roamed Union Square Park — just one block away — the family paid roughly $8.2 million for the seven-story Renaissance Revival building.
The elevator cabs, lobby and exterior were renovated by Wyden’s grandpa by the turn of the 21st century — now some 20 years past — to make it more rentable to office tenants and support the family’s own square footage.
There’s a lovely red awning that wraps the storefront around the corner of East 13th Street. It keeps shoppers dry as they treasure hunt on outdoor stacks, while a matching flag flies off the façade to help book lovers find their way.
The Wydens made the Strand a success. Now the city is punishing them for it. The building was designated a landmark yesterday over the objection of Nancy Bass-Wyden.
Want to change that awning or add another flagpole? Along with the regular permits from the Department of Buildings, Bass-Wyden will need a pile of cash and plenty of time.
A graphics person must be hired to design the new awning and flags, and an architect must make drawings for both Buildings and Landmarks.
Then you have to bring in the consultants and lawyers. After lots of phone calls and pre-meetings with staff, the building will be added to the commission’s calendar and everyone is called to discuss their changes — big or small.
If one of these city reps decides they want to alter something, it all literally goes back to the drawing board.
Move an air conditioner, fix a lintel, paint a post or put in a handicap-accessible ramp and the mulling over millions begins.
What is the benefit of owning a building in this city? Of running a business? Nancy Bass-Wyden says, without hyperbole, that this designation to “save” the Strand could likely kill it.
