A tipster tells Lost City that, over the weekend, the classic art deco neon signs that adorn the Long Island Restaurant on Atlantic Avenue have been taken down. (I'll take a photo later today.)
The long-dormant inside—the interior of which is a perfectly preserved 1950s-era bar and diner—had been undergoing a renovation for the past few months. I have no first-hand information on the undertaking, but my understanding is that the new proprietors intend to preserve the look of the place, including the signs. (Indeed, one of the stipulations of the Alperin family, which has long owned the building, and used to run the restaurant, is that anyone who occupied the space wouldn't be allowed to change a thing about the decor. This led to may would-be tenants being shot down over the past five years.) That said, I suspect the signs have been taken down for restoration. Maybe we'll be the first generation in decades to see that cursive neon lit!
UPDATE: As I suspected, the neon is being restored—according to a reader—at Let There Be Neon. Also, I walked by yesterday, and apparently the signs had been so long a part of the building that, when they were removed, chunks of plaster crumbled and fell to the sidewalk.
The signs are at Let There Be Neon being restored. Blurb with photo at the bottom of this blog post: http://www.nyneon.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-utah-house.html Stay tuned for a forthcoming post on the re-lighting at nyneon.blogspot.com.
ReplyDeleteReason I love living in the greatest city in the world: A blog post at 5:15am, Monday asks about a neon sign. By 6:40am, that same Monday morning, we have an answer and photographic proof.
ReplyDeleteAmazing, both of you.
New York rocks.
ReplyDeleteWhere on Atlantic?
ReplyDeleteAt Henry Street.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful stuff! I remember talking the sweet old lady who ran Long Island Restaurant a few summers ago. There were while doilies on the bar, and it was so cool and cheery inside. Homeade chicken salad. I hope someone can restore at least part of that glory.
ReplyDelete