Sign spotted in the window of Andy's Chee-Pees in business since 1977
More and more for Rent signs on West 8th Street
West 8th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues has been in trouble for awhile now despite the local BID’s efforts to make the strip less about shoe stores and more about high end establishments. A few new spots have opened recently but so many have closed; three in a row on the south side of the street right off MacDougal, including Is-Wine and 8th Street Kitchen, both relatively new. There was another newcomer, Patty & Bun right off 6th Avenue, on the northern side. I always meant to go in. That’s now closed.
This sign, “Support Small Business,” is in the window of Andy’s Chee-Pees Vintage Clothing. This is their “flagship store,” in business since 1977. My first memory of this Village strip is from going to Postermat in the ’80’s when the block was a destination.
The status of West 8th Street has been an ongoing discussion for years now. Is there hope for it to revitalize? It is one block from Washington Square Park. What would it take?
2006: West 8th Street will be new ‘Culinary Alley’, Village Alliance says, The Villager
2008: 8th Street Ghost Town, Jeremiah’s Vanishing New York
2011: More Closings on West 8th Street, Flaming Pablum
Washington Square Park Blog 