In spite of selling its air rights, Katz Delicatessen co-owner Jake Dell insists the fixture of New York culture will never close. Lo-Down asked Dell what would prevent the single-story building from being torn down so a tower can be constructed, Dell didn’t answer the question, but insisted the Lower East Side Deli would stay open…perhaps forever.
“The most important thing is that the future of Katz is secure. At the end of the day, no developer can knock us down and put up a high rise. At no point will anyone ever value the corner of Ludlow and Houston for anything but Katz Delicatessen. A year after our 125th anniversary, this will help ensure our 150th and hopefully many more to come.”
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The deal has been called mysterious, and soon more details will come to light, but until they do, air rights, schmair rights–Katz Delicatessen has to be there because nothing else can be there. The void would be unimaginable.
