From Flophouse to Penthouse

With each passing day, it seems, the Bowery’s metamorphosis from flophouse to penthouse gets a fresh jolt. Today, Bowery Boogie reports, scaffolding is going up in front of the expendable low-rise commercial buildings at 139-141 Bowery, so crews can get busy making them vanish. Why? So architect Raymond Chan’s 11-story, mixed-use building can rise on the lot. Developer Global Joint Venture’s plans call for 16 residential units across 15,241 square feet.

Current filings with the Department of Buildings suggest roof terraces for tenants, a gym, bike room, office space and ground-floor retail space. Should fit right in with the museums, art galleries, boutiques, and luxe hotels flocking to the street where flophouses once ruled.