As the structure on the corner of Bainbridge Avenue and East 204th Street slowly comes to life, more details are emerging about what will replace the retail strip that burned down in a horrific Halloween morning fire back in 2009.

The property was purchased by the Katz family, who also own the Foodtown supermarket across the street which was rebuilt and expanded after another fire, just two months after the 2009 Halloween fire. The family also owns several other buildings and businesses on the East 204th Street and Bainbridge corridor.

Dan Katz, one of the co-owners, recently toured the Bainbridge Avenue site with local Councilman Oliver Koppell and is going public with the family’s plans to build a new single-story commercial structure that will hold approximately 8,000 square feet of retail space. The new shops are expected to open in the spring of 2014.

Robert K. Futterman & Associates, the property realtor handling the leasing of the space, is looking to attract retailers that are not much different than what is currently operating in the area.

Young Kim, a director with RKF, would not comment on whether or not RKF had already secured any tenants, but said he believes whatever comes will fit with what is already present in the neighborhood.

“Our vision does not vary from what is already in the area,” Kim said. “There could be a pharmacy, restaurant, cleaners, or post office there.” Although Koppell sent out a press release saying the property at 3083 Bainbridge Ave. was planning to house up to half a dozen retailers, Kim said that it was also possible that “there could be only one tenant.”

On Halloween morning of 2009, a five-alarm fire broke out and completely destroyed 10 local businesses, including a Mexican restaurant and a bakery, and damaged four others. For years, no one knew what would become of the vacant space. The boarded-up vacant lot remained a cruel reminder of the past.

But ever since the plans for the new retail strip were first reported in mid-2012, people have been eager to see its redevelopment.

When asked about what kind of retailers they wanted to see there, locals had many suggestions.

“A coffee shop with Wi-Fi could be nice.” said Anna Ruiz, a mother of two who has been living in the area for more than 10 years. “It would be great because although we have a lot of delis here, we don’t have many places to sit and work at.”

One high school student suggested a new Dunkin’ Donuts (to replace the one that burned down in the fire), while another said that “a Foot Locker would be awesome.” Blanca Santos, a Filipino immigrant with a big smile, suggested a Jelly Bean Square Store “like the one in Queens.”

Although most people seemed excited about the new retail strip, some remain skeptical.

“I don’t want some big company turning up and trying to commercialize my neighborhood.” said Matt Kline, a high school teacher who has been living in the Bronx for the past seven years.

“I’m worried that it’s going to look like a mini mall!” said Amanda Torres, a 36-year-old nurse. “I like our neighborhood how it is, without all the flashy stores.”

In his press release, Koppell was pleased to see the construction. “The new stores will have a positive impact on Bainbridge Avenue and bring a sense of renewal to the entire neighborhood,” he said. “I am looking forward to shopping there.”

CAP: Construction continues at this Bainbridge Avenue lot that was destroyed in a 2009 fire and will house new retail tenants when it opens in 2014.
Photo by Alex Kratz