Photo: QueensPost
August 16, 2011 Staff Report
James Zaharakis, the Flushing-based project architect, said last week that his firm had only been hired at this juncture to renovate the property in order to get it presentable to attract a tenant. There were no specific tenants on the horizon as yet as far as he knew. It is not an easy task, Zaharakis said, “as the place is a pigsty, full of unmentionables.”
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Reconstruction down to the brick walls is ongoing at 39-20 Queens Boulevard at the site of the former Casa Romana. For some, the former Romanian-themed nightspot held fond memories of lively entertainment from well known Romanian performers and good food. But the restaurant was closed in October of last year after receiving violations for serving alcohol to under-aged customers and 14 arrests were made after a brawl, and a long history of community outcry over a series of criminal disturbances.
According to the Department of Buildings, the proposed use classification is for a restaurant.
A spokesperson for Community Board 2 reports that they have no information yet in regard to tenant, only that construction thus far is within scope of approved permits. The location is within the area of SunnysideShines/Business Improvement District, but no one there has been reached for comment yet or more information about what sort of restaurant is planned. Building owner Steve Skullikides of Sunnyside has not yet returned call at post time. Construction according to signage allows until October 16 for active permit completion.
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5 Comments
Maybe “The Grind” will return?
If it’s a restaurant, let’s hope it is a nice, independent coffee shop. The Starbucks further up is a madhouse.
Not another restaurant! How about a shoe store or a clothing store?
Good detective work!
I was wondering what that would end up being.
Anyone have any info on the “new” Cafe Ra? I saw some signs saying that its becoming a new lounge, but don’t know much else. Anything new with Bliss Bistro?
Hopefully not another front but actual legit business…