The End is Near for a Block of Ninth Avenue Mom and Pops

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It looks like the small shops that line Ninth Avenue between 17th and 18th Streets have just about seen their day. Back in 2007, the residential and retail building that takes up the entire block was purchased by Morris Moinian, who had big plans for the space. Only a few of the stores have shuttered since then, however, Jeremiah's Vanishing New York spotted a sign outside that implies more are on the verge of disappearing.

The apartment complex is now called Stonehedge Rentals, after the company who acquired it from Moinian in February. An article in the Post explained that the new owners would "reposition the retail" of the building, and the Times confirms that some of the other small businesses will close as early as the end of the month "to make way for a bigger tenant."

So far, that includes the closing of the New Chelsea Barber Shop and potentially, the Sweet Banana Candy Store. There's no word on who's taking over just yet, though we're expecting it to be more than just a massive Starbucks.
· Death of a Block II [Jeremiah's Vanishing New York]
· Burkle flip$ for a profit (fourth item) [NYP]
· A Last Trim in Chelsea [NYT]