Kingsbridge Armory Set to Open as KNIC in 2022 Currently Serves as Food Supplier
The armory’s back door open on April 4, 2020. (Photo credit: Perla Tolentino)
By Perla Tolentino
Though temporarily on hold due to the Coronavirus crisis, construction of the Kingsbridge National Ice Center (KNIC) is set to start this year and open to the public in 2022. In the meantime, its immediate role in the community is to serve as a food distribution center.
Using the action network website and the hashtag #OpenPeoplesArmory, the North Bronx Collective petitioned for the armory to serve as a food garden, emergency and mental health hospital with universal healthcare that prioritizes homeless, disabled, elders, trans, incarcerated, and mentally ill people on March 31.
By April 4, NYC Economic Development Corporation and Emergency Management authorized the armory to provide food packaging and delivery for families who can’t afford groceries and meals and do not receive assistance from other providers. This is The Bronx reported that as of April 21, 2020, the armory food center had distributed 14,000 meals in the Bronx, with that amount set to increase.
Mayor Bill De Blasio visited the now free-groceries site on April 18, 2020 and told the New York Post, “We will not let any New Yorker go hungry. Period.” Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. also visited the armory to monitor supplies and workers, and shared pictures of it on his official Facebook account.
Despite emergency repurposing, KNIC officials remain confident that this year’s construction will proceed according to plan.
“We do not expect to be delayed due to the lockdown; however, it is uncertain at this time,” Kevin Parker, founder and managing member of KNIC told the Meridian.
A week before Chinese authorities confirmed the first Coronavirus death on Jan. 11, 2020, the armory’s opening date was announced on the project’s official Facebook page, which also included a link to the new website featuring the logo used by Rangers star, Mark Messier in his foundation’s Inline-2-Ice (i2i).
Steel crow safety barriers seen across the armory’s near entrance on April 4, 2020. (Photo credit: Perla Tolentino)
The site allows people to reserve ice time, register adult hockey leagues, sign up for locker storage, and submit contact information for open and speed skating.
On Jan. 22, 2020, Brisbin Brook Beynon (BBB) Architects, design leaders of the Madison Square Garden renovations in 2008, shared a rendering video of KNIC’s final design. It briefly shows an athletic shoe store seen through glass doors at the corner of 2 West Kingsbridge Rd., currently home of the New Capitol Diner, at risk of being pushed out according to Norwood News in 2019.
Some landlords around the area have been using the $350 million development to attract potential businesses to buy their commercial lease.
L+M Development partners who own the commercial spot inside the Affordable Housing 2700 Jerome Ave. building across the armory, used a picture rendering of KNIC in their commercial flier and a map that displays the business space right across.
In the long run, many Lehmanites believe the project will attract more attention to the Bronx.
“This is a positive economic development for this area and the Bronx, in terms of bringing more jobs and related businesses,” said professor and chair of Economics and Business Department Dene Hurley. “This ice rink will probably attract families from surrounding areas like Westchester and Manhattan, since the only other ice rink is in Rye; it will become a landmark and related businesses could move into the area.”
“I think it’s going to make the Bronx an exciting place to be in; a lot of people are going to move from their state to the Bronx to watch American Hockey league games,” said Abban Emmanuel, a 17-year-old freshman majoring in biology.
However, some Lehman students think the project will not benefit low-income residents.
“It’s private interest only, I guess; it might create jobs for some people, but sustainability wise, it will be bad for those who pay through taxes and are not in a good financial position to sustain themselves,” said Marvin King, a senior mathematics major.
Lehman President Daniel Lemons offered a balanced view. “It’s great news that the Kingsbridge National Ice Center is finally slated to open,” he said. “The center will further boost the borough’s economy and bring a new outlet for physical activity to the area. I know some store owners in the area have concerns about rising rent in the face of this development. It will be crucial for community leaders to ensure that the businesses that have anchored the neighborhood for so many years be able to remain in place.”
