By Julie Shapiro
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
TRIBECA — Change is finally coming to the dilapidated Delphi building, which has sat vacant for the past three years.
On Tuesday, the city Landmarks Preservation Commission green-lighted TriBeCa resident Matt Abramcyk's plans to fix up the facade and put a 100-seat Latin-American bistro on the ground floor.
"It will be a great spot for the neighborhood," Abramcyk said.
The as-yet-unnamed venue at the corner of West Broadway and Reade St. will cater to both daytime and nightlife crowds, Abramcyk said. The prices will be similar to his other TriBeCa establishments, Warren 77 and Smith & Mills, where entrees start at $15 and cocktails start at $12.
"We’re not trying to gouge anyone," Abramcyk said. "We’re just trying to make the amount of money we need."
Abramcyk, 32, also has to pay for his renovation of the landmarked building, which has had a rough couple of years.
The popular Greek restaurant Delphi shuttered in 2007 after 37 years in business, much to the community’s disappointment.
Then David Bouley announced that he would take over the space to open Brushstroke, a Japanese restaurant and cooking school. But after the renovation became too difficult and expensive, Bouley backed out of his lease and decided last year to move Brushstroke to his former Secession space at 30 Hudson St.
Abramcyk said he is confident he can reverse the building’s fate. He said he has long been drawn to the landmark, which has historic detailing on the facade. His renovation will fix up the torn awning and worn signs, and add more windows and new aluminum framing to the enclosed cafe that juts out onto the sidewalk.
After seeing a presentation Tuesday morning, the Landmarks Commission unanimously approved the changes.
"It’s a good cleanup," said one of the commissioners.
Community Board 1’s Landmarks Committee, which is advisory, said earlier this month that Abramcyk’s plan did not go far enough in restoring the building’s historic features, but the Landmarks Commission did not appear concerned.
After Tuesday’s vote, Abramcyk said he hoped to start construction as soon as possible and would likely open the restaurant next year.
