Gentrification of the Ukrainian Village
While these institutions and restaurants are still standing today, it is difficult to think of the Ukrainian Village and not remember its past eras. Once a hub of vibrant Ukrainian life and culture, the neighborhood has suffered in recent decades due to gentrified rent prices. These escalating rent prices affect not only the people who can or cannot afford to live in Little Ukraine but also which businesses can or cannot continue to serve the community.
Iconic Ukrainian shops and restaurants have been forced to close their doors and say goodbye to their nearly century-long homes. One of these was Odessa Restaurant, a classic 24-hour Ukrainian diner. The diner closed in 2020 for reasons including rent and the pandemic, following the closure of its bar and cafe just a few years before due to rent increases. The diner is still missed today and was a beloved spot by many in the East Village for late-night pierogi. Another tragic loss was the shop Surma. After 98 years in business selling Ukrainian books, clothing, and delicacies, the owners could sadly hold on to it no longer and had no choice but to close up shop in 2016.
While Little Ukraine may continue to get even more little as time passes, the community there knows its importance and plans to do its best to keep it from disappearing completely. In a New York Times article announcing the closure of Surma, local jewelry dealer Elena Solow said, “When neighborhoods lose their history they lose their souls, and all that’s left is the Gap.” Next time you find yourself in the Ukrainian Village, take a look around, poke your head in a shop, or maybe eat at one of the many amazing restaurants. Anything New Yorkers can do to keep the Ukrainian Village alive we should do. After all, it’s better than every closed shop turning into a Starbucks.
Next, check out our guide to Little Guyana and 20 Ethnic Enclaves in NYC!