More Options for Area Kids

In January, Park Slope concert staple Southpaw — an original pioneer of the Park Slope performance scene — shuttered its doors, moved its musical operations to Public Assembly (in Williamsburg. Of course.), and sublet the space to New York Kids Club, a high-end enrichment center offering art, music, and fitness classes to the littlest Slopers.

Then, at the end of April, Brooklyn Mercantile, the adorable fabric store and 5th avenue’s primary source of grosgrain ribbon, took off for Windsor Terrace. Now the ribbon’s gone, and it’s been replaced with sippy cups and rompers: according to the sign in the now-empty window, 335 5th Avenue promising to become an Area Kids on June 1, which is especially awesome if you’re tired of the Area Kids at 5th ave and Bergen and the Area Kids on 7th Ave at Union. When I passed by this morning it was still  not open – a peek in the window this morning revealed an appealing — and very empty — space.

With several other empty storefronts for rent along 5th, one has to wonder how many of them will be catering to the under-12 set. What do you think? How many ballet lessons and gingham overalls can 5th avenue support? And on the flip side: parents, is there kid-stuff missing that you’d like to see along the Slope?