Kingsbridge Nail Salon Offer Spa Experience Never Seen in the Neighborhood
Walls were uniquely designed with brush paint-drips, inspired in the name of the business. (Photo credit: Perla Tolentino)
By Allen Mena & Perla Tolentino
“Their design called my attention as I was passing by. It looks different than anything I've seen in this neighborhood,” said Johana Brea, a Bronx resident who works in Carman Hall, of Nail Drip, a Dominican family-owned nail salon that opened about three months ago on Kingsbridge Road. “It looks high-class, not something common around here; it’s interesting to see new things are coming to the Bronx,” she added.
Located on 61 East Kingsbridge Road, within Lehman’s vicinity, the salon offers spa-like services and an aesthetic room for waxing and other eyebrow embellishment services.
“This nail salon creates more jobs for young people in the area and the salon inspires young people to open up their own businesses,” said the salon’s owner and Bronx resident, Damaris Marcelino. “I believe that through effort and work everything is possible, even running a business like ours. I always think about the future in difficult moments.”
Lehman students also think highly of this new salon’s offerings.
Natalie Ramos, a 20-year-old Lehman psychology major who is also a fan of nail art said, “It’s different, fancy and pampering; they seem more clean, trustworthy and dedicated to their clients.”
“In my opinion this is wonderful: a new nail-spa that is innovative and implements new techniques that we have never experienced here in our neighborhood, said Diana Hernandez, 37, a sociology major and Lehman sophomore. “This is a refreshing new start for a business.”
“I find it very nice to see this kind of concept in the Bronx. I enjoy this new surge in customer service; especially because people think negatively about Bronxites. This shows that we can get quality service without having to go to Manhattan,” said Unequa Figueroa, a 26-year-old philosophy major and Lehman senior.
Beyond design and hard work, product quality also forms part of the salon’s mission.
“Our wax soothes the skin, preventing irritation, and it’s such a soft product that it peels-off itself. We can take it off with our hands. This makes us unique because not many places use it,” said Cristal Pena, wife of the owner and co-manager of the salon. “Our spa pedicure gel is made out of fruits and flower petals that help reduce foot odor and sweat.”
“I have been working with very high-end esthetics businesses since 2011, and what I really like about Nail Drip is that it feels like family. We are trying to bring high-end services to an area where people don’t visualize it as possible,” said Chrisal Martinez, 26, who works as the salon’s cosmetology specialist in charge of body waxing, keratin lash boosting and lifting, and eyebrow shaping.
Wine offered to clients is one of the “spa-like” aspects of the salon; the wooden sliding-door in thebackground leads to the esthetics room. Damaris Marcelino, mother of the owner, handing wine to the client. (Photo Credit: Hector Bello)
Martinez, who holds a New York State cosmetology license, confirmed that facial services will be offered in 2020. The salon also plans to be the first in the area to digitize their services.
“We are preparing to make a difference in the nail salon industry,” explained Joel Marcelino, a digital design graduate of Westchester College and the younger son in the family who oversees the salon’s marketing. “We plan to launch an interactive website where customers can try on nail polishes and designs. When the customer makes a selection, their color choice will be sent to a technician who will assist them based on their needs.”
“I gave up a franchise to come help my family with the business. We want to bring relaxation to the community and drive off the attention from crimes and alcoholism. I dream to teach the importance of the economy to young people, to help them understand that a nine to five job won’t always be the dream career.”
Andrea Valles, a 30-year-old employee, complimented the store’s cleanliness and perks. “Hygiene is key here; this is one of the most comfortable places I’ve worked in. The service is excellent. We always offer our customers coffee, wine, water, and the best part is that it doesn’t come from your budget.”
Shanae Casson, a 35-year-old Bronx resident, agreed. “I’ve been to all nail places in the neighborhood, but most are dirty and the staff is rude. At Nail Drip they always welcome me with a smile, and talk to me while doing my nails instead of rushing me out. I’m always served coffee, wine, juice or water. Their work is great and the prices all wonderful. I would always come here.”