The rumor came in this morning, from someone who should know: Starbucks is very close to leasing the corner space at 34 Leonard—the handsome new-build-turned-rental at W. Broadway. It makes sense, given that the New York Lighthouse Law School is across the street. A high-end restaurant and a real-estate brokerage, meanwhile, are said to be among the parties interested in the southern space.

Which reminds me of another rumor I’ve been meaning to pass along: An independent coffee shop is coming to the tiny storefront at 186 Duane that had recently been home to the Project No. 8 and Pomme pop-up shops.