It's been nearly a year since the iconic Rainbow Cafe of Sunset Park shuttered following the death of its owner. Last July, the building, which boasts one of the most fabulous pieces of signage in NYC, was put on the block for $3.25 million. By December, with the Great Recession well underway, it was no longer for sale, but for rent.
Today, it remains for rent as "Bar or Store." I suspect, in this economy, it will remain so for some time.
where the heck is this ?
ReplyDeleteFifth Avenue and 39th, Ken. In Sunset Park. Quite a sight.
ReplyDeleteIt is a sad sight. The price dropped a bit long ago, but it's a big space, and that's intimidating.
ReplyDeleteIs it too much to hope for that the sign would be retained by whomever rents/buys?
Here is how the Art Deco/retro illuminated sign can be saved from the dumpster:
ReplyDelete1. The new owner should creatively work to incorporate it into his/her business. (Ideally the main priority)
2. Donate it to the American Sign Museum (although it should remain in Brooklyn).
3. Contact Brooklyn Historical Society and inquire as to whether they have a storage facility, or if they know of someplace, someone, or an organization.
4. Paul Signs Inc is storing NYC's Cheyenne Diner signage until the new owners move & reopen the Cheyenne Diner in AL. Paul Boegemann is the President, and he has another sign or two in his holdings. Contact him with any questions: (718) 788-7593. Say Michael Perlman, Chair of Committee To Save The Cheyenne Diner referred you.
Ideas, anyone? Let's all keep one another posted. Best of luck to this iconic sign!
I forgot to mention that I can be reached via e-mail at unlockthevault [at] hotmail [dot] com if you would like to discuss anything in detail.
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