The St.Clair Diner On Atlantic Avenue Closes Its Doors For Good

St Clair Diner at Atlantic Avenue and Smith Street in 2012 (above)

and 

in January 2013 (below)

Despite the signs taped to its windows indicating that the St. Clair diner at the corner of Atlantic Avenue and Smith Street is undergoing renovation, it is pretty clear that the eatery has closed its doors for good. After all,  the interior has been completely gutted in the past week and all outside signs have been removed.  Besides, the diner, which opened at that location back in 1920, had undergone a complete remodel in 2007 when it changed ownership.
The hand-written sign also directs customers to St. Clair's sister restaurant at 155 Smith Street, just a few blocks up.

The diner's closing does not come as a surprise.  In late 2011,  Developer Joe Sitt of  Thor Equities purchased the building at 292 Atlantic Avenue/ 93 Smith Street,  which houses the diner,  for over $5 million.  Shortly afterwards, a huge banner advertising the retail space as a "world class flagship opportunity" was hung on the façade of the building.

It would appear that Thor Equities has not yet found a renter for the space and the listing still appears on its web site.
A special site has also been set up here.   Here is a an excerpt from Thor Equities' listing:

"At the corner of Smith Street and Atlantic Avenue, this dynamic retail space sits in the midst of Brooklyn’s renowned Restaurant Row. Located just minutes from two community centerpieces, The Brooklyn Botanic Gardens and the brand new Barclays Center, home of the NBA Nets, 292 Atlantic Avenue is a compelling choice for your next location. 

Whether in search of organic food or new trendy clothes, you do not have to look far. In this quirky shopping district you can find many hip retailers. With Brooklyn Industries, Trader Joe’s and Barney’s COOP in the neighborhood, this area has it all."

Will you miss the St. Clair or are you looking forward to a new retailer at this location?