The townhouse at 120 West 74th street has become notorious for its healthy rat population and general decrepitude. But in the past few weeks, there’s been a major cleanup going on there, according to a nearby resident. It appears to be part of a gut renovation now that the property has been sold.
The property is infamous on the block. An artist (or a criminal, depending on your feelings about graffiti) christened the building The Rat House a couple of years ago and painted a picture of a rat in white on the exterior. The company that bought it in 2010 had gone bankrupt, and the building remained empty for several years. The Rat House even became the setting for neighborhood yard sales.
But in January, the property appears to have been transferred for $2.5 million, and a new deed was issued in July. Buildings Department permits show that the contractors are demolishing ceilings, doors and partitions.
It’s just the latest notorious eyesore brownstone to be bought and redeveloped.
Thanks to Joyce for the photos.
