Jackson Heights Life

What is with that medical clinic that replaced the former women's clothing store on the south side of 37th Avenue between 79th and 80th Sts? I think the name is Centro Medico? They advertise opening hours every day of the week and all medical specialties available. There is a waiting room and reception desk. There is even a coffeemaker, I believe with a container of Coffee Mate next to it, a thoughtful touch. I have never seen a soul inside, and it's been there quite a long time.

It occurs to me that an interesting idea for a podcast series would be "37th Avenue." Each episode would center on one business along 37th Ave, recounting the stories of the owners, the history of the business—whatever interesting story emerges from interviewing the owners, and I am sure there are many interesting stories—and in the case of mystery storefronts: what gives?

Episode 1: Swim Two Birds! (Any podcast producers out there? I actually think this is a viable idea, as it relates to the big box/corporate vs disappearing mom-and-pop stores controversy, inspiring immigrant success stories, rapacious landlords pillaging the NYC retail landscape, etc.)

I guess I am never walking past there at the right time, then, because I have never seen anyone in there, even a receptionist, and thought it was just a newly renovated but empty place. I guess I usually walk by on weekends, and they do post weekend hours but I've never seen anyone there.

Swim Two Birds is the biggest mystery. it's been three years since the first announced opening, two years since the last one and a year or so since the "soft opening" announcement. nothing has changed inside in two years, but there's no "for rent" sign, so it seems as if the rent is still being paid by the investors. it's definitely a unique situation.

I can comment for the Orchid Liquor Store but not the furniture store.  The reason for the lack of customers is very high prices.  Example:  Cavit Pinot Grigio is $8.99+ tax in every liquor store except Orchid which is $11.99 + tax.  A pint of Smirnoff Vodka is $8.00 including tax everywhere except Orchid which is $12.00.   I'm not certain how they survive.   I do occasionally shop at Orchid if the weather in very bad and I don't care to walk to Broadway Liquors at Broadway & 74th St. 

A friend told me she avoided that liquor store because of the way they stored their wine--not the right way. And I can proudly say I patronized that furniture store when I moved here 8 years ago--bought a couple of coat racks there, since we had to choose whether to devote our one hall closet to coats or linens.

Swim Two Birds has the makings of a very interesting podcast all by itself. You just know there are stories behind all that happened there, but who knows what they are? Such a mystery how that whole thing unfolded. It has been years--but I believe it also took the Queensboro years between signing a lease and actually opening their doors. I recall hearing about it at least 2-3 years before it opened. They also had long delays. Yet other restaurants seem to sprout up quickly in some storefronts--one place closes and another opens.

Legal litigation issues?

No way rent is being paid.

I believe the litigation issues are to do with the building itself. Between the city and the landlord.

The Gofundme campaign (run by the sister)  for that restaurant was way over two years ago.

My guess is that there ain't no money anywhere for years of rent of an unopened storefront...