After Fire Damage In April, Businesses Shuffle At 5th Avenue Storefront

A late April fire shuffled around a series of businesses on 5th Avenue, and a damaged storefront is coming to life.

On April 28, 60 firefighters were called to 561 and 563 5th Avenue (between 15th and 16th Streets) after Excelsior Bar owner Mark Nayden discovered smoke in their basement.

Nayden described the damage as “mostly cosmetic. Excelsior relocated to 563 5th Avenue in September 2015 from its previous 390 5th Avenue address.

While the bar was able to re-open quickly, the money exchange business La Nacional next door at 561 5th Avenue permanently vacated their storefront.

La Nacional, however, did not disappear from the neighborhood. A week after the fire, they set up shop at Judy Unisex Salon at 521 5th Avenue (between 13th and 14th Streets).

The money transfer service still remains at the salon. Employees of both La Nacional and Judy’s would not provide their names, however each told us that the business will remain there permanently.

The storefront at 561 5th Avenue is now displaying signs of life. Construction workers and electricians have been working away, however they would not provide any information as to the name or type of business that will be opening in the future.

From an initial glance, the place could be shaping up to be a juice shop, cafe, or small grocery store.

The landlord is Richard Jung, who owns 561-563 5th Avenue under the name Park Slope Realty LLC. We have reached out to him but have not heard back as of yet concerning plans for the new business.

Additional reporting by Heather Andelsman.