Can one landlord transform a district?  Possibly.  We were recently introduced to a landlord, Frank, who owns properties on Nostrand Avenue between St. Marks and Bergen.  A Trinidadian native who has traveled the world and believes that Nostrand Avenue still has better to offer the world, Frank has big visions for this commercial strip, including less trash, more sidewalk cafes (ahem … see  Destination Nostrand), more flowers (ahem), more trees, and of course, more people (ahem).  And he is holding out for a good tenant and putting his money where is mouth is.

Frank has poured 10s of thousands of dollars into the renovation of his 600 square, two floor space so that any new tenant will not have to worry about it (sorry DIY lovers).   It translates into a rental rate that might be slightly higher than some other places around town, but you avoid the steep upfront renovation costs.

Just to give you a sense of what a change this is from the usual course on Nostrand … compare Frank’s space above (which is actually still under renovation) to one of the neighboring spaces which is also for rent:

So who is he looking for?  A quality tenant with a keen business sense.  Someone who can be welcoming to the current residents and at the same time be attrative to new residents.   Some ideas that he threw around – coffee shop, wine shop, artist co-op.

And regarding the artist co-op, he is actually very keen on opening up his place for a pop-up rental during the Labor Day weekend for any good artists, interior designers, fashion designers,etc. who may be looking to test out the market.

What about a master chef that could spearhead a pop-up restaurant??  Think big people!  (Not to mention the boost from the city’s New Business Acceleration Team which helps new restaurants and bars jump through the permitting hurdles and open quicker).

The location is great.  It’s about equidistant between the A/C trains on Fulton, the LIRR on  Atlantic, and the 2/3/5 off  Eastern Parkway, plus its right near the 44 and 65 bus stops.  Not to mention, there is potential that he can expand the space substantially if the tenant so needed (though hopefully not at the loss of one of this blogger’s favorite shops on Nostrand … Lionheart).

Now of course, miracles don’t happen overnight.  And miracles can’t be expected to fall on the shoulders of one landlord.  Ultimately, it’s about the business owner’s willingness to pound the pavement and be strategic about drumming up business.  And it’s about the residents willing to support strong local businesses.  (And of course local blogs doing a plug or two …).  And the quality of the product.  But either way, this is a sign of good things to come.  Hit us up for more info.

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Interesting side note, the space is one of those formerly occupied by Chris’s Restaurant, which was put out of business in the big drug bust a couple of months back.

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