realestate

Demolition Plans Filed for Vacant Brandon Miller Property

Demolition permits filed for Nolita assemblage at 156-166 Bowery Street.

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Nolita assemblage that was once planned for development by Brandon Miller's Real Estate Equities Corporation (REEC) is now facing demolition. Kinsmen Property Group, led by Ari Zagdanski, has filed seven demolition permits for the 15,000-square-foot site at 156-166 Bowery Street. The property was acquired by REEC in a $50 million deal in 2020 and had plans to build a 73,000-square-foot mixed-use commercial building with a $60.5 million loan from Raven Capital Management. However, progress stalled.

    Kinsmen refiled the original plans after REEC's involvement came to a halt following Brandon Miller's death at age 43 in July. The site remains vacant, with graffiti-covered buildings and shuttered security gates. It is unclear whether REEC still owns the ground lease or if it has made payments on the property.

    Kinsmen Property Group originally purchased the low-lying buildings at 162-166 Bowery and air rights for $23.5 million in 2016, followed by the adjacent property at 156-160 Bowery for $30 million the next year. The properties feature three apartments, three commercial units, and 8,000 square feet of retail space that was previously occupied by Lighting by Gregory.

Demolition plans filed for vacant Brandon Miller property in downtown area.