cheyenne


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When I wrote my Last Roundup at the Cheyenne page in April 2008 about my last meal at the Cheyenne Diner on 9th Avenue and West 33rd Street, I indeed thought it'd be my last meal at the place. Encouraging words, though, came from preservationist Michael Perlman, who reported that he had convinced Mike O'Connell, son of longtime Red Hook powerbroker and businessman Greg O'Connell, to purchase the diner and move it to the Red Hook waterfront. Apparently, though, O'Connell has found the cost and trouble of moving the 15' x 96', 2000 square-foot Cheyenne too much and has abandoned his plans. The Cheyenne is back to Square One, or Square Done, if a buyer isn't located soon.

Perlman released this press statement on behalf of his Committee to Save the Cheyenne Diner the week of January 4th:

NYC's historic Cheyenne Diner (411 9th Ave & 33rd St), "the diner of popular demand," is now for sale at a reasonable but negotiable price (once again), on the condition that it be transported off the property ASAP, or the diner will be demolished within the next few weeks, if a deal is not brokered.

Michael Perlman a.k.a "Diner-Man" [as a 2008 NY Observer article nicknamed him] is ready to broker another deal, & this time it is the Cheyenne Diner all over again. As of this week, Cheyenne Diner owner Mike O'Connell's plans have been abandoned since the diner 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. The best route towards the diner's future salvation is the George Washington Bridge, amongst a few others, but the GW route didn't connect to Red Hook, Brooklyn. It was difficult to access Red Hook due to its location.

Perlman has already received notification from potential buyers from NY, MI, AL, & UT. While the Cheyenne can potentially land a good home out of state, many patrons are praying that a NY-based buyer will contact the Committee at unlockthevault@hotmail.com, so it can ideally remain closer to its roots than the Moondance Diner in WY. All information will then be relayed to Mike O'Connell and George Papas. Rigging costs will vary upon where the diner is transported to and the route. The diner can be transported in 2 sections. According to PropertyShark.com, the Cheyenne Diner's building dimensions are 15 ft x 96 ft (2,000 sq ft), Lot dimensions 19.75 ft x 100 ft (1,975 sq ft).

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. A total of 24 prospective buyers came forward within a record-breaking 2 weeks after its April 2008 closure (and more continue to date). It came down to first-come, first-serve. Mike O'Connell of O'C Construction bought the historic Cheyenne Diner structure, and once considered it his dream to transport, restore, and reopen the diner in Red Hook, Brooklyn.

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 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 facade 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."

The Cheyenne would, indeed, be the last of Manhattan's railroad-car diners to leave the borough; the River and Munson, both on 11th Avenue, have either been demolished or moved in recent years, as has the Moondance on Broome Street and 6th Avenue (which Perlman arranged to ship to Wyoming when he found a buyer) and the Market on 12th Avenue in Manhattanville. The fate of the old Lunch Box on West Street near Clarkson is still up in the air. The Empire, on 10th Avenue and West 22nd, is still in business, but as more of a gourmet venue with a chi-chi menu.

The Skyline, around the corner on West 34th, was kept open by owner Papas, I'd imagine because it is bigger and has more seating. Papas would like to build a 9-story condo on the Cheyenne site and has admirably demonstrated patience with the disposal of the Cheyenne, but wants to move on now and will demolish it soon if it cannot find a taker.

erpietri@earthlink.net

Photographed January 1, 2009; page completed January 11