Harpo Marx haven on Coney faces demolition

On Coney Island, “this summer is going to be about the demolition,” according to a spokesperson for Thor Equities, the development firm owned by Joseph Sitt, who’s clearing out historic buildings to make way for newer attractions, according to the Brooklyn Paper. Numerous turn-of-the-century buildings are set to be cleared out, including the Surf Hotel, the Grashorn Building, and Henderson Music Hall, where Harpo Marx first performed. Sitt plans to build all-new eateries and retail shops once the other structures are out of the way. The prime retail area, between Stillwell Avenue and Henderson Walk, will be rebuilt by summer 2011, according to Thor. [Brooklyn Paper]