Lucky locals who got a preview of Cliff Bells during Super Bowl weekend
have been singing its praises all around town. Now everyone else gets
to survey the new bar when it opens for good on Opening Day on April
10.
Cliff Bells, at 2030 Park Ave. near Grand Circus Park, is a joint venture of Traffic Jam and Snug’s Scott
Lowell and The Bronx’s Paul Howard.
Jerry Belanger, the building’s owner and developer, credits Howard with
the design and execution of the bar’s interior restoration. “It’s been
restored to how it looked in 1935.”
The focal point of the 4,500-square-foot Art Deco space is the original
U-shaped bar that features ornate cabinetry and unusual circular end
table extensions. There is also booth seating and a stage.
Original proprietor Cliff Bells opened the bar after he had operated a
speakeasy in the basement of the building during prohibition. “There
used to be a tunnel all the way between [the Cliff Bells building] and
the Park Avenue Hotel up the street,” says Belanger.
Belanger also is working to restore the remainder of the
14,400-square-foot building. The rest of the first floor is being
developed as a bar that Belanger himself will operate. “The Park Bar
will be event driven — games and concerts,” he says. He eventually
plans to make the second floor available for culturally oriented events
such as concerts and plays and to utilize the basement as a lounge and
game room.
The Albert Kahn-designed building has found a true devotee in Belanger,
who one day hopes to install a green roof. “In working towards the
final vision, and every step is driving me to the end. It’s been a long
journey to bring this building back.”
Source, Jerry Belanger, Cliff Bells building