Nobody, Realty Check included, has any idea what’s going on at the empty Roosevelt Hotel. Allow us to make things murkier.
A sidewalk bridge recently popped up around the entire property between East 44th and 45th streets. Its purpose? “Installation of temporary sidewalk shed,” the city Department of Buildings none too helpfully says. “Renovations,” a retailer on the block said.
Meanwhile, the federal General Services Administration, which strangely announced an agreement last winter to renovate or redevelop the 22-story hotel with its owner, Pakistan International Airlines, is under congressional scrutiny for signing a $1.4 million contract with law firm Sullivan & Cromwell regarding the building’s future.
Like everyone, we await word.