Historic Cheyenne Diner Saved! Moving to Alabama!
From the Committee To Save The Cheyenne Diner:
Michael Perlman, Chairman & Preservationist
HISTORIC CHEYENNE DINER TO RETIRE SOUTH IN ITS GOLDEN YEARS:
New Lease On Life In Birmingham, AL!
NEW YORK, NY (Jan 14, 2009) – NYC’s historic Cheyenne Diner (411 9th Ave & 33rd St), “the diner of popular demand” was for sale once again, but as of today, Michael Perlman, a.k.a “Diner-Man,” brokered a deal between Joel Owens of Birmingham, AL and property owner George Papas for an undisclosed amount.
According to Perlman, the diner was slated for demolition within the next few weeks, if a buyer willing to transport the diner wasn’t located. Joel Owens, head of NAIC, an investment group, became the fortunate candidate, and has announced plans to restore the Cheyenne to its 1940s glory with potential additions including a classic car museum & special events center. Owens states “This is a dream come true, especially in a state that has no historic freestanding diners.” Alabama Tourism Director, Lee Sentell, states “This has the potential to be a great Alabama destination.”
Perlman received alternate proposals from potential buyers from Upstate NY, PA, MI, TX, & UT, but it boiled down to first-come, first-serve, when faced with a 6-week deadline to clear the property. Perlman states “It is of the utmost importance to acquire the necessary permits in a timely manner, to ensure preservation via transport for this historic gem, and we urge the NYC Dept of Buildings to expedite the permits process.” Since the Cheyenne’s dimensions are 15 ft x 96 ft (2,000 sq ft), the diner will be transported via flatbed in 2 sections to Birmingham, with the expertise of Rigger Mel Brandt of M&M Rigging, who transported 50 diners countrywide (including NY’s historic Moondance Diner to LaBarge, WY in Aug 2007).
Backtracking… As Chairman of Committee To Save The Cheyenne Diner, Perlman presented a proposal to property owner George Papas (owner of nearby Skylight Diner & developer for Cheyenne property) on closing day, Sunday, April 6th 2008, and convinced him to work together. A 9-story condo is slated to rise on premise, which marked the end of the diner’s 68 year-run for its Manhattan chapter. Cheyenne’s ex-owner Mike O’Connell planned to transport the diner to Red Hook, but it fell through when it wouldn’t fit across the Manhattan Bridge via a flatbed, and the next option, transporting it by barge, proved 3 times as costly as traditional figures a year ago.
HISTORY: The Cheyenne Diner is a highlight in terms of its diverse patronage including celebs i.e. Jerry Lewis & David Letterman, and since it’s second to the last streamlined railway car-inspired diner in Mid-Manhattan, and a scarcity borough-wide. It was pre-assembled by Paramount Diners in 1940, and known as the Market Diner through ’86 after the popular chain. It retains a majority of its original &/or distinctive elements. The streamlined façade features vertical and horizontal stainless steel securing bowed colorful enamel panels, wrap-around windows, a curved entryway with glass block, & a reverse channel illuminated neon sign. The interior features a streamlined barrel roof, counter & stools, & Indian tribal coins. The Cheyenne was recently granted 1st prize on NYC-Architecture.com’s “Top 10 NY Diners/Restaurants.”
Perlman explains: “Diners are amongst the ‘ultimate public institutions’ which harbor countless memories and bridge the generations. During the 30’s – 60’s eras, freestanding diners numerously dotted NYC’s 5 boroughs, and brought together individuals of various occupations in a cozy & striking ambiance. Today, they are becoming an endangered species at an alarming rate, and their loss is often most heartfelt. It is essential to preserve & reuse all remaining classic freestanding diners. Despite time constraints, we are committed to doing all we can for a noble cause.” The Committee’s consensus is that “A steady market for such nostalgic gems, coupled by the fact that they were manufactured to move; can ensure a victory for the Cheyenne Diner.”
PHOTOS:
Cheyenne Diner in operation in May 2007 & April 6, 2008 closing day photos, vintage photos, & photos during Mega Moves documentary filming, Courtesy of Preservationist Michael Perlman:
1941 photo (pan & zoom 3rd in sequence), courtesy of NYPL
I would like to contact
“Joel Owens, head of NAIC, an investment group, ” from above story
All parties interested should contact Joel Owens and myself through our e-mail [email protected] or call us at (205)587-5068 …..this is the only phone number to be used for contact outside of New York.
Thank you