Nexus plans condo building at site of gas explosion in East Village

Nearly three years after an explosion leveled three buildings on Second Avenue and killed two people, Nexus Development Group has filed plans for a seven-story condo project on its site.

The developer plans a 21-unit building for 119 Second Avenue, the site of one of the three buildings that collapsed following a gas explosion in 2015. Nexus’ website describes the project as a “high-end” condo featuring one-, two- and three-bedroom units and retail space. According to a permit application filed with the city’s Department of Buildings on Tuesday, nearly 2,100 square feet will be dedicated to commercial use, while about 21,000 square feet will be residential.

Morris Adjmi Architects is listed as the architect of record.

Representatives for Nexus couldn’t immediately be reached for comment. According to the company’s website, Immobiliare Capital and Premier Equities are partners on the project.

The developer purchased the sites at 119 and 121 Second Avenue last year for $9.15 million. An adjacent site at 123 Second Avenue — which had a different owner — sold in 2016 for $6 million.

The explosion, which killed two people and injured more than a dozen others, was caused, according to officials, by an illegally installed gas line at 121 Second Avenue. Building owner Maria Hrynenko and four others were arrested and charged with manslaughter and negligent homicide for their alleged role in the blast. Late last year, a stretch of Second Avenue was renamed in honor of the victims.