The building is a pre-war walk-up cooperative originally constructed in 1900 and renovated in 1988 . It features a total of two commercial units and 20 residential units .
Key Features:
Prime East Village / Alphabet City Location:
- Located on a quiet residential block in one of downtown Manhattan’s most vibrant and culturally rich neighborhoods
- Minutes from Tompkins Square Park — a beloved neighborhood hub featuring a farmers’ market, dog run, playgrounds, and community events
- Short walk to St. Mark’s Place, First Avenue, Second Avenue, and the Lower East Side
Well-Proportioned Retail Layout – 1,500 SF:
- Spacious, open floor plan suitable for a wide variety of retail, dining, or service-based concepts
- High ceilings and large windows providing abundant natural light
- Situated in a building with two commercial units and a strong residential base of 20 units
High-Traffic, 24/7 Neighborhood:
- The East Village is a true 24/7 destination with strong foot traffic from residents, students, artists, and visitors
- Tompkins Square Park draws daily visitors for dog walking, concerts, and the weekly farmers’ market
- The neighborhood’s independent, anti-chain ethos makes it ideal for unique, locally-owned businesses
Excellent Transit Access:
- Moments from the First Avenue subway station (L) , providing direct access to 14th Street, Union Square, Williamsburg, and Bushwick
- Close to the 2nd Avenue station (F) , Astor Place station (6) , and 8th Street/NYU station (N, R, W)
Diverse, High-Traffic Customer Base:
- Local residents — diverse community of young professionals, families, artists, and musicians
- NYU students — over 50,000 students living and socializing within walking distance
- Nightlife and dining crowd — the East Village is famous for its legendary bars, restaurants, and music venues
Ideal Business Types:
- Restaurant or café
- Boutique or concept store
- Art gallery or frame shop
- Fitness or yoga studio
- Tattoo or piercing studio
- Record store or music shop
Highlights:
✔ 1,500 SF of prime retail space in the East Village / Alphabet City
✔ $25,000/month — competitive value for this prime downtown location
✔ Attractive storefront with good visibility on a quiet residential block
✔ Steps from Tompkins Square Park, St. Mark’s Place, and NYU
✔ Strong, diverse, 24/7 foot traffic — residents, students, artists, and visitors
✔ Excellent transit access — L, F, 6, N, R, W trains
Conclusion:
155 E 2nd Street offers a solid opportunity for small business owners and entrepreneurs seeking well-located retail space in the heart of the East Village — one of downtown Manhattan’s most vibrant, culturally rich, and historically significant neighborhoods. With 1,500 SF of functional, flexible space, a prime location near Tompkins Square Park and NYU, and access to a loyal, high-traffic customer base, this property is perfect for restaurants, boutiques, art galleries, or fitness studios looking to thrive in a neighborhood known for its independent spirit, creative energy, and legendary street life.
Contact us today to schedule a private tour and secure this East Village retail space!
