A long-vacant building strip in St. George containing the remnants an iconic diner and a beloved wine shop is set to be the new home of an eight-story, mixed-use building, the Advance/SILive.com has learned.
New York City Buildings Department records show that a demolition permit has been issued for the Bay Street property that was once home to the Karl’s Klipper diner, Honor Wines and other popular businesses.
A protective green fence has been installed at the long-vacant site, encompassing four storefronts. A stationary store and a barbershop were also on the block at various times.
An eight-story building containing residential and commercial space is slated for this location on Bay Street in St. George.Staten Island Advance | Tom Wrobleski
Buildings approved the application to build the high-rise in March, the department said.
Buildings said that construction permits for the new structure have not been issued at this time because the applicant has yet to request them.
It is not known when demolition will begin at the site.
A Buildings Department filing shows that the building will have 39,537 square feet of residential space and 2,614 square feet of commercial space.
The architectural firm listed on Buildings documents, Raymond Chan Architect P.C., of Queens, did not return Advance/SILive requests for comment.
After a 12-year run at the location, Karl’s Klipper served its final meal on Dec. 20, 2016.
The Klipper was known for its food and bar scene and was also a popular spot for musical performances and political and community gatherings.
The 40 Bay St. location for nearly 80 years was home to one popular borough eatery and bar after another.
Before the Klipper, the St. George Clipper was on the same spot.
That restaurant, including its signature cocktail lounge, opened for business around 1941, according to Advance records, and closed in 1979.
The St. George Clipper was located at 40 Bay Street in St. George, Staten Island. It was in business from approximately 1941 to 1979. (Collection of Historic Richmond Town)
And before that, the Bay Street Clipper was at 40 Bay St.
A restaurant at the same address was also known as the St. George Diner for a time in the 1980s.
Honor Wines opened at 36 Bay St. in 2012 before moving to a new location in Stapleton in 2019.
Former Honor Wines shop in St. George, photographed in 2017. The shop is now in Stapleton. (Tom Wroblesk/Staten Island Advance)