Updates: 3Fish Coffee, 288 Lark Street
Quick updates on a couple of Lark Street-area storefronts...
3Fish Coffee
The new cafe next to the Downtube on Madison Ave across from Washington Park -- 3Fish Coffee -- has its grand opening this Friday-Sunday. It's run by Emma Fullem, daughter of the owners of the landmark bike shop, and the family was prompted to open the cafe by the fire that significantly damaged the building two years ago. The weekend will be a "grand (re)opening" for both businesses.
There's a pop-up art show with music Friday evening, and yoga, coffee, and bike activities on Saturday and Sunday.
288 Lark Street
That's 286 Lark Street on the left and 288 Lark Street on the right.
The proposed renovation of 288 Lark Street was approved for a tavern variance by the Albany Board of Zoning Appeals this week, allowing operation until 2 am. The owners of Mercato's and Extra Napkin in Delmar -- brothers Ali and Ayhan Celik -- are planning to open a wine and craft beer bar on the first level called 288 Lark Wine & Tap. It would also serve light fare such as sandwiches, soups, and salads.
A proposed interior plan for the tavern from the project's BZA app. (Click the image for a larger version.)
The Celiks plan to use the second floor for either commercial space or an apartment, and the third floor as an apartment. The building formerly housed DeJohn's. It's been vacant for a few years.
Bill Allen, who's serving as a consultant on the project, said the Celiks are working to schedule a closing on the property and sort through the historic tax credit possibilities. He said they'd like to be open at 288 Lark sometime this summer.
The Celiks also have plans to open an Italian restaurant next door at 286 Lark on both floors there. That plan surfaced during the recent introduction of the final draft of Rezone Albany -- the city cited it as an example of how the new rules would make such redevelopment easier. And Allen said they'll be looking to move ahead on that after Rezone is adopted.
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Comments
Any news on what's going on at Tillerman @ Jefferson and Dove? The only work that appears to have been done in the last five years is the placement of some Frank Commisso Jr. signs in the windows.
... said c j on Mar 24, 2017 at 6:58 PM | link
Sounds and looks good - would have prefer a transplant NYC Naruto Ramen place, but hey can't win every time ;)
On a side note, the pedestrians cross walk at Madison, Henry Johnson, and Willet Street is beyond dangerous for walkers. With the further development of Lark, I'd love to see this get addressed. I feel like I am narrowly avoiding death every time I cross.
... said E on Mar 25, 2017 at 9:27 AM | link
3 Fish is a refreshing addition to the neighborhood and the Down Tube looks stunning since the renovations from the fire.
Coffee and treats are delicious.
... said Chris Miles on Mar 25, 2017 at 2:25 PM | link
@c j-
"The only work that appears to have been done in the last five years is the placement of some Frank Commisso Jr. signs in the windows."
Not true. About four years ago, a Sheehan For Mayor banner was hung up. Apparently, they just need to keep trying out new Mayors before the place can open.
... said Blergh on Mar 27, 2017 at 10:56 AM | link
I second E's comment - the intersection at Willett / Madison / the Park is horrible for pedestrians, as is the Lark / Madison / Delaware one.
With the first intersection, I believe the Madison road diet may bring improvements once phase two is completed. A main intersection leading from one of Albany's busiest pedestrian neighborhoods to Albany's biggest park doesn't even have a pedestrian crossing signal... it's ridiculous.
The second intersection is more about light timing. It takes about five minutes to cross from one side of Madison/Lark to the diagonally facing side of Madison/Lark. Which means everyone just crosses into oncoming traffic.
... said Paul on Mar 28, 2017 at 9:38 AM | link