This pre-war tenement building, constructed in 1890, stands 5 stories tall and contains 22 residential units with two commercial spaces at the base, providing a built-in local customer base. The space delivers a functional open footprint with strong street-level visibility on East 4th Street, placing your business in a corridor known for steady neighborhood foot traffic, artistic energy, and a strong concentration of independent businesses. The property’s size and layout offer branding potential for operators seeking to establish or expand a presence in this iconic downtown neighborhood.
Key Features
- Asking Rent: $8,000 / month
- Available Space: 700 SF
- Property Type: Ground-Floor Retail Storefront
- Lease Type: Direct Lease
- Building Class: C7 – Walk-up Apartment, Over Six Families with Stores
- Year Built: 1890
- Stories: 5 Stories; 22 Residential Units
- Commercial Units: 2
- Layout: Open, flexible floorplan ideal for boutique retail, café, gallery, or wellness service use
- Condition: Well-maintained; available for tenant fit-out and branding
- Frontage: Street-level exposure on East 4th Street with strong neighborhood visibility
- Access: Direct sidewalk entry
- Neighborhood Highlights: Located in Alphabet City, steps from Tompkins Square Park, Avenue B, and St. Mark’s Place
Neighborhood Highlights
Located between Avenue B and Avenue C, 231-233 East 4th Street places your business in the heart of Alphabet City, one of Manhattan’s most iconic and culturally significant neighborhoods. This area is renowned for its rich artistic history, punk rock legacy, street art, and a vibrant mix of restaurants, music venues, and independent boutiques that attract a young, creative demographic. The property benefits from consistent foot traffic drawn by a dynamic blend of longtime locals, NYU students, artists, and visitors.
The space is just steps from Tompkins Square Park, a neighborhood hub featuring a Sunday farmers’ market, playgrounds, dog runs, and concerts that draw hundreds of daily visitors. It is also minutes from St. Mark’s Place, Second Avenue, and the Lower East Side, placing your business at the center of downtown Manhattan’s most vibrant retail and cultural districts.
Transportation is highly convenient, with the F train at 2nd Avenue and the 6 train at Astor Place providing easy access to Midtown and beyond. The M14A and M8 buses along 14th Street and 8th Street offer straightforward connections to the West Side, while the M15 bus on First and Second Avenues provides north-south coverage across Manhattan. The property’s Walk Score and Transit Score reflect a Walker’s and Rider’s Paradise.
Summary
The 700 SF retail storefront at 231-233 East 4th Street, New York, NY 10009, is available for $8,000 per month under a direct lease. With its prime East Village-Alphabet City location, efficient boutique footprint, excellent street-level visibility, and access to one of Manhattan’s most dynamic and creative neighborhoods, this property represents a compelling opportunity for specialty retailers, café owners, or wellness providers seeking an authentic and accessible home in the heart of downtown Manhattan.
