NOSY NEIGHBOR: WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT 20-24 VARICK?
“The word ‘condo’ came out at 8 a.m. yesterday, when jackhammers were doing some work for a project to come….” —A. Indeed: a big new building is going up there.

IN THE NEWS
••• 1/30: Ancient Baths is opening soon. Plus: 9/11 Memorial compensation brouhaha; 1WTC gets even more expensive; Stuyvesant construction noise; liquor-license map; underrated restaurants.
••• 1/31: View diligence. Plus: The new Super Linda opening date; a visit with artist James Rosenquist; Irish Hunger Memorial; train enthusiasts; 155 Franklin penthouse; Big Apple Greeter.
••• 2/1: Varick rendering. Plus: Is Mike’s Papaya closed?; Pier A rot even worse that thought; alleged fraudster.

ON THE CB1 AGENDAS FOR FEBRUARY
This garage appears doomed; someone new taking over Vinovino; the restaurant replacing Barzinho on W. Broadway; much-needed Hubert storefront renovation; liquor on the Municipal Building plaza; a gazillion street fairs—all this and more will be discussed by CB1 this month.

SEEN & HEARD
••• 1/30: Hugh Jackman will not be attending the opening of a new store. Plus: Industria Argentina update; Potbelly’s; Ludlow Suit Shop opening date; Twin Café now cooking breakfast elsewhere.
••• 2/1: Stoplight construction. Plus: Aroma Espresso Bar to open this week; a Bubby’s on the West Coast?; rental advice; school auction.

NEW KID ON THE BLOCK: ART PROJECTS INTERNATIONAL
The gallery, founded in Soho 18 years ago, has opened on Greenwich Street. “We were one of the first platforms for artists from Asia,” says founder Jung Lee Sanders, although now API represents artists from all over.