Trader Joe’s, one of the New York City’s most beloved independent grocery chains, could soon open up shop in a recently vacated landmarked venue near the Manhattan onramp of the Queensboro Bridge at 405 East 59th Street. The application is currently under review by the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) which is expected to provide feedback on proposed upgrades to the building’s facçade and historic interior spaces.
Drawings provided by developer Madd Equities reveal only minor changes to the arched brick exterior of the Upper East Side building. This includes new signage, light fixtures, façade repairs, and installation of automatic doors and a lift to accommodate patrons with limited mobility. Within the venue, the project team would clean and refinish the historic Rafael Guastavino-designed vaulted ceilings and structural columns, update the building’s existing mechanical areas, and install new flooring appropriate for a grocery store.
Existing conditions at 405 East 59th Street – Madd Equities
Renderings of proposed interior of Trader Joe’s 405 East 59th Street Location – Madd Equities
Proposed interior layout of Trader Joe’s 405 East 59th Street Location – Madd Equities
Located in Sutton Place immediately south of the Queensboro Bridge, the building was previously occupied by Food Emporium, which closed as a result of bankruptcy filings by the chain’s former owners A&P. Given the location’s tenant history, Trader Joe’s is reportedly optimistic that proposals for the new market will be deemed appropriate by the LPC.
Proposed exterior elevations and facade of Trader Joe’s 405 East 59th Street Location – Madd Equities
Renderings of proposed exterior signage of Trader Joe’s 405 East 59th Street Location – Madd Equities
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Should be approved as of right. If a supermarket occupied this location before, certainly it should be approved quickly.
Excellent news if it gets approved. While Manhattan can always use another Trader Joe’s, it would be great if they would take advantage of cheaper rent and also expand in Brooklyn and Queens.
Under no definition could Trader Joe’s possibly be called an “independent grocery chain.” It is a corporate behemoth with over 500 stores in 42 states, and is owned by T.A.C.T. Holding, Inc., the same corporate owners as the Aldi supermarket chain (10,000 stores in 20 countries). Trader Joe’s might be “beloved,” but independent it is not.
Haha I was thinking the same thing. I’m a long time TJ’s fan, but “independent” it is not.
Not just an independent grocery chain, but one of the most beloved in the city. I scratched my head at that too.
It’s a great location. I used to shop at the Food Emporium there before they closed. It’s a great place for a super market. It’s strangely peaceful space. It may have something to do with the tile work above 🙂
Make it so.
This space deserves to be a nightclub.
With the mega tower going up on 58th St. we will need a super market as Trader Joe’s is a perfect fit. Make it happen.
When is the opening.